Interview with the Maker: Mermaids Masterpiece

Artisan:  Jeanette Wehner, Mermaids Masterpiece

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

  My name is Jeanette Wehner and my business is called Mermaids Masterpiece. My daughter, who was 9 at the time, was the one who actually thought of the name! I was brainstorming with my family, and when she threw the name out there, I loved it.

2. What inspired you to create your product?

  Living at the Jersey Shore my entire life, I wanted to decorate my home with a coastal theme, but when I was looking for items, I quickly realized that everything was way out of my price range. I also didn't like how fake driftwood was used and that the nail holes were visible. I decided to try to make something myself, and absolutely loved the process of walking on the beach to find my supplies and using my own two hands to create my art.  In addition, I found that I was able to make custom art at an affordable price. 

3. Which of your products most inspires other people?

  I don't know that my pieces inspire people, but they definitely have strong sentimental value. Many people purchase items to remind them of the happy times they spent along the Jersey Shore, whether it was last summer, or 50 years ago when they were a child. They appreciate knowing that each and every piece of driftwood was collected on the beaches where they made great memories. 

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

  As a full-time special education teacher, a mom, a girl scout leader, and an aspiring school administrator, I have to be very creative with my time management. Each morning before I go to work, I walk the beach with my dog Jersey collecting every piece of driftwood I come across. If I see that there is a bunch of wood and I have run out of time, I'll go back after work to get it. After work and activities are done for the day, I try to carve out an hour or two to make pieces to complete orders or for extra stock.

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

The most important tool by far is social media. It has grown my business by leaps and bounds. I try to post one picture a day so that it pops up in people's feeds consistently. 

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

In 2020, I hope to do more events where I introduce young girls to power tools to show them that these are not just something that boys get to use. 

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

I hope that Marketspace provides a platform where makers can ask and answer questions in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Sometimes I have questions regarding shipping, advertising, etc, and I want to learn from locals who can share their experiences. 

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

Nope!

Thanks you for allowing us to interview you, Jeanette! Your pieces fit perfectly at our Crafts and Drafts event at Beach Haus Brewery in Belmar, NJ and are so thrilled you are returning with us on April 26. Kevin’s sister has two of your signs (a wave and a paw print) hanging by her front door and the colors are so fantastic.