Meet Sofia Moore | Mandala artist & wood work enthusiast

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

Hi Sofia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I think this is such an interesting question. Because looking back, I think it was all there. The pieces were all there waiting to be fit together like a puzzle and I just needed to listen. Once I began to listen to my inner voice and trust that it was worth pursuing, it started to come together… That, and the universe gave me a few pushes along the way. Honestly, the universe threw me right off the cliff.

I’ve been an anxious person for as long as I can remember. Its in the DNA of my stream of consciousness. I think, therefore I am anxious. Through my life I have found different ways to cope with my constant companion. both healthy and unhealthy survival mechanisms. And I’ve always loved drawing. doodling on corners of notebooks at school, journaling and sketching. Those were the breadcrumbs early on that I think laid the foundation to starting a business. But I digress…

Two years ago I was working for one Colorado’s largest healthcare companies in a position I loved. I had a 5 year plan and a trajectory I was comfortable with. But things changed with my department and unfortunately my position was eliminated. With a generous severance package, I was faced with a proverbial fork in the road. Jump back in quickly in another department, or use my severance and PTO to seed a dream that had been brewing in the background. We officially launched Sawdust and Moore LLC shortly after.

The thought process up to that launching point were meaningful puzzle pieces coming together prior to that. Wanting to make a sign but not knowing how, and asking my husband which tool would help me. Consequently purchasing my first scroll saw and finding a profound peace when learning how to use it. My father retiring from a 40 year long career, only to find love and joy in woodworking at the age of 65. Finding a beginner online mandala class and suddenly completely obsessing by mandalas. Jokingly discussing how we should just buy a laser and start a business… Those playful conversations were manifestations of a future that felt so unreal, but was around the corner. None of it would have been possible without the support of the people along the way who have been our biggest cheerleaders. The constant positive feedback from my husband and best friend. The inspiration my heritage and background that armor me to proudly show my art pieces, And of course, the countless friends and strangers who have supported, purchased, complimented our work is the fuel that makes us believe this is possible.

They say, if life is falling apart, it may in fact, be falling into place.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
So, I primarily focus on painting and drawing Mandalas. Mandalas have held deep significance across cultures for centuries, often symbolizing the universe, spiritual growth, and the interconnectedness of all life. Their intricate designs and symmetrical patterns invite reflection, offering a sense of balance, harmony, and unity. In many spiritual traditions, mandalas are used as tools for meditation, helping to center the mind and bring about a sense of peace and clarity. The repetitive patterns and radial symmetry serve as a visual representation of the cyclical nature of existence, where every element is connected and contributes to the whole.

I approach the creation of mandalas with reverence and intention. Each brushstroke and geometric shape is a deliberate act, woven together to form a cohesive whole that mirrors the unity and balance I seek in my own life. Remember the anxiety? Painting mandalas is not just a technical process for me, but a meditative practice that allows me to channel my thoughts, emotions, and energy into something visually beautiful. The act of painting itself is a deeply personal experience, where I explore the intersection of geometry, color, and form to create something that feels both grounded and expansive. Through my mandalas, I aim to share the transformative power of this ancient art, inviting others to find their own sense of peace and meaning within the patterns I paint.

I do more than mandalas however. Polymer clay earring collections, woodworking pieces, commission work, laser engraving, hand made signs and so much more. I have found that at the center of it all, the art always comes back to the mandala. Has it been easy? yes and no. Diving into the creative process has been like remembering you speak a different language. intuitive and organic. The process of putting your work out there and learning the ropes of business ownership has felt more like learning how to ride a bike blindfolded. Its tough out there! with all the tiktoks and content and potential avenues I often feel like I am so far behind that I can never catch up. But one step at a time…

I guess what I would like the world to know about my brand and my story is simply that its possible. however bizarre your dream is, there is an audience around the corner waiting for you to create it. I want people to know that your story, your journey will resonate with someone and is meaningful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
oh wow. ok so I live in Wellington. So I think we definitely have to grab a coffee or tea at owl canyon in the morning before we go for a paddle boarding day at Douglas Reservoir. We would grab a slice of pizza from the best pizza food truck ever GFL. I think another day we’d grab lunch from the taco truck that parks in front of the dollar tree… its called El Batas food truck… walk around old town in Fort Collins and visit all the shops. Cant go without stopping by Nature’s own, and catch a show at the Aggie, and finally for dinner stop by the Gyro stand.

Since this is in my mind, I’d go to jerry’s artarama and buy all the things I don’t yet have a nerd out over paint brushes and water color paper. Then swing by Bath Garden Center for plants I most definitely NOT need. I’d go to Blue Stone by Estes. Its a little mineral shop that if you blink you’ve missed it, but has the coolest jewelry pieces. Hike Horse Tooth at some point. I think we’d wrap it up by having dinner at my house. Where I’d make a killer lasagna paired with a nice glass of wine. If its 4th of July, we’d watch the fireworks from the best place in town. My backyard.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think my shoutout would have to go to Lizzie Snow. I took her course in an app called Domestika called “The Art of Mandala Drawing”. Her approach was so kind, and her knowledge so beautiful, it cracked open a new world for me. It taught me that mandala drawing is my meditation language and a tool of alchemy for me. It is because of that course, that I can channel my anxiety and turn it into something beautiful. Everyone should follow her @fortyonehundred . and by the way, her course was $10 dollars and the app was free. Hands down the best money I have ever spent.

Beyond that, my husband Chris deserves so much credit. There is no doodle I’ve drawn that he has not complimented and proudly displayed, not one idea that he has shot down as silly or unworthy. And not only is he a cheerleader of my creativity, he is a presence and support at festivals, EXPOs, farmers markets. He is the embodiment of encouragement, logistics expert, problem solver and believer. It is because he believes so firmly that this is worthwhile, that I can let myself believe it also.

And finally my best friend, who basically lives in my head rent free with her bright presence and her words of encouragement. The way we can have the best time doing anything at all is my true north that when something feels so right, it cant be wrong.

Website: https://www.sawdustandmoore.com

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