Open Works
The Boutique Life at Open Works
Number one perk of writing the Open Works newsletter is the opportunity to go around asking our talented members a bunch of questions about their work. Last week I had a chance to sit down and chat with Samantha Montgomery from The Boutique Life, one of our resident members.
The Boutique Life offers custom accessories that blend bold colors with a minimalist aesthetic to creating a line of staple pieces that stand out in all the right ways, while fitting seamlessly into your person style.
A lot of that bold color, or “color therapy” as Samantha calls it, comes from the West African textiles that she sources from her family in Ghana. The designs owe a lot to her life as a self described “city chick.” The gold bands, for example, come from her experience as an avid reader on public transit. Not wanting to drop bookmarks on the dirty floor, she made one that not only clings to your book, but can also be worn as a headband or choker.
One of the first things she shared with me was that she purchased a sewing machine in 2019 to finally get serious about learning how to sew. Yeah, that’s right, those stunning pieces are created by someone who’s only been at it for three years.
Now, it’s not the first time she has had a sewing machine. Samantha grew up admiring her mother’s talent at making and altering clothes, so when she was around 12 years old, she was given her first sewing machine. What Samantha said next really resonated with me, and with so many of stories I’ve heard from would be makers, artist, musicians, or creators of any kind.
“I wanted to be amazing immediately … and when it didn’t work out, I just kinda shoved it away. So it was something I alway meant to pick up over time, but I didn’t”
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people talk about how, as a kid they used to, draw, play the violin, build models, or whatever else, and how much they want to pick it up again, but don’t because they don’t know where to start. So, it was so exciting to hear Samantha talk about getting over that hump and learning, and ultimately starting her own small business.
I hope anyone who’s been hesitating to take on learning that new skill, for whatever reason, get’s a chance to see what Samantha has built with The Boutique Life in just a few years.
You can find The Boutique Life weekly at the B&O Farmers Market on Thursdays, 4:30–7:30pm and Cross Street Farmers Market on Sunday, 10am–2pm.
Open Works Weekly 4/7/23
Increasing Digital Equity Beginning this Spring! A number of different neighborhoods throughout central Baltimore will be able to charge their devices and access WiFi thanks to our partnership with the Central Baltimore Partnership (CBP). The 29th Street Community...
Open Works Weekly 3/31/23
Do you want to bring your young person into the Textiles shop to sew with you? It's time to get them youth certified! Combined with our new youth membership option, we now offer a portable sewing machine class that prepares you and your young person for working...
Open Works Weekly 3/24/23
We've got just TWO of our 105 micro-studios left! Small but mighty, each comes with fast wi-fi, an optional workbench, and conference room privileges. But the best part is joining up with the fascinating and wide-ranging creative community! And have we mentioned the...
Open Works Weekly 3/17/23
TODAY! Join us at 10:30 with your little one for story time with Mrs. Abigail! Grab a coffee from our friends at Black Acres and enjoy songs, stories, and activities. While you're in, it would also be a perfect time to register any older siblings for Maker Camp 2023....
Open Works Weekly 3/10/23
One of our FAVORITE things to do is connect makers with opportunities! There are a lot coming up in the next few weeks -- check out the links below for accelerators, competitions, and vending opportunites.+ The inaugural Make/Space Accelerator is now accepting...
Open Works Weekly 3/3/23
Enrollment is OPEN for Maker Camp 2023! We are offering 5 weeks of half-day summer camp exploring drones, digital design, and fabrication skills for ages 8-15. All 5 weeks sold out last year, so don't wait! Scholarships are always available here. Not sure about...
Open Works Weekly 2/24/23
Today is the 3rd day of our EPIC wood shop reorganization! We are busy cleaning, labeling, engraving, inventorying, pegboarding, and moving machines to improve member experience. It will take another week or so to wrap up final touches. Going forward, each tool will...
Open Works Weekly 1/12/23
There are still a few open spot for official premiere of the Black Butterfly Dream Lab with Dr. Lawrence Brown. Participants will play the board game Urban Cipher, view a history exhibit, examine Baltimore City's budget, and literally build a more equitable...
Open Works Weekly 1/6/23
It's been quite some time in the planning process, but the cafe take-away window is finally up and running! Currently open from 8–9am, you can now grab take out from Black Acres Roastery just a few short steps away from the ample parking along Greenmount Ave. As part...
Open Works Weekly 12/23/22
Just a few quick things before we close up for the break. We're closing early today, at 3:00pm due to staff being out sick, and will be closed, as planned through 1/2/23. We want to encourage everyone to stay safe and healthy out there. We also wanted...
Station North Arts Walk
TONIGHT!!! 5–8PM Tonight is Station North Arts Walk’s Spotlight on Greenmount West and Open Works will serve as a hub with a maker’s mart, food vendors, and music from DJ Trillnatured. Registration is not required, but appreciated. Maker Vendors...
Open Works Weekly 6/24/22
Today, we’re graduating the first cohort of the Baltimore Sewn Trades Training Program!!! Congrats to Kay, Ellie, Jody, Will, T., D., and Devan! It’s hard to sum up all the hard work and detailed learning that went into completing this program, but the slim binder...
Open Works Weekly 5/13/22
Are you interested in computer-aided design, CNC routers, 3D printing, laser cutting, or making furniture? The Makers Unite CAD Training program teaches AutoDesk Fusion 360, use and operation of our CNC (computer numerical control) wood routers, and basic woodworking...
