“The smallest seed of faith sprouts the impossible” and in the late summer of 2007, a small seed of faith sprouted a dream in the hearts of three women. A mother, a daughter and an “adopted daughter/friend” who worked together at an architectural design/build company began to dream of creating artwork that would encourage and inspire. Marybeth Wydock, a graphic designer, Rebecca Rhodes Ladikos, an interior designer and Laura Rhodes, co-owner of the architectural design/build company eventually formed a partnership to develop this dream. When the architectural design/build company they all worked for in their “real jobs” was devastated by the economic downturn, the three women decided to take the proverbial approach and turn their lemons into lemon meringue pie. The next four years challenged, tested and refined each of them and like silver in a refining pot, their creative artwork began to flow and increase as the pressures of job uncertainty mounted. Their creative work became the bright spot during a very dark time. The result was art that really could inspire because it was born in the trenches of hard times – it became food for their own souls and they knew it would inspire others as it had them.
Armed with this certainty … that their artwork would encourage and inspire, the Velvet Lime Girls took their gifts and talents and began to develop art collections. Marybeth Wydock, the graphic artist, quickly emerged as the main creative artist and art director, Rebecca Ladikos, the interior designer, brought great insight in color selections, trends and subject matter and Laura Rhodes served as “inspiration director” … helping create ideas and sentiments that were brought to life by Marybeth through original artwork. They recognized their strength as a creative team and continue to regard themselves as a collaborative force …a synergistic team – one in which the “whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. One in which they are happiest and most creative when working together in their studio.
When not creating in their studio, the Velvet Lime Girls soak in some incredible inspiration and support from their families. Marybeth, with her husband Jim, who provides a great sense of humor and funny stories that create laughter for days; her two daughters, Madison and Katie, who supply original works of art and funny sentiments; her dog Maggie and a guinea pig who often goes missing. Rebecca, with her Greek husband, Nick, who really knows how to cook and daughter Alexa, who’s cute little feet and face inspire blogs. Laura, with her husband James, the “Platinum Advisor”, who provides amazing art direction and encouragement; grown children Caleb & Rebecca, who are so funny together they help us all laugh at ourselves more; daughter-in-law, Kelsey and son-in-law Nick, who remind us that prayers for our children are heard, and grandchildren, Sophia, Lilly and Alexa, who supply everyone with the recommended daily dose of giggles.
When not creating in their studio, the Velvet Lime Girls soak in some incredible inspiration and support from their families. Marybeth, with her husband Jim, who provides a great sense of humor and funny stories that create laughter for days; her two daughters, Madison and Katie, who supply original works of art and funny sentiments; her dog Maggie and a guinea pig who often goes missing. Rebecca, with her Greek husband, Nick, who really knows how to cook and daughter Alexa, who’s cute little feet and face inspire blogs. Laura, with her husband James, the “Platinum Advisor”, who provides amazing art direction and encouragement; grown children Caleb & Rebecca, who are so funny together they help us all laugh at ourselves more; daughter-in-law, Kelsey and son-in-law Nick, who remind us that prayers for our children are heard, and grandchildren, Sophia, Lilly and Alexa, who supply everyone with the recommended daily dose of giggles.
(Left to right: Rebecca, Laura, Marybeth)
