Daily Inspiration: Meet Cadence Mapes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cadence Mapes.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
2008, I officially started my business, combining my retail experience with lifelong artistic endeavors and education. It all started with a fondness for the old and discarded and sustainability into what eventually evolved into my line, dubbed “Cadence Innovative Designs.” I began with upcycled maps, typewriter keys, buttons, and other ephemera and created jewelry, accessories, and home decor.

After several years of successfully selling my line at markets, home parties, craft shows, and events, I also began selling unique and custom pieces to artisan galleries and boutiques across the US. My interest in promoting the value of handmade, local, and more eco-friendly products led me to open a brick-and-mortar handmade studio and shop from 2011-2013 to help other artists’ work be seen and sold alongside mine and bring unique items to the area that weren’t already represented!

2014 had me refocusing on my custom-made work for shops, galleries, and groups while also beginning to revisit and create more original art pieces again. After many requests to use my artistic skills to create custom artwork for specific locations that reflected my love of travel and places I’ve lived and visited, I made a hand-drawn line of stationery and souvenirs featuring my original art. All of this led me to the decision to combine all of my favorite things into one brand that echoes my unique style and love for vintage finds, travel, and creating artfully cluttered decor, in hoping that everyone can find the kinds of things I love having around to inspire me wherever I make my home! The result—-Domesticadence!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road? If not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes, I have changed gears, from shows to online, brick-and-mortar to wholesale. I’ve also done it full-time and alongside other careers. If being creative is part of your life, you can keep it going in whatever form best fits your current life.

As you know, we’re big fans of your work. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with it?
I am most known for my souvenirs and housewares made from upcycled maps, ephemera, and original artwork that I decoupage onto sculpted forms that I call mini-globes but are most often used as ornaments and souvenirs. My focus is on upcycling, travel, and having unique products no one else makes.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and can you share any important lessons or epiphanies with us?
Being flexible and able to pivot is always key in business, especially during COVID-19. When in-person shows weren’t available, people were traveling less, and some of the stores I sold to were closed (my products are travel and souvenir-focused), I had to pivot to cards and things with broader appeal and make sure my online presence and social media were keeping me in people’s minds.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.domesticadence.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/domesticadence/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/domesticadence
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cadencedesigns

Image Credits
Cadence Mapes