#angels | marisa martinez blog

We broke ground in June of 2013

For the past 7 years I have been renting studio space in the NE Minneapolis Arts District. When I first started making jewelry 9 years ago I worked out of my three season 6 x 9ft back porch. Fully loaded with a space heater and heat lamps for those MN winters. I drove at least once a week 40 miles to Northfield for instruction from my mentor Leanne and rented studio time from another Northfield artist Jennifer. In her studio I had access to a torch, a kiln, and other cool tools I didn’t have the money or space for. I remember those days fondly as I know they were integral in my journey.

Much has happened in the past 9 years. Primarily, my two little boys are now 10 and 12. Not little boys anymore. They have made this journey with me as I started this venture when they were just babies and the chapter of my life as wife and stay at home mom was ending. They have watched me struggle and cry as well as triumph and leap for joy with the ups and downs of this business. They have spent many a day in the studio with me, movies, games and sketchbooks in tow, so I can work. They have been drug to shows, and fairs. Essentially they have grown with my business and really know nothing different. As a single mom this business has been such a blessing. It has allowed me the flexibility to be there for my children in ways a normal 9-5 wouldn’t. One of my children, the oldest being Autistic and having epilepsy has fueled my drive to make this business succeed. I need to not only be able to provide for these two but I need to be able to be available anytime, without the added stress of losing a job due to missing work for being called home to care for him. This business has given me that.

The past two years have brought challenges beyond any I could have imagined. These challenges have brought me to my knees, praying for guidance and help. They also brought me a gift. Another “angel.” Her name is Kristina. She has changed my life forever. We bought a home last March. A dream come true in and of itself. This home is nestled in St. Paul and we are surrounded with great neighbors and close to friends and everything we need. The boys are settled and happy beyond belief in having their own rooms and lots of boys their age to play with on our street. As if it couldn’t get more perfect, there was also a large backyard with room for a studio! YES a HOME STUDIO! A place I can work anytime day or night. Having my children close, comfortable and safe. Saving the driving time and rent money of an away studio. The benefits are too many to list. I wanted to share with you all a photo journey of the process of building this studio. It was pretty stressful at times. Construction never goes as planned. It tested our patience over and over, but in the end it was all worth it!

I am so excited to share this space with clients and students. Please contact me at info@marisa-martinez.com to set up a visit or to schedule a class!