Meet Maranda Christopher | Resin Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maranda Christopher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maranda, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I think for me, one of the most important factor behind my success is the trust from my clients. I do all types of resin work, but I mostly do pet memorials. People send me their pets ashes, fur, collars or toys from all over the world, and trust me to take care of their items and the piece I am creating for them. Trust from my clients if everything to me. I have been very blessed with my business, and I think that trust carries not only my name far, but shows my personality with my clients. When someone orders from me, they don’t become just a customer, they become family. Helping people who are going through such difficult times, there’s not a greater feeling in the world when you are able to do that.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart from some resin creators is the memorial work I do. I am most proud and excited that I can help people through such a hard time in their life and help people all around the world. I have shipped to over 10 countries, as I am based in the United States. Nothing makes me more proud than when I am able to see the feedback from my clients and videos they post of the finished product. Seeing little kids who have been close with the family dog clutch and adore over a keychain with their pets ashes in it touches my heart so much. I got where I am today because of the support from my husband and my own determination and passion to create things for others.

It was definitely not easy at times. I started this as my full time job, so in the beginning financially it was a little difficult with no other income. That’s where my husband really became my white knight and helped me fund my business to grow. Another hard and challenging part of my work is the emotional connection. Greif can be such a hard mental strain. As I’ve dealt with my own losses, I still morn for them daily. When working with client’s pets, I feel as they are my own with the same care as I felt for my dog, and so as you might ask, yes I cry a lot. So overcoming that grief, it is hard, but I focus on the happy memories I have, and when connecting with clients, remind them of the happy memories they have with their pets.

I have learned a lot since I started working with resin and general. Most people do not understand the process of resin, and that it is quiet a time consuming experiment if you would say. It is a chemical that must safety be practiced and takes patience to work with. When I started, my work was, adolescent and the equality was not as it is today. I have learned techniques and tools to make my quality the absolute best for my clients as I can.

Honestly, when it comes to exposing the world to my story or business, my humbleness comes through. I think that is why my business does well. I am not in my business for fame or money, though it helps pay the bills, I am in it for my clients. I have had hundreds of clients, and each one is special. I actually have a wall in my studio of letters hanging up that clients write to me. I know what it is to feel pain, loss, hurt, and the darkest times. I would never want someone to feel that way, and for me to be able to help pull people out of such a dark place, words cannot express how passionate I am about that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend of mine came for a week visit, I’d honestly say we would probably stay at the house and catch up. Play cards, share stories of memories. I live in Knoxville, TN. I consider myself a bit of a food connoisseur, so I know all the great places to eat, some of which are: Firebird, Conner’s, Fleming’s, Aubrey’s, or an amazing Chinese take out place Asia Cafe. If it’s football season, we might try to catch a game seeing Tennessee Volunteers play at the stadium. An awesome fun spot is going up to Gatlinburg and taking a hike in the spring or fall.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think it is simple to me, I would not be where I am at if not from the support from my clients and fans of my work. My clients mean everything to me. But my inspiration stems from my mother and dog, both who have past. My mother, Donna Manis, raised me to be honest, compassionate, and strong. She loved my art and would always take pride in anything I accomplished. I would not be the woman I am today if not for her. My dog, Zoey, is a key factor in my business because she is the reason for my main service, pet memorial pyramids. Not really knowing at the time about resin memorials, as I begun my work with resin, I wanted to create something in her memory. I created her a memorial pyramid, posted it on social media and it took off. My husband, John Christopher, is also an important person in my life and business. He has supported me financially, mentally, and in every aspect a wonderful man can.

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