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

Hi Christina, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Balancing work and play is something that I have always been good at, maybe too good at times. I love to adventure, go to shows, and spend time with friends, it’s very important to my mental health and success that I am always keeping both things in mind.

One of the biggest changes for me with work life balance was when I realized that I could vend at music festivals. That was definitely an ‘ah ha’ moment in time – like, duh! Why don’t I listen to badass music while also vending my textiles! And thankfully people who listen to music also appreciate plant dyed silks, so that feels surreal!

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.
As a natural dyer, my art is deeply rooted in the tradition of using plant-based dyes to color textiles. What sets me apart from others is my commitment to sustainability and authenticity in my craft. I take pride in sourcing my materials responsibly, often using locally grown plants and herbs, and I prioritize eco-friendly dyeing techniques.

What excites me the most about my work is the endless possibilities it offers for creativity and expression. Each plant and dye bath is unique, creating one-of-a-kind colors and patterns on fabric. I love the element of surprise and discovery that comes with natural dyeing!

My journey to becoming a professional natural dyer was the complete balance of the stars aligning and a lot of time and hard work. It started off in 2009 when I started Textile Design school and then years of experimentation, learning, and refining my skills. I faced challenges such as understanding the nuances of different plant dyes, mastering dyeing techniques, and building a sustainable business model.

To overcome these challenges, I looked to natural dyeing community, attended workshops and classes, and dedicated countless hours to practice and experimentation. I also had to navigate the complexities of running a small business, from marketing and branding to managing finances and logistics. It is still something I am working on every day!

Through this journey, I’ve learned the importance of patience, perseverance, and a deep respect for the natural world. I’ve learned to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and to stay true to my values and vision, even when faced with obstacles.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that it’s more than just about creating beautiful textiles; it’s about fostering a deeper connection to nature, supporting sustainable practices, and preserving traditional craftsmanship. I truly hope to inspire others to appreciate the beauty and richness of natural dyes and to try it out themselves!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love when besties visit! I think the most important thing of the trip would be to introduce my bestie to my Flagstaff community. We typically enjoy friend dinners at one of our houses and hikes together, I know bestie would love it.

I also have a very incredible group of maker girlies that are my rock here as an artist – Avari of Reed and Rush and Mackenzie of Simpler Clothing, my friend would need to sit in on one of our Business Bureau meetings.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom, definitely. I wouldn’t be where I am at with Walrus Baby if it weren’t for her. Starting at a young age I watched her run a business and raise a family, that’s epic. She supported me while I took on a 4 year degree in Textile Design in Philadelphia before I even realized what designing textiles really even meant and continues to support me every day with at least one phone call.

She has always been there to cheer me on during both the triumphs and challenges of my artistic pursuits. She has offered invaluable advice, listened patiently to my ideas and frustrations, and provided endless love and encouragement every step of the way. Her belief in me has been a guiding light!

Website: www.walrusbabytextiles.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/walrussssssbby

Image Credits
Margeaux Bestard Kimberly Cook

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