Local artist Anne Rumohr of Esmeray Art is “art that empowers.” The variety she creates, ranging from macaron earrings to artwork of a llama in cool sunglasses or your new favorite pet portrait, showcases the wide range of whimsical to deep meaning behind it all. Get to know the maker below!

Describe what type of products you make under Esmeray Art.

I make original art and jewelry. I specialize in watercolor and digital art.

Tell us how you got started with your businesses.

Art has always been a passion of mine. I went to art school at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. I studied art history and illustration. Art was always something I knew I’d pursue in some capacity.

My business has had a couple of different names through the years. I used to use my name, Annie Elizabeth Clark Art, Art by Annie, etc., but when it came time to rebrand and get an established LLC, I was going through a divorce and wanted a unique name that would never change. Esmeray means dark moon. The darkness before a new beginning. That’s why you see the dark moon and the lotus flower in my logo. Lotus flowers are known for growing from darkness through the mud. It’s all very meaningful to me.

I love working with people directly, meeting my clients, and getting to know the community. Plus, I’ve always looked for ways to balance my chronic illness and work life, so working from home and for myself has always been the easiest for me. It began as a juggling balance, but now I can say 15 years later, I am a full-time artist with the best support team!

What are your personal favorite items you’ve created so far?

My portraits of empowering women are my favorite. I love seeing women light up and feel represented in my artwork. I also absolutely love creating pet portraits.

What was one of your most difficult pieces you’ve created?

A pet portrait of a family dog. Now I love being able to help capture these sweet souls for people.

What is your most popular item you sell
currently?

Many of my art prints. I think, currently, my skull with the flowers or the raven are most popular. I have one print I like to call the holy three. It has books, cats, and plants. It’s very popular!

My jewelry is a popular item as I try to keep it affordable, hypoallergenic, and create quirky items like animals, food, hobbies, and seasonal pieces!

What is something you’ve enjoyed the most about doing this handcrafted business?

I love the flexibility, the time with my boyfriend and business partner, and the endless ability to be creative.

I love being able to customize everything for people. I can adjust jewelry lengths, all my earrings can be made to clips on, switched to a specific metal, or even plastic hooks, and it’s free of charge. I strive to be as inclusive as possible.

What is the most challenging thing?

Time management and living with chronic health conditions. Just having enough time to do everything I want to do. Be in all the places, take on all the clients. It’s a good problem, but I still need to prioritize myself and my health many days.

Where does your inspo come from for new products you create?

Life, other art, music, people and nature.

I try to absorb everything around me and fuel my creativity. I’m very “ooh shiny! I love that!” And get excited, and my phone is filled with pictures, videos, screenshots, and notes of ideas I have. Once in a while, I sit down and organize it all.

We love your food earrings here at Unglued! If you could wear earrings with any type of food on them, which would you choose yourself?

I wear so many! The orange slices and blueberries have been my go-to this summer! But I have an obsession with artsy-themed earrings!

What is a word that best describes you?

Passionate.

What advice would you give to someone else looking to start a handcrafted/maker business?

Do it! Start small, find your unique thing. Play with everything. Don’t just do what’s popular and trending. Find a way to stand out and be the only one doing something or doing it in a new way. Do not take on more than you can handle financially, physically, or emotionally. Surround yourself with people who support you. Your people will find you, and they will support you. Use social media. Get a website. Make business cards. USE TENT WEIGHTS. Put your fabulous face out there. I can’t wait to see what you do!

What advice would you have given yourself five years ago?

A lot has happened in five years. You’ll never know where you could be five years from now! Be patient and keep going! Rest is not laziness.

Stop watering dead plants (don’t give energy to things that don’t deserve it). One day, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come.

Where can people find your work?

A lot has happened in five years. You can find everything online at esmerayart.com. I’ll deliver to Fargo or Grand Forks or ship anytime!

Locally, you can find me at art markets and fairs in the area as well as in Unglued in Fargo and Midtown Market in Grand Forks!

You might find items around shops as I offer wholesale and consignment to stores all over the world!

Esmeray Art

Facebook | /esmerayart
Instagram | @esmerayart
esmerayart.com