Meet Rachel Smith of Spring Hill/Columbia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Smith

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Seven years ago, I was going through an especially rough period in my life, struggling with depression. One day, while walking through Hobby Lobby, I found a wood burning tool on sale. Since I have always had a hidden love for playing with fire, I thought it might be fun to try. As I started experimenting with it, I discovered something amazing about the art form. With pyrography, you literally create art through the process of destruction. This resonated deeply with my personal journey. I realized I had a choice: I could let my past consume me, or I could transform my pain and hurt into something beautiful.

Pyrography became therapeutic for me in the following years. Whenever I felt overwhelmed or needed to slow down, I turned to wood burning. It forced me to embrace whatever was holding me back and channel it into creativity.

By July 2023 I knew I was not in the career I wanted and I decided I was done accepting traditional jobs. By Thanksgiving of 2023, Cinder Bella Studios was born, and soon after, I took the plunge to become a full-time artist.

What started as a therapeutic hobby became my full-time career. I spent most of my days burning wood and felt like I had finally found my calling. My art was selling quickly, and my desire to share this craft with others grew. I began teaching wood burning classes, lovingly named “Char-Cuterie” and “Bourbon, Bacon & Burn.”

Through my art, I hope to inspire people to find beauty in what is broken and burned. Through my classes, I aim to introduce others to this forgotten art form, encouraging them to slow down and embrace their mistakes as integral parts of their life’s overall art.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overcoming self-doubt has been one of my greatest challenges as an artist. For years, I grappled with low self-confidence, questioning my abilities and fearing that since I never studied art in school I would never be good enough.

In April of this year, I had a breakthrough moment. For the first time in my life, I said out loud that I was proud of myself. It was a powerful affirmation, marking a significant shift in my self-perception. I had grown so much as an artist in such a short time, and acknowledging this growth was incredibly empowering.

Another challenge I faced and am still currently facing is finding a balance between my passion and the demands of needing to make this a career and pay the bills. When Cinder Bella Studios became a full-time endeavor, there was a risk that pyrography could turn into a chore rather than a joy. To prevent this, I made a conscious effort to pace myself and maintain my love for the craft. I try to only take projects and commissions that I know I have time for, experimented with new techniques, and have been seeking inspiration from different sources. This approach helped me stay motivated and keep the creative spirit alive.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in pet portraits and animal realism. Recently, I’ve also started doing human portraits, but animal realism remains the driving force behind my commissions.

I’m particularly proud of my realism work. When I tried realism for the first time in January, I discovered I had a natural talent for it and have been trying to develop it as much as possible.

What sets me apart from other pyrographers is my preference for handcrafting most of my artwork. While I own a laser engraver and use it regularly for the wooden business cards that I’m known for, I prefer to create my art by hand. Even if my pieces aren’t perfect renditions, I hope that people who buy my art can feel my passion and story in the rawness of my work.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
This is a tough question. I don’t traditionally believe in luck; instead, I attribute many of my accomplishments to Jesus and the provision of God. Whether you see it as luck or divine intervention, the people I’ve met through networking and the timing of certain interactions have significantly boosted my business. A small commission and a simple conversation can lead to a large corporate order, or a chance meeting over coffee can result in teaching a class for a bachelorette party.

I also believe that every job I’ve had in the past has, in one way or another, prepared me to excel in this role. From being an executive assistant, property manager, and visual merchandiser to owning an advertising agency and serving as a director of marketing and communications, each position has provided me with valuable knowledge and skills that I use daily.

Pricing:

• Bourbon, Bacon, & Burn Class = $120/person
• Charcuterie Class = $85/person
• 9×13″ Pet Portraits = $350
• Home Sweet Home Ornaments = $30/each
• Other commissions vary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cinderbellastudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinderbellastudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cinderbellastudios