Scotch Plains Mom Turns Art Passion Into Business

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Former TV news producer and mother of two Michele Sobel has turned a lifelong passion of art into a full-time business with the recent launch of her own Etsy shop, Michele Sobel Fine Art.

Sobel's shop offers her original art along with personalized art prints for baby nurseries, children’s rooms, as well as modern art and modern art gifts for the home.

The jump to becoming an entrepreneur was radically different from what Sobel of Scotch Plains was used to.

She previously worked as a senior news producer at MSNBC since 2006 where she booked political guests and raced to meet never ending deadlines. The demanding job called for long hours of work and she eventually she switched to freelance work where she could work from home and raise her two children.

"I gave it my all and with very little child care I tried to make it work and did for awhile," Sobel said. "Pretty much this year I said, 'you know what this is not working for me.' "

That's when Sobel began looking at her passion for art. Since Sobel was a little girl she had always been artistic.

"My dad used to say I was born with a crayon in my mouth," Sobel said. "I was always coloring and painting as a kid."

As years went on she took art lessons for many years in school and even studied art in college on the side. Journalism was still her major in college and eventual career.

Throughout her career, Sobel continued to paint. She painted for herself and gifted her work to others. Then in 2010 she began selling her work.

Expanding on her artwork Sobel noticed that she was at an age when all of her friends were having babies and she always found herself searching for thoughtful gifts to give. That's when she took it upon herself to launch her own line of personalized and custom baby gifts that incorporate her art work.

Sobel's shop offers baby blankets, personalized crib sheets, diaper bags, overnight bags and luggage for children, bedding, and stationary. All of the products feature her unique whimsical art prints for boys and girls.

She started painting watercolor designs that she would want to buy for her own children’s rooms, such as whimsical rainbows and hearts, dinosaurs, elephants and giraffes.

Her designs are then imprinted on the baby products to create a unique custom design. She also offers Jewish prayer prints and blessings for the home and baby.

"I am grateful for the support I have received so far, and am committed to expanding my product line with new artwork on the highest-quality products," Sobel said.

Most items are made-to-order and can be delivered in about two weeks.

Sobel will also have a booth at the JCC of Central NJ at 1391 Martine Ave. in Scotch Plains on Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. where shoppers can see her work firsthand.

For more information email Sobel at mjarchin@gmail.com or check out her shop at etsy.com/shop/MicheleSobelFineArt.

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