Meet Arlene Mayén | Wood Artist

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

Hi Arlene, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
My idea was inspired by my amazing Dad. He started learning scroll saw art when I was little. I would come around and see him make this amazing art. At first I didn’t think much of it…but how wrong was I. As the Covid-19 Pandemic started earlier this year, I had to stop working at my regular job for the safety of my family and felt hopeless of what to do. That’s when my dad came around and told me about Wood Art. I thought to myself “Why not?” I’m a hand on learner so I picked it up pretty fast and actually enjoyed it! My thought was “I should’ve started on this awhile ago!” and thus the business was born. My new found passion motivated me to offer the best to everyone and to take on any challenge that came my way!

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.
The art I create is a reflection of myself. The passion, the drive, the excitement of creating something that has my signature touch. From trying every type of wood there is to learning techniques that help to work faster. It shows the dedication and love I’ve put to each piece just so it can feel like a job well done. Getting to that point wasn’t easy. There were a lot of mistakes, frustrations, and stress that came with it. However, I’m appreciating those moments because it has helped to better myself and to perfect my art. I’ve learned the techniques and what works well for me. All of this just so I can see those exciting reactions of my clients and that my art will have a lasting memory for them. I just want to show the world that I strive to better myself to give the best to everyone and give them what they need. My art is to share with everyone, not for myself.

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 love the chill adventures. I would love to take my best friend to the places that let you soak in the moment. It would obviously be the beach first where you can hear the waves crashing to the shore and the feel of the water cooling your body down from the hot sun. I am definitely a foodie person and would have to take up a whole week to take them to all the hidden gems with the great food. I am a country girl at heart so we will go somewhere that is far from the hustle and bustle of the city. I would plan for us to go down to the keys and kayak both the Atlantic Ocean and The Gulf Coast. Then it’s off to stargazing in the everglades at night where we can see a vast amount of stars and Milky Ways. We would soon finish our week dancing the night away and having great wine at Schnebly Redland’s Winery and Brewery.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My friends have been such a great support for me and my small business. There were moments that I felt I wasn’t good enough and felt like my art wasn’t great but they said otherwise. They would call me and text me to say how amazing my work is and to keep working at it. They would share my media to their friends and even give shoutouts on their social media for how much faith they had in me. They have done amazing things to help me in my small business and I am thankful for them. However, my greatest support would have to be my parents. From pushing my potential to the fullest to creating a space for my workshop, which is more than I can ask for. I am beyond grateful for all the support I receive and couldn’t have asked for a better family.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodenYouLoveItCo
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