InsectArt
KATIE VANBLARICUM
CRAWL BEFORE YOU FLY VanBlaricum’s insect career started as a hobby. When shopping for butterfly art, she couldn’t find much besides single butterflies mounted on white backgrounds. “I thought they were all boring,” VanBlaricum said. “I wanted more of a piece of art than a science specimen.” VanBlaricum decided to make her own butterfly art. Soon enough, her work created a buzz, and her friends urged her to sell her colorful creations. In 2006, InsectArt made its Etsy debut. InsectArt started as a side hustle for VanBlaricum, who worked full time as an office manager at a construction company. But when the 2008 economy caused her to lose her job, VanBlaricum turned her focus to InsectArt. While her Etsy store now brings VanBlaricum more income than she had as a full-time employee, InsectArt was not an instant success. It took over four years for her to make a livable wage. Luckily, her husband was able to support them both. “I don’t know if I would have been able to become successful without a second wage earner in house,” VanBlaricum said. “It takes a long time to build up a customer base, figure out what people want to buy and get your name out there.”
Photo by JOHN BURNS
76
May/june 2021
Some people step on bugs. Others wear them as jewelry. Katie VanBlaricum caters to the latter. As the owner of the Etsy shop InsectArt, VanBlaricum sells dried insects and things made out of dried insects. Browsing her shop, you’ll find earrings, necklaces and DIY kits. But, mostly, you’ll find pages and pages of exotic bugs.
TK Business Magazine