Meet Robin Boguslawski | An outside the box creator of home decor

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

Hi Robin, what is the most important factor behind your success?

Not listening to the people and noise that told me I couldn’t do it. Those who would say “oh isn’t that cute she makes stuff but it will never go anywhere.”

Or the comment I have heard endlessly …. “I could make that” and sure you probably could but guess what I did !

Do not allow negative words/people to influence “your” decision to create!

Don’t be afraid to create outside the box, I love to find odds and ends and turn them into a one of a kind piece.

Through my years of creating it has helped me to understand that I am “enough” Don’t ever doubt your abilities?

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.

I have been a handmade maker for many many years (60+, but who’s counting)

Through the years I have mastered several techniques and a more personal sense of design began to evolve. I have become increasingly aware of the quality of the craft and the level of detail & design I aspire to.

I’m currently known as a maker of “smalls”. Ranging from everyday home decor to seasonal items.

I take pride in my ability to make unique pieces. I love to add that little extra touch of detail to each piece.. I love to create things that will bring a smile to people’s faces.

I feel like I have been creating in one form or another since I can remember. One of my 1st recollection was when I was 4 and I wanted my Barbies to have furniture, So I made them pieces out of popsicle sticks and pill bottles. I used old scraps of fabric to make blankets & pillows.

I was about 15 when I did my 1st craft show at a local VFW, not only was I worried about how my table would look, did I make enough, would I sell anything. My biggest fear was when I walked in the building and saw all these older more seasoned vendors set up I almost turned around and walked out, So no it wasn’t easy, I looked around and thought well here it goes my items aren’t like anyone else’s. As I was setting up I heard comments like who let a kid have a table, why is she her at this is a craft show she’s too young. Then the lady who had a table next to me said “don’t listen to them there will always be people who will want to discourage because they are insecure.” Unfortunately to this day 50 years later there’s people still out there like that, they tried to break me then and have since but I keep going.

Jumping forward to when I got married at 25 I decided I would do my own flowers for the entire party, I had done a few arrangements here and there but nothing to this extent. From my wedding I received several requests to do other people’s weddings.
During this time I was also employed by J.L. Hudson’s in the visual display dept, that was a great job and allowed me to explore my creative side even more. I would travel to do holiday windows for them also.
I even won several awards and recognitions for displays I did for major cosmetic companies.
Slowly this dept went away, that was a sad day.

Fast forward to my late 30’s I entered a career in the automotive business, Being from Mi it seemed like the next step for me. The automotive job allowed me to use my out of the box thinking to solve problems, I did this for the next 30 years.
I still required a hands on way to use my hands to create, so on weekends you would find me at local craft shows and the in 2013 I opened a Etsy shop.

At the age of 65 I have retired and am enjoying being creative all the time!

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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.
Oh there’s so many places to go, a week wouldn’t be enough time!

A must go to would be the Detroit Institute of Arts followed by an amazing lunch with Margaritas at Xochimilco

Then a day would be spent in Ann Arbor, so so many artsy shops to visit along with the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum and how can you not go to Zingermans for a great Deli Sandwich!

Of course a day would have to be spent in Frankenmuth. There’s always a visit to Bronners and a good chicken dinner and lots of shopping to do.

I would also take a day to just stay local and hit up Bangkok 96 in Dearborn for some of the best Thai,
Weather permitting Greenfield village in Dearborn is always a good day outing.

A trip would not be complete unless I took my guest to Beeyond Treasures in Brighton Mi, Where I am a vendor. Followed by a good burger and drinks at Bourbons, they have a great vibe also.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
1st I would love to Shout of Mandy Holzer Haynes owner and furniture refinisher of Beeyond Treasure located in Brighton Mi, 3 years ago I answered a FB posting by Mandy looking for local artist that would be interested in being a vendor at her store. She took a chance on bringing me into her store and it has been both a great experience and I have gained a true friend.

Also, from the 1st thing i crafted ( which would have been around the age of 4) my grandparents always support me in whatever I tried, Unfortunately, I lost them very early in my life but their support has been with me throughout my life.

Website: www.RockinRobinsBling.etsy.com

Instagram: RockinRobinsBling

Linkedin: [email protected]

Facebook: [email protected] or RockinRobinsBling

Image Credits
Photos are all mine