Conversations with Treasure Harewood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Treasure Harewood.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The idea started in 2015. I actually wanted to decorate wine glasses and looked up tutorials so I would know what the process was like and what supplies I would need. I found a YouTube artist who not only decorated wine glasses but also made resin coasters and I was hooked. I chose to focus on making coasters because they are more versatile and have a much more artistic range. I started out small with coaster molds that were actually meant for baking and only added glitter. I couldn’t find actual molds made specifically for coasters anywhere, online or in-store. Resin work wasn’t nearly as popular at this time. I transitioned into making sports coasters and then started adding more and more of my own creative ideas and concepts.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I definitely wouldn’t call it smooth. The first issue I ran into is SAFETY. I went years without using proper PPE (personal protection equipment). I developed a horrible cough and did some research. Now I wear a mask, gloves, apron and keep my work area covered in a tarp and separate from the rest of my house. Actually, my work area was the next struggle. Trying to find the right place to work was an issue because I needed a space that was separate but could hold all of my supplies. This space also had to be the correct temperature otherwise, it could affect the resin and how my art turned out.

Luckily, at my new house, I have a room over my garage that works perfectly with its own heating and air. The next issue I ran into was discovering working with resin wasn’t always a perfect process. You could do the exact same thing twice and come out with completely different results. I had to learn to work with that and realized it was part of the artistic process and the fun in working with this medium. Finally, my last struggle was markets. I love markets, but I had to learn where my product would sell best, what products I should bring with me that would sell well (because it gets hot and tiring carting around hundreds of coasters), buying what I would need to cart everything around, and finding people willing to help me. It’s been a learning process but totally worth it. Markets bring in some of my best sales and best customers.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is called Koasted and the name kind of gives it away. I specialize in coasters but make other resin art as well. In the beginning, I was mostly known for my sports coasters because they seemed to be a fan favorite at outdoor markets. I felt my true success was when my more artsy coasters became just as popular as the sports coasters. I’m not saying I mind making sports coasters, but I love the creativity that goes into making the geodes, agate-shaped tile, beach coasters, etc.

Once I realized that I had a market for this, I decided to spread my wings a little and make serving trays, key chains, ashtrays, and cutting boards. I’m most proud of being mostly self-taught. When I started what was then more of a hobby to me than a business, there wasn’t a lot of information out about resin work. Not like there is today. I’m happy that others have the option to jump on Instagram reels or watch a TikTok, but I take a little bit of pride in the trial and error process that I had to use as I developed my craft. I created a YouTube channel so I can help other creators. I don’t mind answering other people’s questions, especially beginners, because I think part of resin art should be about sharing and helping other’s creativity.

Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I have an Etsy shop, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube channel (all of these are under the handle @Koasted). I try to make my art available to everyone and want people to feel free to reach out to me. I respond to all messages from any form of social media.

Contact Info:

• Email: createdbytreasure@gmail.com
• Website: www.koastedco.com
• Instagram: @koastedco
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/koasted
• Twitter: @koastedco
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/koasted
• Other: www.etsy.com/shop/koasted