We recently had the chance to connect with Erin Fox and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Erin, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
I often struggle with questions like this, but in relation to my business, the moment that stands out most is the Spring 2024 Mount Dora Arts and Crafts Festival.
This festival runs Saturday and Sunday, with setup on Friday. The Thursday before the event, I took my two kids on what was supposed to be a fun outing to DeLeon Springs. On the way there, we were in a head-on collision — the other driver swerved into our lane. It was a nightmare of a day.
Once we made it through that ordeal, I had to figure out how to be at the festival. It was my first time as a vendor at the Mount Dora Arts and Crafts Festival, and there was no way I could miss it. My husband took time off work, and two dear friends (they also have their own small handmade businesses, Crazy Jugs and Mustard Seed Mountain Decor) came to help with setup while I sat and directed. They also helped me sell all weekend. I was in pain — with a broken wrist and herniated discs — but I was alive, and I showed up.
My friends and husband showed up in full support. They helped with everything: setting up, interacting with customers, packing purchases, and tearing down at the end. Their support meant everything.
Then came the next challenge: how was I going to paint? I usually worked at a table, looking straight down — something I could no longer do comfortably. While talking with another amazing friend who runs Hunt’s Exotics Foundation, a local non-profit, she mentioned they had acquired an industrial drafting table in an auction. She and her boys brought it over and set it up for me. It’s been a game changer. I still deal with my injuries, but the table has allowed me to keep creating.
We all deserve love and support — in whatever form it comes. And in that difficult time, I was surrounded by both.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I grew up in Maryland. My parents helped pave the way for me to discover a passion for creating. They renovated their house 100+ year old home and barn to include a workshop with every tool you could imagine. They even dug out a basement under their house and turned it into a ceramics studio. Those experiences, along with a love and passion for creating something new and beautiful from something tossed aside and forgotten, helped shape me into the creative artist I am today.
Even my business name reflects my heritage – it came from my mother’s business name, reThreads, but I am now walking in my own way as reThreads: Foxy Style, a play on my last name.
In 2020, at the beginning of Covid, My husband purchased a Laser. This catapulted me into the business of making 3D Laser Cut Wooden Art from new and recycled materials. As a wife and mother my art helps add to the family income and is paving the way for my kids to create their own dreams.
Recently, I stumbled across some vending machines and was inspired to make small items for kids, and those who are young at heart – creating something for everyone! I refurbished these machine, and created all handmade items to fill them with. Including items like 3D printed Fidgets, Trading Pins, Magnets, Leather Key Chains, and even Leather Bracelets printed with inspirational phrases. There are 9 individual machines. Some events I bring 2 machines, sometimes all 9. Don’t worry I am still creating my art, this just adds another unique twist to my booth at an event.
I am based out of Howey-in-the-Hills, but can be found all over central Florida at various craft shows and festivals selling my artful creations. My work is also available at Level 3D Up and The Crystal Origin in the Lake Square Mall, and Willowbees both in Leesburg, as well as the new and improved venue Lake, Life, Outpost opening very soon in downtown Leesburg. You can find me with my vending machines set up at Whimsy Markets, Fresh Market at Ferran on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month and will be working with Artist with a Purpose a non-profit in downtown Leesburg where you will find a selection of my items at her 3rd Friday events, 4th Street Art Experience a super fun event focusing on Art, Community, and Culture.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I was always told to go to school for education and become a teacher. But deep down, I knew that path wasn’t for me — I needed to be creative.
I did go to school and earned a B.S. in Technical Theatre, focusing on Costuming and Scenic Artistry. Still, people kept encouraging me to go back and get a degree in education. I knew that wasn’t what I wanted to do.
I didn’t believe it was possible to have my own business, let alone one where I could be creative every day.
But today, I know: I was created to create.
Over the years, I’ve held various jobs for other small businesses, but I was never truly happy unless I was creating for myself — which, in the end, meant creating for my customers. Whoever they are, they are the reason I do this.
The joy, curiosity, and even occasional confusion I see when someone steps into my booth reminds me why I keep going. Every customer walks away with something unique — something I made with my own hands.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I have been in two very serious head-on collisions.
The first was in January 2001. My parents were driving me back to college after winter break when another driver, attempting to pass two tractor trailers around a blind curve in bad weather, hit us head-on. We had nearly come to a complete stop on the shoulder by the time of impact. My mother was the only fatality.
The second was in March 2024. My two teenagers and I were hit head-on by another reckless driver.
These experiences have left deep wounds—physical, emotional, and spiritual.
My mother was an extraordinary woman and an artist in every sense. She worked with clay, wood, fabric, and plants. She was a poet, a maker, a creator—though she only had time to create for one or two events a year while working full time as a secretary. I often imagine what it would be like if she were here today—to see my children grow, to see me as an artist, and to witness how I’ve found healing through creativity.
I am still healing—every day. The physical pain lingers. The grief surfaces in unexpected ways. But I take it one day at a time, staying grounded in the space where I feel most like myself: creating. Some days are harder than others, especially as I navigate new limitations, but creating is my lifeline. It’s how I connect to myself, to others, and to the memory of my mother.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I believe the public version of me is the real me.
What you see is what you get. I genuinely love connecting with people — whether it’s through conversation at a market, sharing a handmade piece, or simply offering a smile. I thrive on creating authentic relationships and showing up as myself: creative, generous, a little quirky, and always true to who I am.
I don’t believe in putting on a polished mask to be accepted. I’ve found that being honest and vulnerable — in both my art and my life — draws the right people in. I love gifting to friends and family, not just with things, but with time, support, and care. I value uniqueness, in others and in myself, and I try to live that out loud, every day.
Of course, there are quieter parts of me that not everyone sees — the parts that carry pain or worry — but they are still part of the real me. I don’t hide them; I just carry them while trying to continue to live with joy and purpose.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I was told to be a teacher — that it was the “practical” path. But deep down, I’ve always known I was born to create.
When I’m creating, I feel centered. My focus sharpens, and everything else quiets. It’s the only time my mind truly rests. Even in sleep, when I’ve spent the day creating, my brain slows down. But when I’m not creating, my thoughts race — ideas, visions, unfinished projects — all swirling around, keeping me awake. It’s as if my body and mind don’t know how to rest without the rhythm of making.
Creating isn’t just something I do — it’s who I am. It’s how I process the world, connect with others, and find peace within myself. I may not have followed the path I was told to take, but I’m absolutely doing what I was meant to do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/reThreadsFoxyStyle
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/reThreadsFoxyStyle
- Other: TikTok reThreadsFoxyStyle
