Check Out Julie Kaczorowski’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Kaczorowski.

Hi Julie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
My art business is Riverside Originals by Julie, and it’s a lifetime of creativity that has bloomed into a full-time job. I’ve always been an artist, although I’m not formally educated. My jobs through the years have included art, creativity, and always paint! From working at my parents’ paint and wallpaper store, teaching tole painting on the side, hand painting ornaments at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, teaching mosaics at a local pottery shop, and working in the paint department at our local hardware, I’ve learned so much. But being a practical person, I continued to work rather than pursue my art more seriously. That is until something sparked the fire inside of me! My daughter asked me to paint on a pair of shoes. She wanted something that represented our hometown Sebewaing. I came up with a sunset/silhouette scene of the Saginaw Bay, complete with the Sugar Factory. The idea took off, and I found myself painting shoes and bags for friends and family. After a suggestion from my husband and an experiment with fluidart and resin, my art took a total turnaround. I started combining this with traditional art and even metal, focusing on functionality. Things like small tables, cutting boards, coasters. But wall art as well. Of course, I don’t always work alone. My husband Brian has been a fantastic teammate, and he pours many of my fluid art backgrounds and much of the resin. We started this shortly before Covid, but for us, Covid provided an opportunity! I quit my job to care for my ailing mother and officially start our business. Sadly, we lost my mom along the way. But not only was I able to care for her, but she got to see of all this. She was an aspiring artist herself in her youth, and she was always encouraging and full of ideas. We are proud to continue that legacy, and we are growing and exploring new opportunities all the time. Currently, our business relies mostly from sales at larger arts and crafts shows. (We try to do at least 2 a month). But we also supply several gift shops with our pieces, as well as sales through our Facebook page. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For me, being taken seriously as a true artist was a struggle. Most of my learning took place in a small craft store in Bat City, as well as a few classes from artist friends and a ton of experimenting. In the past, no formal art education meant you would have to use your art as your “side hustle.” So much has changed since the 90s! Social media as a selling platform has been amazing! But I truly think people now have a new appreciation for art. Not to mention all the new products and learning processes available on the internet. It’s changed everything. It seems people are more willing to buy art now that they know how much goes into it. Of course, learning the ropes on how to operate a small business is ALWAYS a continuous challenge. 

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?
We are a unique combination of fluidart, traditional art, metal, airbrush, and resin. We use everything I’ve learned in the past to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Even our lettering is hand painted. Our focus is Michigan woods and waters! We love our area, and we have such a beautiful state! Its shape, beachy coasts, forests, rivers, and wildlife provide so much to paint. Bringing our love of Michigan to the people…that’s probably the backbone of Riverside Originals. To see it from my eyes and learn a new appreciation is our goal. Of course, we can’t forget our touch of tropical art as well. Art that makes you feel good! 

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I’m sure trends will change along the way… Just like household decor, things come and go. Because of my decorating background, I’m always researching what’s new, and what we offer will change accordingly. We also hope to expand into more gift shops in the future and explore other opportunities as well. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Riversideoriginals
• Facebook: Riverside Originals by Julie