Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Lane Hayes.
Carla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Charlotte, NC. As a child of the 60’s-70’s, I’m reminded how free spirited it truly was then.
Absorbing all of the outdoor elements. This is where I spent most of my time.
I loved the wooded area’s on our property. I was especially drawn to the creek. I would kneel on the large rocks, studying the water bugs, fish & crawdads that lived in that beautiful world.
Here is where I first fell in love with all living creatures.
I bonded with one squirrel in particular, that I was able to hand feed.
I called him Pedro.
Our connection was trusting.
We understood each other.
It was during those youthful years where I began to absorb art in nature.
Fascinated by so many colors, textures & sounds that told a story in the quietness of the woods.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the past 15 years, I have been caring for my elderly mother. She is funny and witty, with a kind and loving soul. Caring for her can be challenging but also a privilege that I treasure every day. I find more challenges and obstacles in finding time to work on my art.
Being semi-retired I tend to squeeze in just enough time to complete my projects.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I currently work part-time in a color lab for an ink manufacturer in Charlotte, W.M. Plastics Screen Printing Ink Manufacturer. I love my job as well as the company that I work for.
My creativity came to me later in life.
It began by organizing a fundraiser for a former classmate that had inherited Huntington’s Disease (H.D.). A fatal neurodenerative disorder that causes progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.
I was heavy hearted and wanted to raise money to support H.D. research.
I created a private group on Facebook, inviting former classmates and family to join. We are a close knitted community on the west side of Charlotte. The strong and positive support was overwhelming. We exceeded our goals!
I began making homemade products to sell in order to raise money. Organic cooking extracts, body butter, sugar scrubs and salts. I even bottled my family’s bbq sauce. A treasured recipe from my grandparents previous BBQ restaurant.
I needed to brand these products, so I named the products after my mother, “Bab’s”.
I printed labels from a photo of her when she was 19 years old. She’s now 94. I placed her name and lovely face on every Bab’s product.
My mother would ride along with me as we personally delivered each order. Bab’s was a big hit and everyone enjoyed seeing her again or meeting her for the first time.
After several years of hosting the H.D. fundraisers, our dear friend had lost his battle with H.D. We all were collectively devastated.
I then tapped into my artistic desires and created my business “Resin Eight”. I began designing resin art. Charcuterie boards, wine glasses, bookmarks, trivets & coasters. I also added beautiful colors with resin to stainless steel charms to create jewelry.
I currently have my pieces displayed at two locations in NC.
Tiffany’s Antique Shop in Grover and Cool Beans Cat Cafe in Gastonia.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
To me, what really matters is coming together to support each other. We feed from one another. This sustains physical, emotional and spiritual nourishment allowing us to continue to grow together.
I have continued selling my artwork through fundraisers. I now support our local animal rescues. These medical rescue teams save abused and horribly neglected dogs and cats.
They are angel’s on earth.
They are my heroes.
I am so very passionate supporting our local animal shelters and rescues.
This passion began long ago in the quietness of the woods, when I first fell in love with all living creatures.
