by Cathy Miller

After the shock, fear, and eventual resignation of a cancer diagnosis, then came depression. Annemarie Mata took that hit and, with the help of her family, established a creative outlet, both for her and others like her.

Four years ago her husband Rob purchased the building at 27 Belvidere Avenue, Washington that now houses her new shop: Custom Kreations “Artists With A Cause.”

Annemarie’s ovarian cancer diagnosis came in February 2023, chemotherapy began the following month.

Rob’s previous tenant moved out on April 1, but rather than seek a new tenant, her oldest son suggested Annemarie utilize the storefront while she was in treatment – anything to keep her mind off her cancer and distract her during chemotherapy.

At the time, she was on her third round of chemo, with three more to go, through June, after which she’ll need regular follow-up scans.

Annemarie and her family decided to open a specialty shop with a clear mission. She explained, “Our mission is to support other community members who are also suffering from a debilitating disease, like my ovarian cancer. What better way to reinforce positive thinking than to switch your concentration from your discomfort and focus your energy on your art.”

She continued, “At Custom Kreations, I offer ‘artists with a cause’ an opportunity to sell their arts or crafts on consignment. We continue to seek local community members who want to join our cause and share their talents. We’ll grow together as a family and a community.”

“I have cancer. My family wanted to make sure I had a healthy distraction. In turn, I want anyone that’s suffering and needs a distraction to know they are welcome at Custom Kreations, if only to sit and talk for a while. You never know what they’re going through.”

Every “artist with a cause” who participates is benefiting themselves, as well as the community it serves. The more people that showcase their work, the more people will come into the store to shop, explore and support. Annemarie is heartened by the way her new business has been embraced by the town.

Annemarie loves plants, deciding at a young age she wanted to own a nursery. That never happened, she actually went into the medical field. Surrounding herself with plants and nurturing them in her store is pretty close to having that nursery.

In addition to an array of houseplants, Annemarie sells hand-painted greeting cards, wooden cutting boards, wooden and slate coasters, jewelry, vases, blinged beverage cups and nurse lanyards, wrought iron wall hangings, candles, and assorted animal-themed items including mugs, glasses, and dish towels, everythingl created by a half dozen artists, with more to come.

Customized items are one of Annemarie’s specialties. She designs party favors and personalized items for weddings, bachelorette parties, sweet sixteens, etc.

She has a great eye for design. With one project or another always in the works, her sister calls her “the flea market flip girl.” She loves to refurbish recycled dressers and cabinetry, adding chalk paint, making them pretty.

Beyond the beautifully organized shop which she runs and curates, Annemarie is determined to educate people about getting tested and screened for early diagnosis. If a family has a history of cancer, she highly recommends seeing a genetic counselor for BRACA testing to determine the likelihood of ovarian or breast cancer.

Ovarian cancer is very difficult to diagnose early. Unfortunately a lot of women are diagnosed at a later stage. If they experience cramping or digestive issues, no one tests for a cancerous tumor, they’re looking for something else.

She also stressed that patients must advocate for themselves. As she said, “You just have to fight for yourself. Never give up.”

One day she asked her doctor, “What are we doing?” He replied, “What do you want to do?” She demanded, “I want to get rid of the cancer!”

As for her pre-cancer career, she worked in the healthcare field – in nursing homes, all manner of medical offices, and with mental health and addiction patients.

She remarked, “When you work in healthcare you advocate for others, and neglect yourself. Then stuff like this happens.”

Calling Hope home, Annemarie and her husband Rob, have been together for 29 years. They used to do home remodeling and home flipping. Currently Rob works in New York City.

Along with two adult sons, Annemarie has three big dogs – Milo, Max and Marley – who keep a watchful eye on her!

She is re-evaluating her life, doing something different that she thoroughly enjoys, hoping she’s able to brighten someone else’s life too. Although she always helped people before, she’s now honored to help them in a different realm. Talking and sharing in a quiet space is a satisfying, therapeutic experience for both parties.

Located at 27 Belvidere Avenue in Washington, Custom Kreations “Artists With A Cause” held it’s grand opening on April 29 with a lot of singing and laughter, family and well-wishers. The shop is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and sometimes later if there’s a special event happening in town.

Custom Kreations “Artists With A Cause” would love to showcase your artistic abilities. If you, like Annemarie, are an artist contending with a trauma, she would be thrilled to see what you have to offer. Email a couple photos of your work with prices.

Annemarie Mata truly enjoys getting acquainted with the folks in Washington and beyond. She is excited to be a part of the growing downtown business district. She revels in all the delicious dining options in town. She had one request, “Please consider supporting our worthy cause – “Artists With A Cause.”

Custom Kreations “Artists with a Cause”
27 Belvidere Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10am to 5pm
Tel: 908-509-4596 Cell: customkreationsnj@gmail.com
Facebook: Custom Kreations “Artists with a Cause”