Check Out Maria Meyer’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Meyer

Hi Maria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Mankato, MN, a small city built into the limestone bluffs that surround the Minnesota River Valley. After graduating from high-school, I moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to attend UW-M. I was majoring in Geology but found myself drawn to the art programs on campus. With some apprehension, I had to make the decision that school wasn’t the right fit for me so I set off exploring other options. I applied at art gallerys, paint stores and even a cabinet refinishing shop. I got the job at the cabinet shop which gave me a new perspective on entering the trades. A year later, I was introduced to an incredible tile installer and mosaic artist. Dragonfly Tile and Stoneworks felt like home and cemented me in the tile industry. I found all the elements that I was looking for: designing, creating, and building. Dragonfly is known for personalized hand-cut mosaic inlays and unique designs. Because of the amazing mentor that I had, I look at every tile job with presise detail and different ways of elevating every installation.

Today I am working at Nichols Terrazzo and Tile in Nashville, taking what I have learned and applying my skills in a commercial setting. As well as setting tile, I am an assistant trainer for the Artisans Revolution in Tile (ART) training program in Nashville, which is a collaboration between Lee and Jane Callewaert of Dragonfly Tile and Joshua Nordstrom of Tierra Tile. ART educates intermediate to experienced tile setters in the art of hand-cut tile inlays and design. I also find time to attend conferences to continue my education as well as improving my technical skills.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I didn’t come from a trades background when entering the trades and had very little knowledge on how to use tools and equipment, which meant I had to learn on the fly. I even kept noted in a journal to describe each tool and it’s intended use, which I quickly learned was an impossible and overly time consuming endeavor.

Designing art pieces for clients intimidated me. I had to learn how to pick up details from what they are describing, as well as features in their home and surroundings to inspire ideas.

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?
As a tile setter and contractor, I want to create installations that last for a lifetime. I prep every substrate before an installation takes place, whether that is interior or exterior, or floors, walls, and showers. This requires a diverse range of knowledge to install on all of those surfaces. What sets me apart goes back to my mentorship, which gave me experience in design custom handmade mosaic inlays, and professionalism in a high-end market.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson that I’ve learned along my journey is to value the art of the craft. It will take me continuous learning, a lifetime of hard work and endless appreciation.

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