Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Donald.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2023. my life shifted in a way I never expected. I picked up a tufting gun for the first time, not knowing it would become my tool for healing, storytelling, and legacy-building.
I had always been creative- dabbling in fashion, crochet and art but rug tufting found me at one of my lowest points. My grandmother, who meant everything to me, passed away that year. She was the heart of our family – wise, strong, and full of soul. Her home was a place of warmth, vibrant, colors, handmade blankets, and gospel music humming in the background. Losing her left a silence I didn’t know how to fill.
One day, while scrolling online, I came across a video of a someone tufting a rug. It was bold, hands-on, and expressive. Something about it clicked with me. I ordered a tufting gun, some yarn, and a frame. The first rug I made was rough, imperfect- but I felt something unlock in me. It was like every loop I pulled through the cloth was stitching together my grief.
Rug tufting became my way of speaking when I had no words. I started telling my story, piece by piece through bold colors, statement phrases, spiritual themes, and characters that reminded me of strength and rebellion, like my grandmother. She was the first person to ever call me an artist, and now, I create with her spirit in every thread.
Today, I’m the only rug tufter in my city, building my brand, SheDevil Tufting, to be bold, honest, and unforgettable just like the who inspired me. My art is my way of honoring her, sharing my truth, and leaving my own mark on the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I started tufting in 2023, it wasn’t just about trying something new it was about survival, emotionally, and creatively. I had just lost my grandmother, who was my biggest inspiration and supporter. That grief hit hard. At the same time, I was broke. I didn’t have the money for fancy tools or a studio space. I was tufting in small corners, piecing together supplies however I could sometimes using leftover yarn, borrowing money, or selling things just buy backing cloth.
What made it harder was doing it alone. A lot of people didn’t understand what I was trying to do. I wasn’t getting support from my circle. They didn’t see rug tufting as something real especially in a place where no one else was doing it. That isolation almost made me give up a few times. But I kept creating, kept posting, kept pushing through, because deep down I knew this wasn’t just a hobby it was my healing, my voice, and eventually, my purpose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What sets me apart is that I treat rug tufting like storytelling not just decor. Every piece I make has meaning, emotion, and attitude. I don’t follow trends, I create statement pieces that reflect real life experiences, pop culture, spirtuality, and bold self-expression. My rugs speak loud they’re rebellious, raw, and real life, just like me.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice? Start with what you have and dont wait for everything to be perfect. When i started, I didnt have a fancy setup, a big following, or even much support but i had passion, and that was enough.
Pricing:
- Extra small rugs $60
- Small Rugs 180
- Medium Rugs $260
- Large Rugs $380
- X Large Rugs 410
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/shedeviltufting/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shedeviltuftingllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554914266785
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/_TheSheDevil
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shedeviltuftingllc
