Meet Erika Haas | Macrame & other fiber artist

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

Hi Erika, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
All my life I’ve been creative, I’d make something out of nothing and be proud of it! My family really catered to my creativity and allowed me to explore whatever medium I was interested in. I’ve always been passionate about upcycling, and making something more beautiful than it was before. This is still a value I carry over into my business today by using recycled fiber and shipping materials. Two years ago my dad passed away & this was really hard on me. I was sinking into depression and couldn’t find my way out. My therapist suggested finding something outside of myself, keeping my mind and hands busy. I discovered macrame, taught myself how to knot and was in love! I didn’t think I’d make any type of career of it at first. I was encouraged by my family and friends to pursue a career in my craft, because I do what I do differently than anyone else they’d seen. After a while, I agreed I had unique pieces and decided to take a chance and bet on myself. I had – and still have, a great support system who encourage me when I need it. Having them in my corner makes choosing myself easy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I use 100% recycled, all natural, hand dyed cotton cord that is safe for all humans! My designs are versatile & modern & offer beauty as well as functionality to any home style. Every item I make is crafted with love & i put my heart into every single knot & design. Being a single mom of 3, has taught me the importance of hard work & determination and I pour those values into my craft. What will set me apart from other macramé artists is my attention to detail & use of sustainable, eco friendly materials. I don’t limit my craft to wall hangings & I love to make functional items. I love to use items in my craft that are found locally & recycling/up-cycling. Such as: making my own faux-driftwood from branches fallen near my home, creating bags from tshirts that have been donated to local thrift stores, using local artists to create my logos/business cards/stationary, & thrifting/up cycling most items in my vendor booth used as displays, etc
I really do fall in love with every piece I create, but more than anything else I absolutely love creating baby mobiles! Making mobiles allow me to create macrame in a different way than most artists do, and really be creative. I don’t just make your standard rainbow mobiles, I create 3D shapes and animals, and I’m always trying something different.

I’m still growing, I’m busy with orders but it’s not my full time gig yet. I’m happy with my YOY growth, but i have big dreams! Ideally if someone in the upstate thinks “macrame” I want them to think “MacraMom” or “Erika”.

I’ve learned what I do isn’t for everyone and that’s okay. All I can do is put things out into the world that make me happy, and hope they find their way to someone else to make as happy as they do me.

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 have lots of out of town friends! When one comes to town we always hit downtown, definitely falls park and walk the bridge, check out the falls and grab ice cream at one of our many ice cream shops. We would probably go to cedar falls for a little easy trail walking, and more waterfalls. We love to eat at Gather Gvl because there’s something for everyone! We truly have so much to offer here, or nearby. I love living in Greenville!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My entire family has been so supportive on my journey but I’d particularly like to shout thanks to my baby brother Kyle and my 3 kids. They’ve been here by my side, letting me know if something just isn’t up to par, needs tweaking, and offering the most insane encouragement! I know if I share any part of my journey it’ll be met with applause and they’re sure to share with others, as well as totally rock any piece I create for them. Thank you for supporting me, allowing me to find this new part of myself and reining me in when needed.

Website: MacraMom.MacrameE.Etsy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macramom.macrame?igsh=MXRxajVheGU2a3VuZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: facebook.com/macramom.macrame

Image Credits
Erika Haas