Meet Rachel Najarian | Artist

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

Hi Rachel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
If you wait until you’re ready, you’ll never do it. So here I am, trying to do it haha.

For me, and I’m sure a lot of other artists, it all started as a hobby. I took a few jewelry classes, just looking for things to do. Which eventually led to teaching myself how to macrame. At the time that I was really getting into the jewelry making, the downtown art walks were just kicking off, turning my hobby into money in my pocket.
Since then, things have changed a bit…I leaned more into the macrame, while still making jewelry. I had honed in on my craft a bit more…found my niche, if you will. Art walks have turned into farmers markets & art shows. My hobby is turning into my career!
It’s a work in progress, but I’m doing it!

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.
For the most part, I am a self taught artist. When I wanted to learn macrame, I sat on my back porch until I made a plant hanger. It took me all day to make a small one, but I did & it’s still hanging in my bathroom. Come to find out, I should have used a thicker cord, just starting out…makes sense now haha. I’ve since then learned some new tricks & gotten a little quicker haha.

Patience got me through it, that day & I try to practice it everyday.

It’s never easy starting a business, but you have to start somewhere…mine is still a work
in progress, but I’m continuously working towards my goals. I’m excited to see where it takes 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.
Oh man, where to begin… Let’s say it’s Sunday, and you’re looking for a Funday 😉 you have to start with the brunch at Manhattans Pub & Cheer, you won’t be disappointed! From there, depending on the time of year..let’s call it summer…we’re hopping on scooters & heading towards the stadium for a baseball game, making a few pit stops along the way…Durty Bird, Chevys Rooftop for some quick country tunes haha. On our way home we’re hitting up Lickity Split for some ice cream. And topping it all off with pizza & music at the legendary Village Idiot!
Places not to miss while said friend is in town also include Byblos, Kengo, Deseo, The Toledo Zoo, Glass City Park, the art museum..just to name a few. –

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?
I have a huge support system around me, but without a doubt, my parents are on the top of that list. One or both of them have been at any event I’ve done, since the beginning. Sometimes pulling a chair right up next to me, Saturday mornings are spent at the farmers market. It’s not easy, but they’re there cheering me on, or picking me up & I’m grateful for that. Along with them, there are a couple others in my corner. My friend Carey, as my former roommate she’s seen it all haha. Always cheering me on, keeping me grounded & making sure I’m taking care of me. My partner in crime, Mary who is also an amazing stained glass artist. We keep each other going…doing shows together, bouncing ideas back & forth, whatever it may be, we’re learning together.

Website: Coming soon!

Instagram: @makin.it.rayna

Facebook: @makinitrayna

Image Credits
Odelia Photography (@odeilaphotography)