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

Hi NICOLE, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea of my business emerged during the pandemic. I had a career working as a visual merchandiser for Anthropologie for over a decade. I loved creating art daily, merchandising the product and connecting with customers; sharing all of the ideas, inspiration, but most of all encouraging others to get involved with art!
Problem solving is my favorite art form. Figuring out how to incorporate everything I loved about retail into my own business was a challenge, but a fun one!
I’ve been able to turn my art in to a product line, by taking the time to learn the medium of resin and now I attended pop-ups, markets and other events, sharing my art with my community and inspiring others to do the same!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve studied many forms of art but really took to resin. It’s a bit more challenging since resin can be fickle with the air bubbles and drying time. The more hours I worked with it, the better I was able to understand it and the more I fell in love with it! The one thing that helps me stand out from others is the fact that I use all hand grown, handpicked flowers from my garden. It personalizes the art form. I also love working in layers. The trays I create with vinyl and flowers will take me up to a month to create since I have to let the layers of resin dry in-between each pouring.

The lessons I’ve learned is to take risks, challenge yourself and your mind to think larger and try thinking out of the box. If I see another resin artist doing something similar, I try to challenge my thought process to create items I don’t see anywhere else. Being different is a good thing.

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.
I love a weekend escape to clear my mind! The best place to go is the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo in California. Each room is themed and different than each other! They have an amazing steak house that has a giant tree in the middle of bright pink interior. It’s my favorite getaway spot to unwind and destress!

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?
My shoutout is to Erin Goodwin for the recommendation, also, an amazing maker! Also, to my husband, Radu, who has been a steady support, my rock and also an expert flower waterer!

Website: www.NicoleMaican.com

Instagram: @MaicanBacon; @Nicole.Maican

Youtube: Nicole Maican Handcrafted Art

Other: TikTok: @NicoleMaican

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.