Today we’d like to introduce you to Carey Appel.
Carey, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My love for the tiny world started when I was five. I would design dollhouses all day and lose track of time. As an avid miniature collector, I’d pick up miniature accessories wherever I traveled. As a young adult, my dream was to craft a miniature old French farmhouse. In the meantime, I owned a chain of retail home stores (Salutations Home). My favorite part of the business was displaying the merchandise when it arrived. Kind of like arranging dollhouses, but on a much larger scale! When I sold the last store and moved to Ojai, I had visions of raising chickens. So the first thing we built was a chicken coop. Breeds were selected to assure an array of blue, green, olive, brown and pink eggs. My obsession with chickens only growing, I began looking for miniature garden and chicken coop accessories. One day, I got the idea of crafting miniature chicken dioramas inside of cigar boxes… First, they began as miniature coops and everyday scenes embodying my love of animals. But, they have gradually come to include more sophisticated activities and travels. Many incorporate my husband Tracy’s photos; others whimsical art I have discovered. But they all share something in common; they each feature a chicken. One, two, sometimes accompanied by a cow, or goat, or bunny or pig. I call them “Storyboxes”, because there is a story and an inspiration behind each one.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Well, I am a niche. So I don’t resonate with the world. I show in a local gallery here in Ojai called Poppies. Some people just walk right by the display, while others stare at each piece. For those with whom the boxes resonate and can afford them, it’s an easy sale. But, price point is an issue here. So it’s the delicate balance of making my art affordable, while at the same time, getting the material and labor costs covered. It’s always about finding the right audience for what you do and getting the word out. I’ve been asked to participate in local art shows and my audience is growing. Now custom orders come about twice a month, so the word is starting to get out!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Once Upon a Storybox – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Well, it is more “art” than business. I guess what sets me apart is the creativity and whimsy. I make stories in little boxes for people to enjoy. When someone wants to “climb in” to one of my storyboxes, that is the ultimate compliment. Being surrounded by challenges all around us on so many levels, I am happy to bring a smile to a face and an escape from reality.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m designing boxes for wineries around California that feature their vineyards as the backdrop, and their logo on a wine barrel. Depending on the volume needed at each location, will determine how many people I need to hire to help! It’s a big next step!
Pricing:
- Prices start at $110
- $150 for custom designs.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.onceuponastorybox.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Onceuponastorybox
- Facebook: @ojaistorybox
Image Credit:
Personal. Photo and cruise ship by Tracy Albert; Pink Moment by Victoria Adam; Red Farmhouse by Scott Wheeler
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