Meet the Artist, the Founder, the Learning-as-She-Goes Owner & Operator
Hey, dude! I’m Sam, and first things first, I mean “dude” in the most endearing way possible—life’s too short to take yourself too seriously! You’ll notice in the picture of me from about 20 years ago that I’ve always rocked an easygoing look—and that’s exactly the Ever Rae style today. Ever Rae came from my love for painting with watercolors, being outside, and helping people find their own daily moments to recenter. I’m a huge believer in meditation and manifestation. These practices help me stay grounded and focused on the good things to come, and I truly believe that this outlook has played a big role in bringing Ever Rae to life. Since I was about the age I am in that old picture, I’ve been fascinated with watercolors. What I love most is how forgiving the medium is—there’s a sense of impermanence, where any mistake can be fixed. It’s a lot like life, and that perspective is woven into my art.
Thanks to my mom and grandma, who gave me the freedom to create from a young age, I developed a signature art style early on that you’ll see in almost all of Ever Rae’s designs—especially in our stickers! It’s a blend of a textured watercolor base with hand-drawn doodles layered on top. The watercolor adds an artistic, retro touch, while the doodles bring a carefree, laid-back vibe. It wasn’t until my 20s that I realized my art didn’t have to stay framed on walls—it could go so much further.
The Ever Rae® Story
None of this would have been possible without the help of my groovy friends and family. While I mostly run Ever Rae on my own now, I still often say “we” because, in the beginning, my best friends from college helped with everything—from bookkeeping to marketing. Even though they’ve moved on to their own careers, they’re still part of the Ever Rae story, regularly sporting our latest products.
That’s life—things change, and growth is good. Ever Rae has evolved with us, balancing both roots and wings. We’re originally from Michigan, so a lot of our art reflects the beauty of the Great Lakes, with the breathtaking sunsets and peaceful shores. Now living in Colorado, we find just as much inspiration in the mountains, where the grand landscapes remind us how small our worries are. Whether we’re sailing Michigan’s waters or taking long walks in Colorado, nature plays a huge role in our creativity and shapes the art behind Ever Rae.
We’ve also grown in how we approach business. Realizing the responsibility of creating products people buy, we’ve shifted our focus to quality. Designing is still the most fun part of the job, but now we make sure that every design is printed on a product you’ll love and that will last. No more slapping a design on just anything for a quick buck. We’ve also prioritized working with local print shops as much as possible, because supporting other small businesses matters to us. Working locally has taught us to embrace the perfectly imperfect—tiny printing quirks add character and make each piece as unique as the art that inspired it. So if you’re down with supporting small businesses and embracing the perfectly imperfect, then you’re in the right place. Ever Rae is sure to have something special for you! Relax And Enjoy®
