As you know by now, I love sharing about companies and products we love on the blog and our Instagram - and most especially those made right here in New England. Today on the blog in our New England Maker Series, I’m so excited to introduce you 11-year-old(!!) Grace Howe of Rock Art by Grace Howe - our youngest New England Maker by far! As a mom of girls myself, I find Grace so inspiring with her hard work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.

Rock Art by Grace Howe is best known for her fun and whimsical wall art made of natural stones, paint, and ink.

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your business.

My name is Grace Howe. I just turned 11 in October. I love nature, animals, making digital art, vintage campers, and so much more. I really want to live in a tiny house when I grow up and become an interior designer/art teacher. Making art is my favorite thing to do all the time!

How did you start Rock Art by Grace Howe? Had you been making rock art for awhile or was this a new leap for you?

I started my business 3 years ago when I went on vacation to Maine. I saw this cool artwork made out of rocks in a storefront and thought it would be fun to try and create something similar. Before we left, my dad and I picked up some smooth flat rocks from the oceanfront and my mom was rolling her eyes because she didn’t know what I would do with ALL these rocks. When we got home my dad made some frames and I started making some rock art themes. They turned out pretty good, so I started selling them at Farmers Markets and fairs that I go to with my family's farm. Eventually I was able to create my own Instagram account and started selling at local storefronts. I currently sell my rock art year round at Gilford Country Store in Gilford, New Leaf in downtown Laconia, seasonally at Live Love Lake and Wolfeboro Artisan Barn both located in Wolfeboro NH, Concord Handmade on Main Street in Concord (November/December), and most recently I am located at the Beyond Gallery in Bennington VT.

What does a typical day look like for you when you work on your pieces?

When I get home from school, my mom has a snack for me and I usually check if I have any orders, respond to any messages or emails that I have received. I typically work on rock art designs in the evenings. I usually work in phases. Paper and glue frames, sort rocks by size, design and create, sign and put hangers and tags on. I have swim practice three days a week, so any orders that I need to put in the mail, I take them on the way so I can get them out quickly. This may also include a trip to the bank to deposit my earnings.

What is your favorite part about running your own business? And least favorite part?

My favorite part about my business is seeing happy customers and seeing how many states and countries my rock art is shipped to. I also love to update my favorite Fed-Ex and bank tellers on my progress. My least favorite part is having so many customers at once that it gets very frustrating to get all the orders done and on time. When “famous” people give me a shout out on social media, orders tend to pour in all at once. Most of the time, orders are made to order. I don’t generally have a stockpile of rock art.

What has been the most exciting moment for Rock Art by Grace Howe since you started?

The most exciting moment for Grace’s Rock Art was achieving my $10,000 car goal! It took me 3 years, but I am so happy that I succeeded. Another one was getting a letter from Dave Ramsey saying to keep up the good work! My parents have taught me about saving, spending, and giving. I have donated to several organizations that I am passionate about with funds from my business.

What advice do you have for kids just starting out in their own business?

Be patient. There are a lot of things that go on during your first few years of starting your business. You learn what goes right and wrong and what works best for you. It takes a lot of time to get the flow of it. My parents and our family’s farm have really taught me about how to be successful. I am currently helping two other friends learn about the ins and outs of how to start.

What is your long-term goal? Where do you see yourself in five years?

In 5 years I will be buying that first car I saved for because I will be 16. My personal goal is to buy a vintage camper and make it my mobile rock art store. I love vintage campers! Maybe I’ll have a website too and I won’t have to have a typical job someone who’s 16 has; I can continue to earn income from being an artist.

Who’s one of your favorite New England Makers?

Some of my favorite art makers in New England are Dan Tavis, @dantavis. He is a watercolor, digital artist, and illustrator. He has been one of my biggest fans. He is very inspiring with his work. He sells prints, calendars, books he illustrated and original art works. I have an original Dan Tavis that I purchased from the sales of my business. I think it’s important to support local artists. Two others are my swim coach Liz McBride @elmacb who creates unique nature inspired pottery and Natalie Robitaille @handmade_by_nattie who makes the most incredible pillows and now facemasks thanks to COVID-19.

Keep Up with Rock Art by Grace Howe

| Instagram | Shop Locally in New England at: Gilford Country Store, New Leaf, Live Love Lake, Wolfeboro Artisan Barn, Concord Handmade, + Beyond Gallery |

All photos courtesy of Rock Art by Grace Howe.

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