The summer is underway and we have decided to start a summer highlight series to take the time to showcase the women who make Babes in Business a reality. The first babe to grace our blog is Keri Decorso, the artist behind Piper.
Keri’s studio is my dream room Pinterest board come to life. I kid you not I think my jaw dropped open when I entered the space. A large wooden table stood in the center crowded with painted eucalyptus leaves, dried flowers, gold covered shells, and wood decorated to resemble the night sky, all waiting to be crafted into something beautiful. In the corner stood a white teepee which gave shelter to her adorable pup. Keri’s collections are versatile and cohesive and when in the studio with her talking about her art you can tell that this is where her passion lies. Read on to learn more about the ever-enchanting, ever-inspiring Keri.
When did you decide you wanted to start From Piper and why?
This project is something I have been cultivating for as long as I can remember. I studied Fine Arts in college and have always had an interest in home décor and a desire to create. After a few years of trying out different ideas, this past year I was really able to narrow down exactly what I wanted Piper to represent and supply.
Where/how do you find inspiration?
I’m mostly inspired by everything in nature; color palettes, seascapes, clouds formations, bodies of water, leaves in all shapes and sizes, flowers, driftwood. I also develop a great deal of inspiration from places and memories that have been meaningful to me throughout my life.
What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
Be patient with yourself and your learning process. There were many times that I felt stagnant, unproductive, and as if I wasn’t doing enough/liking what I was doing. Looking back now, I know that every trial and error, every mistake, every piece I took apart and put back together was necessary to figuring out what I really wanted to do, and how to do it.
What is one of your favorite things about what you do?
I’ve always dreamed of having a studio to work in and create beautiful things out of and the other day I realized that I somehow made that happen. There isn’t much that makes me happier or more fulfilled than to surround myself with all of my favorite materials and just make things.
What is the hardest part of your job?
Staying organized and managing my time is difficult for me. There is so much I want and need to do and it can get easily overwhelming when you’re just one person who is trying to start a business while working another job!
What is the next milestone or goal you hope to meet?
My next goal is to have my pieces in shops in different states as well as open and run a successful online store. Eventually, it would be my lifelong dream come true to have my own brick and mortar shop, but I have to remind myself to take it one step at a time!
If you could do it all over again what would you change?
I thought about this for a while, but honestly nothing. I’m grateful for everything that happened that led me to right here.
Who is someone you look up to?
My mom! I don’t think she’s ever given less than 100% to anything she’s ever done. She has this ability to create such a memorable and inspiring atmosphere around her and her living spaces. That quality is something I try to harness and transpire through my work.
What would you tell someone who wants to do something similar to you?
I often had to remind myself, “Start where you are, with what you have”. It can apply to anything, really, but it’s incredibly helpful.
How has Babes in Business helped you?
I’ve received so much support and encouragement from Babes in Business! It’s not only an amazing network built out of supportive, successful, and welcoming women, but getting in contact with Jen and realizing how seriously she took me and my business helped give me a final push to really put ‘Piper’ out there and make my aspirations a reality. I am so thankful for that!
Something Keri and I had discussed in our brief time together was the impact that Babes in Business has had on us. How being in a community of likeminded empowered women has taught us to believe in ourselves that much more. I left Keri’s humble abode that morning feeling inspired to find out what it was that made me want to push myself past the point of comfort. I hope this article leaves you feeling the same way.
*If you're interested in Keri's work check her out on Instagram:@frompiper
If you're interested in purchasing- https://www.etsy.com/shop/frompiperhandmade
as well as at the Greenery in Asbury