Interview with the Maker: Mamota Creative

Artisan:  Tanya Purdon, Mamota Creative

1. What is your name and how did you decide on your business name?

  My name is Tanya, and ever since I was little my dad used to call me Mamota.  I hold that name very dear to my heart and miss it since the loss of my dad.  Once I decided to make my craft into a business, I knew Mamota was going to be It.  However, it wasn't easy. I wanted to compliment it with a word that tells what I do.  So after a long search and many combinations, I ended up with the simple word: Creative.  The perfect marriage of the two.  Hence Mamota Creative.

2. What inspired you to create your product?

  Even though I have an Accounting degree, and I have worked in the New York City's fashion industry sales and retail in the past, my joy came from decorating my home and DIY's.  I was always making projects to make my home look 'prettier'.  Since I enjoyed making things so much, one year I decided to make jewelry boxes for the girls in my family as Christmas presents.  That year I built, decoupaged, etched, painted, lined, and embellished their jewelry boxes.  Some of the work required a protective seal so while searching on the school of YouTube, I came across epoxy resin. One video led to another and I found myself watching resin art.  That was it for me!  I fell in love with it!  I couldn't stop making things and using this medium after that.  The love for home decor and DIY's were bonded by resin art and that was the beginning of Mamota Creative.

3. Which of your products most inspires other people?

  I'm not sure but I have been told that my beach theme products remind customers of a special or happy time in their lives, and others simply a fun vacation.

4. How do you find time to balance your craft with other areas of your life?

  It is difficult to find balance between business and family.  There is so much work involved to accomplish a finished product and then some.  I believe the key to a healthy business/family relationship is being organized with time, and in my case also with tons of help and patience from my family.  Thanks to them I can focus on my business and also dedicate time to them.  I might be the designer, maker, and owner but without them Mamota Creative wouldn't be.

5. Name one tool or product that is most helpful to you as a small business owner.

I think the flexibility of working in the comfort of my home, under my rules and schedule is the greatest tool I have.

6. Where do you see your business going in 2020?

Hoping only up!  I want to continue growing as a person and on every aspect of my business and with the high goals I set myself it can be accomplished.  I want my brand to be recognized for its quality, and great customer service which in my opinion is very scarce nowadays.

7. What is something you hope to get out of the Marketspace platform this year? 

We hope that being part of the Marketspace craft shows this year will help us gain more experience about promoting our business through the process of creating relationships with customers.

8. Anything new we can do for or offer you?

Not really.  You guys are great and I can't wait to participate in more of your events this year.  The only thing I would say is that I would love to see Marketspace in South Jersey!

Thanks so much, Tanya! Your products are stunning. We love the unique spin you put on every piece, from serveware to wall art to jewelry and trinket boxes.