Meet Emily Lane | Fiber Artist & Photographer

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

Hi Emily, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Finding the work life balance can be challenging – especially when you’re trying to grow a small business while also working a full time job. At first, I was just doing it for fun in my spare time and I would just sell a piece here or there so it was easy to manage. But as the business grows and more and more orders come in – it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Making a schedule and planning out both work and personal things can help to find that balance. At the end of the day, I could always be doing more to grow my business, but I think it’s important to remember that you will be your most productive and enjoy your work more when you take the time to take care of yourself and feed your soul doing other things that make you happy. Whether it’s waking up early to take a hike with my dogs or scheduling an afternoon off to spend time with a friend. Giving myself time to relax and enjoy all the other great things in my life, gives me more energy and drive to work hard towards creating a bigger and better business for myself in the future.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I create one of a kind dip-dyed wall hangings. I start with hand cut, sanded, stained, and sealed wooden panels and attach strands of wool yarn one by one to create a “canvas”. I then dip dye each strand by hand with custom created colors to create a unique and one of a kind piece. Everything is done 100% by hand and can be customized to fit any space and decor. The beauty of this medium is you can hang it on your walls like art but there’s more dimension and life to it. It’s art you can run your hands through and blows with the wind.

My most requested and favorite pieces to create are mountains and landscapes. I am a big outdoors person that loves being in nature. I love hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing – and it’s such a great feeling being able to bring that love into my art and share with other people. Every times I go out for a hike I find new inspiration in that beautiful landscape around me!

My business is still small and growing and every day I’m learning new things to be better and improve. At times it can be scary and overwhelming, but also so great and rewarding when I see photos of my art hanging in other people’s homes across the country.

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?
If my best friend was visiting there would be so much to see and do! I would take them to the relax at the beach. For a walk along the Oceanside pier to watch the surfers. Take them for a hike at Calavaras. A bike ride down the 101. Go grab some tacos at Primos. Sample some craft beer at some of the breweries in the area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest supporter has always been my partner Zac. He continually tells me how proud he is of the success that I’ve found in my business and cheers me on with every new sale. He’s always asking how he can help when I’m feeling overwhelmed, and is patient and understanding with my busy schedule that doesn’t always leave time for us to enjoy together. His love and encouragement means the world to me!

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/FiberArtsbyEm

Instagram: @fiberartsbyem

Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/fiberartsbyem/