Meet Molly Holmes | Stay At Home Mom

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

Hi Molly, what do you attribute your success to?
I think the most important factor behind my success is actually just showing up as myself, as corny as it sounds. I spent my whole life trying to be “likable”, to be attractive, to fit in and be what other (boring) people wanted me to be. As a woman in my mid-thirties I ain’t got time for that anymore! My business card says that I make “weird art for weird people” and I stand by that. People appreciate and gravitate towards authenticity, and I think my art is a reflection, in some ways, of me finally stepping into my true self. I think that speaks to other people on the same journey of no longer letting other people define their worth. I’m not trying to make art that is traditional or beautiful or functional. I make pieces that are fun and that make you laugh. Even though I work with bones, roadkill and old, broken porcelain dolls, there is a lightheartedness that I try to infuse in my work. I think it parallels the lightheartedness I try to embrace when things are tough, ugly, and broken in my own life.

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.

I wasn’t always an artist, but I have always loved to create. After entering adulthood, getting sober and trying to sort out what I was doing with my life, I decided to bring art back into the picture about 5 years ago. Having a hobby saved my sanity, it gave me a way to get into that beautiful flow state that is like a salve for the soul. It is so undervalued in our society, but having a creative means to express yourself is absolutely vital to our well being.

I started off by making quirky, off beat watercolor cards. My most successful one to date being about diarrhea, which is very on-brand for me. The cards ended up being mostly a flop due to the cost of printing, but I had such a wonderful time creating them. The cards kind of opened up the channels of creativity, and just as I was searching for my next art venture I was gifted some animal bones.

I had to learn how to clean and degrease the bones, how to safely handle them, how to work with them as an art medium. It was such a fulfilling process, and things have been growing and evolving ever since. I started out doing local markets and that’s kind of where I shine. I have an Etsy that I don’t bother with too much, I really thrive at in-person events. I love the social aspect of art markets, and it’s truly a joy to see people enjoying my art. I’m a full time parent, so creating art and doing these events is my side-gig, if you will, and I don’t see myself doing much more than what I am now. I love making art so I want it to stay fun. I think that if I were to make this business into a living, I would burn out in no time. I know some people can do it, but I am just not that person.

What do I want the world to know? I think everyone should know that it’s absolutely vital to have a creative hobby. Whether you sell it or not, whether you are “successful” at it or not, find that creative outlet that you can take refuge in. A medium that allows you to express yourself, exactly how you are. I think all artistic endeavors should reflect a bit about the person that made them. And that’s what makes art, in any form, so compelling right? We are all looking to be seen and to be accepted, and I think that art work can be that initial baby step into doing that in all arenas of your life. So make weird art, or bake unconventional bread or build a model train that makes you feel truly alive for the first time in your life! Whatever it is, do it because it lights you up and know that by sharing it with the world, you can help other people get in touch with what lights them up too.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m going to be upfront and say that I am the wrong person to ask, as I am a true homebody who is also trying my BEST to be conservative with my finances, so I don’t get out much. However, if I had my druthers I would start by going to FeelLove Coffee and pounding a Lavender Latte and one of their Tahini Chocolate bars-heaven in my mouth. Then I would walk down 4th street admiring the sights, drinking in the quaint feel of our little downtown. I would inevitably end up at the Willow Shaper on 4th street which has everything my witchy little heart desires. This may be a weird shout out, but if I am being completely honest my next stop would be The ARC Thrifstore, because I am hopelessly compelled to thrift every chance that I get. Obviously I would then head home for a nap, reemerging hours later, however, for food at Door 222. Everything there is delicious and I recommend it all. Assuming I have not lapsed into a full coma while at my table, I would head over to The Flipside and destroy every man, woman, and child foolish enough to challenge me in air hockey. It is now 8pm and I must retire to my bed or I will turn to dust.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Oh I love this! First and foremost I want to give a shout out to my husband, without his unwavering support of everything I do I wouldn’t be doing art at all. He has always been the gentle voice that pushes me to take care of myself, to love myself and to believe wholeheartedly in what I’m doing. He has been my source of confidence before I had any of my own.

My three year old daughter who has helped me grow into someone who has (mostly) stopped caring what other people think. She reminds me to have fun, to lighten up and to do things simply because they bring me joy. A philosophy I want to live by.

Gigi Deal of KrazyHeartDezigns, I met her at my very first art market and she encouraged me to keep going even though I was unsure of myself. She’s a real one; authentic, genuine, just herself at all times, no pretense. Her art is like that too; unique, scrappy, unconventional. She’s been such a wonderful inspiration and I adore her.

Lastly, Jules Gillen and Kerri Sewolt have both helped my business grow over the years. They have cheered me on, bought my work, and given me opportunities I would have never had otherwise. And they are fellow women artists with a flair for the odd and offbeat. Weird women supporting other weird women- we love to see it!!

Website: Etsy.com/shop/mollymoonchildstudio

Instagram: @mollymoon444