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

Hi Casey, why did you pursue a creative career?
When I was 16, I was the passenger in a car when another driver ran a red light- texting- driving over 65 mph and t-boned the oncoming car, directly hitting me. Doctors in the hospital were amazed at my survival, but prepared my family and me for a future where I might never be able to walk again. Being confined to bed rest and a wheelchair, my doctors told my parents to find me an “artistic outlet” to take the place of my dance classes, play practice, skating competitions… My mom grabbed all the paint she could find and crossed her fingers that this outlet would be therapeutic, distracting, and motivating. Little did we know, it was the beginning of my beautiful, meaningful life as an artist. The happy ending of this scary story is that I defied the odds and not only was able to walk again, but was able to return to the ice, majored in Theater and Dance in college, and became a professional dancer/actress for over a decade… Not only did that chapter of my life make me a HUGE advocate for not texting while driving, but I realized how important art is- for ones creating it and the ones receiving it. What better purpose in the world than to bring color, joy, and magic to each and every day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been creative and curious. I would always see works of art, clothing, furniture, or home decor and wonder “I wonder if I could make that?” While living in NYC in my early twenties, I began painting on shoes, upcycling old guitars into shelves, weaving repurposed fabric scraps into tapestries… but my apartment was too small to keep all the projects I was constantly inspired to make, so I would give them as gifts to friends and family for birthdays, holidays, or for no reason at all (which are the best kinds of gifts). Eventually, people started commissioning me to make pieces for their loved ones and suddenly, ideas that lived only in my head were real and tangible and bringing people joy. It was a business that began organically- born out of a constant need to create and the ability to share those creations with others. It was a moving train that I didn’t even realize I was on until I realized I was driving the train- and have no plans to stop anytime soon!

A product I’m most excited about currently are the Punklings! These little huggable creatures were named after a nickname my dad has called me my entire life. I illustrated the fabric, designed each character, and have hand sewn every one myself. Each Punkling has a reversible pocket- perfect for storing all the treasures little ones always seem to collect. It has been absolute magic seeing pictures of Punklings all over the country in their new homes, on their new adventures, bringing happiness and comfort to people of all ages.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve lived all over the country- NYC, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and just moved to Nashville! I recently got married in New Hampshire where we’ve been living for the past 2 years and was lucky enough to have friends and family travel from all over the country to celebrate with us. While they were all visiting Lake Winnipesaukee, we made sure everyone knew of our favorite hike- Mount Major; our favorite breakfast spot- Ames Farm Inn; and the epic fields where we picked flowers for my wedding bouquets and decorations- Moulton Farms. The fresh air, the views of the lakes and mountains, and the easier pace of daily life has been such a wonderful contrast from so many years of living in big cities!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I was young, my friends loved coming over to my house for play dates because my mom always had an arts and crafts project ready for us. She was the only mom who let us use glitter, so you know how exciting that was… She encouraged my love of art, as well as every other passion I set my mind to. She passed away last year at the way too early age of 61, but is still a constant inspiration and reason I continue to share my art with the world. She was my biggest cheerleader and advocate for pursuing whatever brings the most happiness to the world. I hope to continue her legacy of making the world a more loving, colorful, and glittery place.

Website: www.rallybirdbrand.com & www.rallybirdbrand.etsy.com

Instagram: @rallybirdbrand

Facebook: Rally Bird Brand

Image Credits
Photos by Lexi Foster Photography, Klaar Photography, Ash V Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.