I started StagPath because I had always wanted to make a career of my art and at the time I was feeling some financial pressure. I began listing my own centerpieces and handcrafted jewelry, all partially made with objects from nature. I've always had an immense interest in nature, so it's only natural the theme would carry over into my artwork.
Over 10 years ago I was out hiking and a plant brushed across my leg. Suddenly my skin began to burn and itch with intensity. I had to learn about the plants in the woods. I had to find out about that plant. That plant turned out to be wood nettle (closely related to stinging nettle) and it was just the beginning of a life changing adventure.
After the wood nettle stung me I went online with the intent of purchasing a book about poisonous plants so that I could better prepare myself for more adventures in the woods, but I ended up buying two books; The North American Guide to Common Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms by Nancy J. Turner and Patrick von Aderkaus and Edible Wild Plants by John Kallas. John Kallas ruled my world, and shortly after so did the teachings of Samuel Thayer and Sergei Boutenko. I invested in several books each year on plant identification, mushroom identification, foraging, and later on wilderness survival skills, primitive cooking, and food preservation. I learned about gardening, permaculture, ecosystems, self reliance, volunteerism, and so many other wonderful things over the years.
My life changed and StagPath changed alongside me. I wasn’t having many sales for the first couple of years, but I knew I could make it as a niche market if I found my people. Eventually people that wanted to know more about foraging, fossils, insects, and gardening found me. These people not only listened to me ramble on about my interests, but hung onto every word and encouraged me, even as a friend. :) Conversations would go on well passed delivery dates and it was all because I wanted to say more than “Thank you for your purchase.” And they wanted to say more too. And learn more. I even started getting postcards and a few Patreon subscribers. StagPath could be someone’s wood nettle experience. Someone’s shock to the system that encourages learning and growth. I think people come to StagPath because they have an appreciation for nature, but my hope is some of them leave with a seed planted within their minds about what their life and the lives of others around them could be like with just a little more understanding about the world around them. I want to turn wanderlust into an unstoppable wondering about everything. I want StagPath to lead to lifelong adventure.
