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Rising Stars: Meet Tristen Bailey of Portage,MI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tristen Bailey.

Hi Tristen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It’s been a while, so allow me to reintroduce myself. I’m Tristen, the heart behind Tristen’s Trademark. I’m a resin artist, creative soul, and business owner who finds peace and purpose through art. While I do work a traditional 9–5, this craft is my sanctuary. You can explore my work or inquire through my website, TristensTrademark.com

I earned my BBA in Business from Western Michigan University, majoring in Human Resources. My journey with resin began in late 2018, early 2019, starting with coasters and quickly expanding into more meaningful creations. It might sound cliché, but “she believed she could, so she did” truly captures my story.

My biggest inspiration was my older sister, who encouraged me to trust my creativity and take the leap into resin art. My dad… now watching over me was my earliest and most honest supporter. He kept nearly all of my trial pieces and offered feedback that I still carry with me today. I miss his words deeply, but they continue to guide me.

Between 2021 and now, my work has grown in ways I’m so proud of. I’ve had the honor of preserving:

Ashes and memorial keepsakes

Wedding, funeral, and celebration flowers

Countertop, bathroom, and floor resurfacing projects

Even a custom river table!

Every piece I create is made with intention, care, and love!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path hasn’t always been easy. Like many artists and business owners, I faced the unexpected challenges that came with COVID-19 from supply chain disruptions to the emotional toll of isolation and uncertainty.

A bit of time had passed and recently have experienced a tragic family loss that shifted my entire world. Grief has a way of pausing everything, and for a time, I had to put my business and creative passions on the back burner just to breathe.

Then came the decision to pursue my MBA, which meant late nights, tight deadlines, and sacrificing creative time to achieve a major personal and professional milestone. There were seasons where resin had to wait while I focused on building a foundation for long-term success.

Through it all, I never lost sight of why I started: to create with intention, to preserve memories, and to bring joy and peace to others through art. These hardships deepened my purpose, and every comeback has made my work more meaningful.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What Do I Do?

At Tristen’s Trademark, I specialize in custom resin art that tells a story. From sentimental keepsakes to bold statement pieces, I turn memories and moments into preserved, tangible art. I create everything from resin blocks and trays to jewelry, magnet sets, and furniture accents each piece is handcrafted with love, care, and intention.

What Do I Specialize In?

I specialize in floral preservation, memorial pieces, and custom resin designs that honor life’s most meaningful moments. My work includes:

Wedding, funeral, and celebration flower preservation

Breast milk jewelry, created to honor motherhood in the most intimate and beautiful way

Ash memorials, offering families a gentle and lasting way to keep loved ones close

Custom coasters, trays, bookmarks, and ornaments

Furniture-grade projects like resurfaced countertops and a full river table, designed with both style and emotion in mind

What Am I Known For?

I’m most known for blending elevated design with emotional depth. My clients often come to me for pieces that are not just decorative, but deeply personal and intentional. Whether it’s a custom floral block from a wedding bouquet or a necklace made from preserved breast milk, my goal is always to preserve the heart behind the moment.

You may have also seen me at The Wings Event Center craft shows, where I proudly showcase my art alongside other local makers. Every magnet, coaster, or resin Michigan I display carries its own unique flair, and no two pieces are ever the same.

What Am I Most Proud Of?

One of my proudest accomplishments is creating a resin river table, a dream piece that required patience, precision, and creativity, and proved to myself that I could go beyond traditional forms and take on large-scale projects with confidence.

I’m also incredibly proud of the trust my clients place in me to handle their most cherished memories, whether it’s preserving a bridal bouquet, creating a memorial for a loved one, or capturing a season of motherhood.

What Sets Me Apart?

What sets me apart is the emotional connection I build with my clients and the multi-dimensional nature of my work. I don’t just pour resin! I pour intention, memory, and story into every mold. Every piece I make is one-of-one, designed to reflect the client’s heart and vision.

While my work is highly creative, I also approach it with the professionalism and structure I’ve developed through my MBA education and HR/business background. It’s art backed by purpose, and made to last.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Who Deserves Credit?

Behind every strong brand is a strong support system, and I am incredibly grateful for the people who’ve cheered me on, held space for me, and believed in my vision, even in seasons when I was still learning to believe in myself.

My Dad 🕊️

My biggest cheerleader and forever #1. He supported me from day one, collecting my early test pieces and offering honest, loving feedback. His pride in my work lives on in every piece I create. I carry his voice and energy into each new project, and he continues to inspire me from above.

My Sister

She was the one who watered the seed and said, “You can do this.” Without her push, I may have never tried resin in the first place. Her encouragement gave me the courage to explore my creativity and put my work into the world.

My Mom

My steady rock and safe place. She’s stood beside me through every challenge, celebrated every win, and reminded me to keep going when things got tough. She also loves to buy my work & give it as gifts to her employees!!

My Nephew

He brings joy, light, and laughter into my world. He’s my “YOU GOT THIS” on so many days a reminder to create, to dream, and to keep making things full of color and meaning.

My Friends

The friends who hype me up, who share my work, who show up at craft shows, and who offer pep talks during crunch time you all mean the world to me. Your love fuels my creativity.

My Clients

Every single person who’s trusted me with their memories, who’s let me experiment, test, and grow thank you. From the first countertop to a full river table, your belief in my work allows me to do what I love. You are not just clients you’re co-creators in these stories.

Pricing:

  • 10.00
  • 80.00
  • 200.00
  • 700.00
  • 3,000.00

Contact Info:

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