Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Smith
Hi Abigail, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am an art creative and I own Authentically Abigail. My goal is to create something everyday, share my art and help others be creative too!
I have a hair condition called trichotillomania. I’ve had it my whole life and used to wear wigs and extensions to hide my hair. I didn’t want to wear them anymore and decided to just be myself no matter what. It definitely wasn’t easy especially with how much anxiety I have but now I am a lot more comfortable with being myself and not hiding any part of me! I hope to inspire others to be themselves too, I want to help normalize authenticity!
My business came about when I started doing art more seriously as an adult and knew I wanted to make something of it. At the time I was focusing on painting and my dad got me into an art gallery, to my surprise I won an award. I wanted to show my art more and be a part of the community so I joined local farmers markets.
Now I participate in markets and other events, some I’ve been apart of for a year without missing 1 week! You can also find my art in stores and cafes around Clermont. I really enjoy being involved in our community as much as possible so I have started doing art workshops that are great for everyone! I have had so much fun and I am extremely excited for the future!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve learned so much on my art journey and I feel every obstacle I went through taught me so much. One of the hardest things has been finding the right places to sell my art. Sometimes you figure out what doesn’t work before you find what does. I have been to some events that weren’t the best fit for me even though I may not have sold any of my art I still got to show new people and have a chat. It’s definitely not easy starting your own business and trying to sell your art, it’s a long bumpy road but I’m buckled up and ready to go!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love all art and don’t like to limit myself to only 1 form. Right now I’m really enjoying crochet. I have fun making crocheted plushies, I work really hard on them. They are completely customizable and handmade by me, even the eyes and other details. I make them safe for all ages and without the plastic eyes it makes you feel alittle bit better about bringing them in your home with your pets! I love painting too, acrylic paint is my favorite. I usually make fun, colorful abstract art. My paintings make me very happy and I am very proud of them. With any art I make I put everything I have into it and make sure I’m extremely happy with it before I could sell it. I take a lot of pride in my work and want everyone to be able to enjoy my art as much as I do! I have so much fun at my art workshops aswell. Seeing everyone create and interact with each other is ever so lovely. I’m building amazing relationships with so many people in the community and have been loving crocheting and painting with them lately!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love that our community loves and appreciates art like I do. I really wish we had more local art supply stores. I prefer supporting small businesses and would love more local places to buy my supplies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.authenticallyabigail13.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authenticallyabigail13/profilecard/?igsh=MXhmdW41eWx4djZvOQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14vsShvnWt/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
