Creative Careers in the Arts Interview

John and Sandy's Arizona Rattlesnake Crafts & Rocks

By Chris Dunmire

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Q: Is this ‘just a job’ or do you truly find personal fulfillment in what you do?

A: While working in an office for over 20 years, I never did have much of an interest in making things with my hands, but once I left the work-a-day job, it became a necessity. And now, I do get a large degree of satisfaction from creating things out of the snakeskins, leather and bones.

Q: Do you take custom requests from people who want something special made?

A: We decided at the onset not to accept "custom" jobs. Due to our remote location, the communication between prospective buyers and us can be a problem, and we'd rather sell something where the customer saw the finished product, prior to buying it.

Q: What else would you like to share about yourself or Rattlesnake Crafts and Rocks?

A: About 5 years ago we both became very interested in rocks and minerals after going to the world-famous rock show in Quartzsite, Arizona. Since then, we've created quite a display area of pretty rocks, and we sell some of the smaller rocks and minerals. They have become very popular with our younger visitors.

We have an "Honor" system for our customers. No one waits on them as in the standard gift shop...we have a wooden box outside the door where they write down what they purchased and leave the money in the box. Over the years, it's worked out well for us, but of course you couldn't get by with this in the city.

When people pay by check, we use their address to send them a post card that is good for $5 toward any purchase on a return trip. Our record for a visitor saving that post card and returning for the $5 off, is a period of 8 years.

It has been an interesting life for us and we've had over 150 old friends and relatives from the Rockford area visit us over the past 30 years...that wouldn't have happened had we not chosen such a unique way of making a living. •

© 2010 Chris Dunmire. All rights reserved.

About the Author | More by Chris Dunmire
Chris Dunmire is the founder of Creativity Portal®, a Kaizen-Muse™ creativity coach, artist, and writer who works with creative clients through overwhelm, procrastination, perfectionism, and other blocks to their creativity (personal or professional) while holding the space to experience more joy, humor, and ease in their lives and work. Contact Chris to explore how creativity coaching can open and enhance your life!

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