Conversations with Becky Weatherby

Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Weatherby.

Hi Becky, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Hi, I am Becky Weatherby, owner of So What Creations – I’m a mother of 5, stepmother of 2, grandma to 8, and great-grandma to 1. I have spent the last 40-plus years creating everything from parties to memory bears, custom blankets, macramé items, and personalized gifts. It took me years to realize that being creative in my sewing room was my God-given talent and that making custom items was a specialty of mine. I now understand the passion that is in me. I love to create items that put smiles on people’s faces and help build memories to last a lifetime. I was not always aware of this gift for creating; in fact, I used to be very much a tomboy.

I grew up in rural Kansas and loved being outside with my dad working in the fields, milking cows, and caring for the livestock. I married at the age of 21, had 4 babies (3 of them little girls), and decided I’d better learn to sew some cute outfits and dolls for them. I started teaching myself to sew and I learned to applique. I fell in love with crafting from the first item I made. I started my own little company back in Kansas where I would have craft parties in people’s homes (kind of like Tupperware parties) and they would buy my dolls and other items. I have won awards for my work and have clients all over the United States. We relocated to California in 1991 due to a job transfer for my husband at the time. We divorced a short time after the move, and a few years later I remarried and had baby number 5. I continued creating and crafting throughout the years. I wake up every morning and ask the Lord, “What should we make today?” He never lets me down with a new idea or a new client.

In 2020 I started acquiring some rental furniture and accessories that people can rent for DIY parties. I get to add my creations to each and every party that I’m blessed to be a part of, which adds a special one-of-a-kind unique memory to each one. I love my gift and strive to put it to the best use that I can every single day. I have a quote from Erma Bombeck on my wall that sums it up perfectly; “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest struggle for me has been time. As with all of us, life gets in the way and we have to sidestep sometimes and do what we have to do – taking care of the family, and working to help support the family. I also have some issues with carpal tunnel and had to have a few surgeries on my hands. This was a minor setback for a few weeks. Now that I am retired, I get to devote a full 8 hours a day to my craft.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
For most of the years I have been crafting and creating, I never considered myself an artist. For many years it was a passion of mine but done mostly as a side-gig/hobby. In my professional life, I was in business and helped start a company and also managed REO departments for several different companies. It has only been the last 5 years that I have been able to devote the bulk of my time to my craft and realized that others see me as an artist. I have had many people come up to me at arts and crafts shows and tell me how much they love my art. The passion inside of me to use my hands to create is a burning fire.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have had the best support anyone could ever have. First, I want to thank God for the talent he has given me. Credit also goes to my husband who is so patient and never complains about the mess I can make in our home. All of my children deserve to be recognized for years of supporting me. My oldest son would always spend hours just talking to me and keeping me company in my craft room.

My girls have helped me with shows throughout the years and are forever my, “how does this look” critics and sounding board. My youngest son is always helping me with photos and anything tech-related, as well as moving heavy items for shows and party rentals. My friend Sheri never lets me give up and always has great ideas to try. Most of all, I am thankful for my clients who give me the greatest smiles and hugs.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/sowhatcreations
• Facebook: facebook.com/sowhatcreations