Jannelle Olmstead – Something Else Studio

Jannelle is applying for support for one year of her membership fees with Artizan Made as she is going through a huge upheaval in her life as her husband’s health has deteriorated and demands full time caretaking. Navigating all of the steps to receive healthcare and income from the Government has been challenging.  Your support will give her some peace of mind and allow her to remain engaged in our community.

What do you do?
I was a Festival Artisan for 20 years, mainly doing Renaissance Festivals

How long have you been in business? 
I open my Studio in 1995. I’ve done wall finishes and wedding gowns before landing as a festival artisan doing accessories.

How can Artizan Made help you grow?
I was forced to retire from my festival in 2017 to become Caretaker of my husband after his Bypass surgery.  I needed to transition from selling at art shows to selling online and an online artist group would help.

What are your biggest challenges?
My husband’s health didn’t improve it got worse and now I find myself stuck with limiting options via government restrictions on online selling, facing losses or aid programs with Medicare and now Medicaid.  I’m still his full time Caregiver but creating art is what makes me happier and keeps me in balanced.

What do you love about what you do?
I love designing, sewing and paining. I love colors, stories and mythology and our spiritual connection with nature. Many of my creations are mixed media and reflect these interests.

Where would you like to be in five years?
I need to find a careful balance that allows me to be creative without crossing imposed restrictions as our income is now fixed and I’ve had to apply to aid programs to cover the shortfalls .  I need to redefine myself, let go of my past designs and move forward walking very lightly with very limited footprints. I am still struggling to define how to this will work.  My days are filled with so many duties and caregivers tasks but I need to keep a corner open to my artistic self.

Website:  https://www.somethingelsestudio.com/

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

Since Jannelle is already an Artizan Made member, her Amiga Fund cost is less than normal as she has already paid for the set-up fee.  We are hoping that a year of support for her monthly payments will give her enough time to build up her web business and deal with her caretaking role.  She is living on very little right now and can use a boost.  You can also purchase her bags on her shop as that will also support her.

Total amount needed for her one year membership fees:  $175

See more photos on her Artizan Made profile.