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

Hi ART, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
During my college years I would design and make little bracelets. Mostly just to wear around campus or here and there. Mainly due to the fact that I hated having my wrist empty or bare. And every now and again friends and campus workers would ask If i make and sell them. Post college, while just chilling at home I decided I would pick that hobby back up and decided why not put a few on Etsy and see what happens. Ever since then its been taking off and picking up speed. Even internationally to my surprise.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
To be completely honest, I had no idea what I was doing when starting Embody’d Art. I honestly just wanted to put my bracelets online and see if anyone would like to purchase one or two. However I took that initiative to dedicate my post work/gym time and Friday’s to researching, learning what platforms to use, how to open a shop, and run a business. Even from the beginning of writing down four or five potential shop names before coming up with the winner Embody’d Art. Something that embodies style and creativity from yours truly, me!

The one thing that makes Embody’d Art different from other jewelry makers is that not only do I sell the pieces, i’m the creator/designer and CEO of the company. Every string going through every bead is done by me as the creator. Every piece shipped out is processed by me first. And if there’s an issue or if the customer needs help, i’m here directly to help! I’m big on customer service and making sure every customer who comes to Embody’d Art leaves satisfied and happy.

Like anyone, you want your business to be a success off the bat. Basically with posting your first item and hoping it sells out instantly. But it takes more than just hopes and dreams to make that happen and I had to figure that. So I started with the basics in coming up with the logo, then the social media platforms, setting up the Etsy shop, and setting up advertising using Facebook. And it was a struggle at first getting orders at first as the “new kid on the block” but with dedication, determination, and more money towards advertising we start growing quick!

It is amazing how failures with certain parts of your business can make you a fast learner and helps you adapt to change. Having the professional willingness to accept that change can actually help your business grow as it did mine. Because I make every piece by hand, I have to take into consideration that my designs at first weren’t up to snuff. That my packaging was too costly. That I spent way too much money on shipping products out. But it takes that sometimes to realize that there’s always a better way to do something and stream line a process for efficiency and better profit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a ton of places in the DFW area so this would be fun! Especially as football season is upon us! First stop, we’re heading to Fort Worth to my old favorite brunch spot Mash’d off west 7th. Great mason jar mimosas, drinks, and French toast. Next up we have to hit up Thompson’s downtown Fort Worth late afternoon for drinks and vibes. Plus its a speakeasy with a downstairs bar. Tuesday and Wednesday, we can relax at a few pool spots in Dallas like Statler and Cat Bird rooftop. Between time can check out spots like Arts district in Dallas and highland village to shop. Great views of Dallas skyline in downtown Dallas. Thursday, we’re hitting Bishop Art’s in Dallas to Bar Eden to grab a few old fashions and chill music. Heading right next door to Paradiso to eat on some danity vibes. Then heading to Reverlers Hall for some second line new orleans type music. Friday! First up, Chimys in Fort Worth for happy hour. Then head over to the stockyards and check out the old school Fort Worth area. Saturday is college football day so we’re starting off at Chelsea’s Corner where Mary (best bartender) has prosecco mimosas waiting. After that we’re heading to Christies to watch some football! Specifically LSU football, lets geaux! After the game we can keep it going at Leela’s and Milli in lower greenville. Sunday we’re heading to church first to praise our lord! Right after we can head to Standard service to grab a bite then head to Texas Live and get our sunday football on!

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?
First and foremost our lord and savior Jesus Christ whom all things are possible! But definitely my mother Mrs. Mason! Whenever I’ve hosted an event she would tell everyone and bring them to the table. So she’s deserves all the praise. And my lovely fiance Jasmine Summerville who rocks my jewelry, repost it on her IG story, and gets her friends and family on board! Also my boys Quentin Crawford (The Good Jerky CEO), Brian Carrington, and Nate Peoples. Always rocking the merchandise!

Website: embodydart.etsy.com

Instagram: @embodyd_art

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurmason/

Twitter: @embodyd_art

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embodydart

Image Credits
Kay Stivers (Model/Friend)

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