Q + A with Cleveland Flea Artist in Residence, Aubree Bauer.

We recently sat down with our Flea Artist in Residence (a new position this year at Cleveland Flea) to get to know her better.

Name: Aubree Bauer

Company: Folk + Flora Design Co.

Flea: What do you make / design / publish / create?

Aubree: I illustrate and design greeting cards, tee shirts, and home goods. I also paint original gouache paintings and sell giclee prints of them.

Tell us why you're different from others in your field.

I have a unique + very ornate artistic style. My work is a more detailed take on traditional folk art.

What's one of your biggest goals right now?

I just recently moved to Cleveland from Vermont, so a big goal of mine is to get to know more creatives in the area!

How long have you wanted to be doing this type of work?

I have wanted to be an artist ever since I can remember. I used to continuously draw flowers as a child (and I still do draw a lot of flowers!)

Who are your dream clients?

My dream client is someone who isn’t afraid to be different,. A brand or business who wants to stand out from the crowd to an Individual who wants a unique + vibrant painting for their living space.

What has been one of the BEST surprises about starting your own endeavor?

I think the worst experiences have turned out to be the best surprises because each experience has become such a learning tool that has helped build my business and grow my confidence.

What has been the hardest part of making this business / endeavor work?

The financial struggles are a constant in the beginning as you are continually putting money into your new business before seeing anything in return. It results in a lot of fear, stress, and doubt but if you are passionate and confident and have the right support systems in place than you can get through it! That financial fear and risk can can end a business before it begins so I turned it into my biggest motivator.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Owning a storefront for Folk + Flora and painting murals around the city of Cleveland!

What is your favorite food & why.

I have so many. I put sriracha on everything. I love hummus. I love portabelo mushrooms. I love ice cream. I have too many favorites.

What's one experience from your childhood that you feel helped shape you into who you are now?

Growing up in Vermont has had the biggest impact on me. It’s a weird state and I’m a weird human.

What's something you're most proud of?

My relationships. I take pride in my friendships both new and old and try to surround myself with people who inspire me and who do good in the world.

What's the scariest decision you've ever made?

I’ve made a lot of “scary” decisions in my life so far. I’ve moved to new states, worked many new jobs, dealt with extreme loss resulting in tough choices, started my small business, etc. But to me, all of the scary decisions were (and still are) necessary stepping stones and lessons to follow my dreams!

What's one self-care practice that you've developed for yourself or something that you just really LOVE to do?

I’ve made it a habit to light incence and stretch in the morning. I also love to cook (especially Sunday night dinners!) and I love to run!

Where are your favorite places to eat / shop / explore / support?

I am new to the area but I love buying groceries at Ohio City Provisions, vintage shopping at Helm, buying beans and drinking pour overs at Phoenix Coffee, going to the movies at Cedar Lee, and running through the parks in Lakewood!

(Photos by Jarendash Photography)