Meet Hazel Wagner of Custom Coasters By Hazel in Decatur

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hazel Wagner.

Hazel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always loved arts, crafts and photography and have been making personalized coasters since 2004.

In 2008 I began making landmark coasters of Atlanta and they have been greeted with much success.

There are now 100’s of coasters in my Atlanta collection that feature local landmarks, street signs, bars and restaurants.

The collection has expanded and continues to expand with collections of Roswell, Marietta, Athens, Smyrna, Savannah, Charleston, St. Louis, and more being added on a regular basis.

Custom orders are always welcome.

Has it been a smooth road?
I have always been creating or painting and it is so exciting to have a creation that people are excited about.

2015 was a tough year though. I was diagnosed with stage 3 Breast Cancer.

Thankfully, I have the best family and friends. They all stepped in to help with my orders and more importantly helped heal me. Though the cancer was not a pleasant experience it taught me a lot about how fortunate I am to have so many wonderful people in my life. In many ways it was a blessing. It also motivated me to find a new process for making my coasters. Something that was not as physically hard on my body.

“Necessity is the mother of invention” and I now have a new way of making my coasters that isn’t as strenuous and physically demanding and gives me more time and energy to come up with new designs and creations.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Custom Coasters By Hazel – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
When I first started my business in 2004, I focused on custom work and sold my coasters through a store in Decatur.

A friend suggested I try some coasters of the local landmarks, and boom, the business took off.

I participate in a lot of Art Festivals and Craft Fairs to showcase my work and they have been tremendously successful.

I still specialize in custom work. I love making the custom orders. They are usually very special and meaningful to the recipient. I especially love the babies and pets. I am very proud of the quality of my work. I use premium tumbled marble and high quality images.

I love hearing stories from my customers and their memories of places and businesses that that no longer exist. It is like a walk down memory lane for them and some folks are using my coasters as memoirs of new memories being made. I made a set for a young couple who were just engaged. It consisted of all the special places they had been during their relationship. Fun, fun, fun.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I LOVE Atlanta. I love the diversity and the rich history in and around Atlanta. The people in the south remind me of the people back home in Ireland. Friendly and proud. My dislike would be the heat in August and the traffic. Traffic is defiantly getting worse but I am so glad Atlanta has so many beautiful trees and green spaces like Piedmont Park and The BeltLine.

Pricing:

• Coasters 4″ X 4″ Tumbled Marble $12 each
• Ornaments 3″ Round, Doublesided Porcelain $12.95
• Cheese Boards / Cutting Boards 8″ X 11″ Tempered Glass $25

Contact Info:

• Website: www.customcoastersbyhazel.com
• Phone: 404-358-0467
• Email: hazel@customcoastersbyhazel.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Custom-Coasters-By-Hazel-153996617970467/

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.