Ashley Morken
Pamper yourself this month with local maker PiscesPieces Handmade!
Tell us a bit about yourself:
Hi! My name is Christy and I’m the Owner and Creator of PiscesPieces Handmade. I grew up in Pembina, N.D., and moved to Fargo after I graduated from high school. I’ve been in Fargo for almost 12 years now and I really enjoy it here! My husband and I have been married for almost nine years and we have five boys, Ethan (13), Noah (9), Dalen (5), Christian (5) (twins) and Leo (1). We are definitely busy, but we love it!
When I’m not working in retail and chasing after my kids, I make time for my business. Sometimes that means being up until 2 a.m., making products for stores or completing online orders. Creating bath products makes me happy, so if I have to sacrifice some sleep for some happiness, I’m okay with that.
Describe what you create under PiscesPieces Handmade?
I make bath and body products. All of my products are handmade and are made from scratch. The products that I hand-make are Bath Bombs, Roll-On Perfumes and Colognes, Aluminum Free Deodorant, Shower Steamers, Masks, Bubble Scoops, Whipped Body Polish, Whipped Soap, Bath Salts, Body Butter and Sugar Scrubs. Some of my products are also vegan!
How did you get into this type of handmade business?
I first started out making jewelry and playing with beads. A friend of mine made jewelry and she got me into it. When I had some pieces made, I started up an Etsy shop. I jumped from making jewelry to making bath bombs. I remember my first batch, I failed miserably! I started tweaking and making my recipe just right. I make about 12 different products right now and I am always thinking about more. I love testing and trying new products. Figuring out the perfect recipe for a product is such an amazing accomplishment for me.
Favorite product you currently make?
Whipped soap is my favorite product that I currently make. It has a creamy and fluffy texture and makes an amazing, lush lather that leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. You can use it in place of body wash or shaving cream as well.
Favorite scent you use?
I have two favorite scents actually. I absolutely love the “Bite Me” scent that I use in my bath bombs and I am also very fond of the scent “Killer” that I use in my roll-on perfume.
“Bite me” scent has fresh citrus notes of lime and orange, with effervescent highlights, that blend into a very luscious mix of berry and cherry. The “Killer” scent is an irresistible floral fragrance, that has notes of plum, red velvet flower, tempting jasmine and dark patchouli.
If someone really wanted to pamper themselves, which products of yours would you recommend?
I would definitely recommend one of my Bath Bombs first, to have an amazing and relaxing bath. The Bath Bomb will make your skin soft with its oils and salt. Then my Sugar Rush Sugar Scrub to exfoliate away any dead skin. Next, Whipped Soap to get all squeaky clean. Finally, after the bath is complete, Dream Cream Body Butter. It is a thick and luxurious body butter made with Shea and Cocoa butter. A must-have for our winters here in Fargo!
What is your favorite thing about having a maker business?
I love being able to create whatever I want and make it as awesome as possible. It makes me happy to be creative and experiment with how my products are made, even though some parts are frustrating, I totally love it! I think it also sets a great example for my children, that hard work pays off and building something from the ground up is worth it.
What is the most challenging thing?
The most challenging thing I think is coming up with a product that is new, fresh and different. It can take me a bit but, when something finally comes together in my mind, something that I have been working on forever is complete, then it’s absolutely worth it.
What advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Relax and calm down. Try not to put so much pressure on yourself. Success will come from hard work and dedication and that you will make it. Everything will all fall into place as it should.
Where can people find your work?
People can find my work in several stores in North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota and on my website.
How can we stay in touch?
piscespieceshandmade.com
facebook.com/piscespieceshandmade
Instagram: @piscespieceshandmade
