Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Doodeman.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kelly. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always been a crafter at heart and have been drawn to creative people. My mom taught me at an early age how to crochet and it amazed me how one long string of yarn can create so many different possibilities. Being a plant lady came later in life.
My grandparents were farmers so I think it was just inevitable that I would gravitate to plants. After a particularly difficult time in my life, I began taking ceramic classes… and became OBSESSED. It was my way of healing myself and working through a grieving process that I had no idea how to deal with otherwise. Everything just kind of snowballed from them. I channeled all the crazy energy I was feeling into Verdant Matter. I quit my job as an Occupational Therapist and started participating in farmers markets and makers events selling my ceramic planters with small succulents.
After seeing a positive response from people I got the crazy idea to open a storefront. I felt I needed to have a studio that wasn’t my 3rd-floor apartment (boxes of clay are 50lbs Y’all). So less than a year into my adventure I opened the retail store for Verdant Matter. It was so fun.
However after almost 2 years of running a retail spot, making my own product, and refusing to let go of hand picking the majority of my plants I was burning out. I decided to step back from owning a storefront. Luckily I have a friend that owns her own store with a similar vibe and she was looking to upgrade her space.
Merl Kinzie, from The Shudio, was awesome enough to take over the front of the space, share the back studio space with me, and selling my goodies. So currently I am adjusting to having more free time to be a maker and focusing on developing a growing operation of my own (currently in my apartment). And that’s just the beginning of this crazy story! I hope to continue to make changes and grow for many years to come.
Has it been a smooth road?
Oh gosh no! There’s always the financial aspect that is challenging, however, I’d say that for the most part things have gone well. The most difficult thing I deal with is trying to find a balance in life with work, family/friends/dogs, and self-care. During busy times of work, I neglect the latter two. It’s something that I constantly worry about.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in ceramics and plants. I’d say 75% of what I make in ceramics are planters. I like making planters that create a good growing environment for plants. I drill aeration holes into the sides of the pots or drainage holes in the bottom. I leave some pots unglazed inside to help wick away water.I also make other various things such as incense holders and candles. I’d say that unique to me are my moon planters and mugs.
I also specialize in houseplants. I take pride in going to greenhouses/suppliers and hand picking all my plants for events and for The Shudio. I like to make sure what I am getting is the best for the customers and is unique.
I am most proud of the philanthropic donations I was able to make when I had the storefront. I liked to donate to local organizations and to causes that matter to me. It made me feel good when people would say that they came in to buy something because they knew that part of their money was going back to help the community or to a cause that they cared about as well. When things stabilize more from the transition I would like to get back to that because it’s something I miss.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like Chicago is a great place to start out for businesses. There are so many opportunities to market yourself to other businesses/people and take part in markets and fairs.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1152 W 18th St.
- Website: verdantmatter.blogspot.com
- Email: verdantmatter@gmail.com
- Instagram: @verdant_matter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdantmatter/
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