Meet Something to Cherish
Do you have a story behind your company name?
Yes, Something to Cherish® is a play off of my birth name, Cherish, which means: beloved, to treasure, to care for, or to hold dear. When I started this art brand in 2007, I didn't know what I wanted to call it, but the mystery was soon solved with a call from my mom who had been talking with my grandmother. They had brainstormed the name “Something to Cherish.” I thought it was a wonderful name but assumed that somebody else was already using it. To my surprise, the trademark was available.
Something to Cherish® means that life is a gift to cherish. It’s an extension of my family legacy that focuses on loving and caring for people from all walks of life. As a community, if we’ve learned nothing else from the past years of Covid, hopefully, we have learned that no one is promised tomorrow, and we all need meaningful human connection. This present moment truly is a sacred gift to be cherished.
So true, and we love how personal your company name is. How did you get your start?
Since I was a little girl, I made art and played “gift shop” by creating amusing little things for all my family members to “purchase.” I even offered a gift wrapping service! In high school and college, I was fortunate to study art and earned multiple degrees in illustration, fine art, and design. Initially, I concentrated on children’s book illustration. After illustrating my first two books, I started a greeting card company and began assisting independent publishers in publishing their own books, which led me to realize my gift for artistic product development.
Early in my career, I was selected to lead the art team for a company owned by Clint Eastwood (Tehama), where I learned about the intricacies of product development from firsthand experience, designing high-end resort wear that often appeared in celebrity sightings. I was also appointed to create surface pattern designs for the IZOD G (a PVH brand) and Arnold Palmer fashion lines where I learned about licensing and our global apparel markets.
Wow that is really cool. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?
My favorite part is the spark creation that takes me off into a flow of delightful surprises, one after another. I often see things in colors and words before I see images. So, it's a fascinating journey to put pictures to the feelings and sensations that I have in my brain to help bring a story and vision to fruition. Stretching myself to use my various gifts and life experiences in each project is also challenging and fun.
Can you tell us what a typical day is like in the studio for you?
One of the reasons I always wanted to be an artist is that I thrive on atypical days, as spontaneity is often the fuel for my next brainchild. However, I have also learned the importance of honoring my circadian rhythm so I am dedicated to opening and closing a day with a certain routine. Every morning I begin in the studio with a gratitude painting practice where I take out a blank sheet of watercolor paper, prepare my watercolors, and let my wet brush guide the painting. After this, I may work on a visual project, meet with business associates, teach an art class, work in my garden, take a walk, take an entrepreneurship class, and/or hop in and out of the computer to facilitate momentum – it all depends on the season, the deadlines, and my current endeavors.
Love that the first part of your day is a painting! What inspires you to create?
My work is highly inspired by nature. I love the little intricacies of how a flower buds, how a blade of grass is swept along in a creek, the rustling sway of trees, the taste of the life-giving herbs, and the way we are all connected on the substance of earth amid an infinite starry landscape. I’m enthralled with the divine order of things and honored to contribute my song to the vast chorus of creation.
Do you have a favorite item you have made?
There is a range of beautiful things I have created over the years, but I am still exceptionally proud of the tote bag I designed for my “Elements by Cherish” line in partnership with Studio M. Each beautiful canvas bag in this collection not only reflects the joys of the elements of earth, fire, wind, air, and cosmos as interpreted by my watercolor designs, but the leather-handled bags are very sturdy and are designed to travel both near and far. I designed it with my ballet dancing sister in mind (it’s amazing how much they need to carry to each show!). Its big size and pockets fit everything you need for work or leisure. I love mine for a trip to the farmer’s market, and I have been known to use it as a weekender bag to the hot springs or beach. And best yet, it stows perfectly underneath an airline seat!
That is a true win! What do you love most about Colorado?
As a multi-generational native of Colorado, I adore the sunrises and sunsets over the purple mountain majesties. Living against the foothills, I love the close proximity to both the yawning prairies out east and the mountain passes to the west. I’m excited by the future with its expanding cultural opportunities and reflect on my deep family history roots in this little corner of the planet.
What will you be bringing to Jackalope?
I’m excited to debut a new collection of tablet-friendly handbags, luxurious handmade silk scarves, accent pillows, boho baby blankets, and other accessories featuring my watercolor designs. In addition, I will be displaying a series of signed and numbered prints, as well as a selection of original watercolor paintings.
Anything special you would like to add?
While it’s a joy to share resplendent watercolor stories and inspiring words through quality designed goods that become a part of everyday life, it’s also important to remember the bigger picture. Because of the success of Something to Cherish®, it’s an honor to partner with non-profits that help me plant fruit trees in vulnerable areas where food, jobs, and vegetation is necessary for communities to survive and thrive. I love how one fruit tree can multiply into many possibilities for provision, nourishment, and even seeds for future trees, practically cherishing both people and the planet for many years.
Lastly, I'm excited that Jackalope is coming to this special area of Colorado, home to so many people who have supported my art journey over the last 20 years. I'm thrilled to have a venue to share my latest works and to celebrate this special milestone.
We can’t wait to see you in person this August 5th & 6th for Jackalope Arvada!
Where to see more of Something to Cherish:
Website | https://www.SomethingToCherish.com
Instagram | @somethingtocherish