Meet Cari Otero | Resin Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cari Otero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cari, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As a child up until a little after high school I was always part of choir. Singing most of the day, making sure I had songs memorized, singing the right notes at the right time and more. Pursuing music was a big part of my life until it wasn’t, and the years after that I dedicated myself to just work until I came across Resin Art. Learning all these new techniques and introducing myself to many different skills really opened up that “spark” that got lost a long time ago. I never expected how much I would learn and how much excitement hand crafted creations would grow on me. I work with many different variations, and what’s more exciting is all the color I get to bring out. I continued this journey to see if I could motivate others to not loose faith within themselves. Creating art with epoxy became a therapeutical thing for me, and I want to be able to show others that it’s okay to dip your toes into something new. I decided to continue this career for my own mental health, because I was noticing more motivation than I ever have in a couple years. I can’t wait to continue showing my growth to everyone across the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Detail is a huge part of my work. When I receive custom orders, I try my hardest to bring their ideas to life. One of my goals is to make sure any customer feels comfortable in opening their imagination with an easy step-by step conversation I have with each individual. I am really proud with how far I’ve reached in growing my skills in these 2 years that I’ve worked with epoxy, and I can’t express the excitement I have to keep presenting creation after creation to more potential customers. This journey definitely has its challenges, and the only way to overcome them is to have patience. Luckily, growing up patience is what saved me from personal events that I’ve gone through with life. Overcoming those situations has helped me understand more to lookout for my well-being mentally. It’s okay to take a step back and give yourself a break weather its sitting there in silence or going out for a walk, whatever it is remember, you’re still human and you deserve all the peace, just like you deserve all the success. Texas Trays & Accessories has become more than just a business name for me. It’s my name, my favorite thing to do, and most importantly, my safe place to go to. I want the world to realize the color they’ve been missing out on within themselves through my art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One thing my husband and I enjoy doing is going out to find new places to eat at. Our favorite spots for breakfast/brunch are Boss Cat, Snooze, Black Walnut Cafe, H-Town Donuts, etc. For lunch/dinner our favorite spots are Ambriza, Annie’s Hamburgers, Pizza Zone, Mai Tai Express, El Pupusodromo & the list continues. We’ve met many new other businesses who make delicious food such as Grape Tacos, Empanadas La Canasta, Ay Caramba Mini Pancakes, Strawberry King, & once again the list keeps growing. For fun we normally are ones to try and host a friend, get together and cook because nothing ever beats home-cooked meals and great company. We also enjoy bowling, painting, watching movies, and when free time comes around we enjoy attending pop-up events to visit some of our favorite businesses and meet new ones, check out the museums, etc.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I first grew an interest into resin my husband became my number one supporter instantly. I appreciate all the words of encouragement he’s given me, his help when needed, him showing off my work any time he gets a chance too, and most importantly his love. Owning a small business can become very overwhelming at times, but I am lucky to be able to communicate with him when the time is needed. All that combination makes my days easier to go through. I also appreciate my family who are also very supporting in giving me their blessings each time I have a pop up event, or any time they’re aware that I am working on an order. Showing them my creations grows an interest in them, and suddenly I catch myself teaching them how I got to that point. It’s all a peaceful feeling to have! I’ve met so many individuals along the way plus the amazing friends that are currently in my life also support by sharing my work or placing an order themselves. All the love is greatly appreciated to anyone out there who’s come across my table at events, or my page on social media.

Website: txtraysacc.com

Instagram: @txtraysacc

Twitter: @txtraysacc

Facebook: Texas Trays & Accessories