BeautifulBowls

Oklahoma native, Martha Wooldridge, is an entrepreneur at heart. With a positive attitude and long-term goals always in mind, she has built upon her love of the Arts and experience in the business world to create a lifestyle that serves the needs of her customers as well as her independent nature.

"Over the past two decades, I've kept a running tally of the "life skills" I've obtained through raising a family and running a home, jobs in the private sector, and years of honing my craft. I've applied these experiences to many areas of life, including business and have been able to create a dream job for myself that works for all involved."

Martha's experience in the Arts came to her naturally. Her training came in the form of research, trial and error, tenacity -- and osmosis. "I grew up as the youngest child in a large family whose members all have an artistic flair. I spent lots of time sitting by my father's side, watching him paint beautiful scenes on canvas. I perused his books on drawing, leafed through series' of books on great art of the world, and tried my hand at cartooning with a Walter Foster book at my side. Although I didn't realize it at the time, I was building skills for the future."

Martha's move from "dabbler" to serious craftsperson came when a generous neighbor gave her a few gourds from a backyard garden. Martha became intrigued by all the possible creations that could be fashioned out of this natural canvas. She set to work, creating award-winning work that can be found in numerous private collections throughout the country.

Spurred on by an entrepreneurial nature, Martha has successfully turned BeautifulBowls.com, a 2005 start-up, into a profitable and creative venture that benefits artists, collectors, corporate entities, and art enthusiasts.