Fort Worth Local Showcase: Son and Heirs Art Co.

Those of us over here at Shop Small Fort Worth are all about preserving our community’s character through local businesses. We care about their stories, their trials, and their successes. We love the concept of creating for and buying from one another, and we love to support others seeking to do the same. So that is what this blog series is all about — championing local businesses. Telling their stories, and maybe, encouraging others to start one of their own!

Son and Heirs Art Co.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your shop?

I've owned some sort of business since I was eight years old, so I guess there has always been this side of me where I have enjoyed running a business. But along with that I've always been a creative. I love making things with my hands, and I have tried all kinds of hand-made or creative related hobbies! My creativity flows best when I'm making something actively with my hands -- feeling the texture, watching the paint and color move -- that gets me really excited. Besides creative ventures, I love playing with my kids, date night with my man, and nearly anything with cheese on it. I work best when music is playing and either iced tea or a latte at my side.

What made you want to start your shop?

Our family began to pursue international adoption, and I realized my art could serve as an avenue to raise funds for our adoption, as well as raise awareness for adoption around the world.

What have been your biggest struggles so far in owning your own business?

Probably the fact that being a mom, an entrepreneur, and a self-made artist means that the learning curve is steep and it takes forever to get stuff done. Figuring out how to prioritize and make my work hours count has been very challenging.

I finally got up the nerve to sell my first original pieces, and the response was so rewarding!

When you aren’t busy with your business, what do you like to do?

I like to read (a lot!), be involved with my church, go on fun outings with the kids, and spend time with friends.

Where do you draw your creativity from?

There are usually aspects of my spiritual life and thoughts that I work through in my art. For example, What kind of plant can survive a desert? Does beauty matter? I’m still learning how to connect my thoughts to my artistic expression, but the more I do, the better my art gets.

What do you like most about being part of a community of small shops in Fort Worth?

I love seeing the amount of creativity and ability in our city. It’s so cool to get to support other locals in their endeavors and realize my dollars make a direct impact in their lives. It’s even better when they become friends!

You can find Hope Helm of Son and Heirs Art Co. and other businesses like hers at the Shop Small Fort Worth Spring Market on March 25th and 26th, 2017. It’s coming up soon, and we could not be more excited! This two-day event will feature amazing local artists, small businesses, and craftsman, as well as including live music, food trucks, yard games and a cash bar. Tickets are available here, and part of our proceeds will be going to Pure Adventure.

Written by Stacy Aguilar of Janie Bird & Co.