Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristina Figueroa.
Hi Cristina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I was always creative and crafty growing up and was always looking for different outlets to express myself, whether it was through painting, makeup, scrapbooking, gardening, or even baking. I remember as a child always helping my grandmother in the kitchen and falling in love with her baking recipes.
I would play with my easy bake oven and make food with playdoh in my toy kitchen growing up. My dream was to open my own bakery/cafe, but after my near-fatal motorcycle accident in August 2021, I had to put that dream on hold. I suffered a considerable neck and hand injury that limits me in the kitchen for right now.
But in January 2022 while recovering at home, my sister-in-law gifted me a resin kit that she never finished using. She knew I was crafty and figured it would be a good way to pass time as I recovered. I opened that kit and the rest was history. I found a new outlet for therapy and art expression.
What started as a hobby is now a small business.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a tough journey. but without those struggles, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
After the motorcycle accident, I struggled for months with mobility restrictions, excruciating pain, and struggling with my mental health. My thoughts were, “How do I get by now as I recover, what will I do in my next chapter of life?” Being introduced to resin art was a lifesaver.
I still struggle daily with certain daily tasks and still suffer from pain, but working and creating with resin brings me joy, brings my clients joy, and is helping me recover, and I wouldn’t give it up for anything.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a resin artist and resin jewelry maker. I specialize in working with glow-in-the-dark materials and making canna products such as ashtrays, rolling trays, and lighters.
I started with functional home decor, and then was inspired to make jewelry, and from jewelry, I recently have been inspired to try and start geode wall art. As I create, I get inspired to try different mediums, different color schemes, and different art styles. I am most proud of how far I’ve come.
A few months ago I was in an ICU bed in Jackson Memorial, not knowing if I would be able to walk again but now I’m here, walking and creating art for my small business. What sets me apart from others is my ability to learn and adapt to this industry.
I am always open to designing and trying to create any type of artwork a client is looking for. Working closely with clients to create the desired piece they want brings me great joy and accomplishment to know the clients are happy with their design.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My biggest supporters in this venture have been my mom Helen, my brother Alex, and my boyfriend Rene. After my accident, my mom and brother were my support system. They helped me with all my basic daily tasks, (opening doors, cooking food, wound care, doctor’s appt.) until I was strong enough to manage on my own.
Months into my recovery, when I first started working with resin, I met my boyfriend Rene and he has been my biggest cheerleader and promoter. He has been mentoring me on the ins and outs of starting my own business and has been teaching me tips and tricks on my social media presence.
I have been learning so much from him since he runs his own health supplement company Magic City Fungi. I am blessed and grateful to be surrounded by people who love me, support me, and want me to succeed. Without their love and help, I wouldn’t be where I am today; alive and chasing my new dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: SparkledbyC.etsy.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sparkledbyc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sparkledbyc
