This is Rachael Gruntmeir - Always Be Creative

From a young age, Oklahoma native Rachael Gruntmeir was always extremely creative. By the time she was two, she was able to use scissors and cut straight lines, incidentally leading to many an interesting self-inflicted haircut. As that two year-old, one of Rachael’s favorite activities was to complete her favorite 100 piece Barbie puzzle. By four she learned how to use a sewing machine. She would sit on her mother’s lap because she couldn’t reach the pedal. By the time she entered kindergarten, Rachael was cutting and sewing entirely on her own. In college at Oklahoma State University, Rachael realized she still craved a more hands-on, creative field in which to work, so she moved to Oklahoma City and began attending the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). While at UCO she was selected to participate in the elite Charles Evans Studio where she was able to refine her design skills and complete her portfolio. While attending the university, Rachael would take excursions abroad with her mentor, Buffy Hughes, to study design even further in places such as Italy and France. This is where Rachael discovered her true love for other cultures, people and unique ways in which people all over the world design their own spaces. Since college, Rachael has pursued a successful career as a creative and interior designer in Oklahoma working on several residential and commercial jobs. She is also passionate about giving back and contributing to make her community a better place. Rachael serves on the board for Midtown Association (2016 – Current) and is a member of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce (2016 – Current). She was a guest speaker for MyHeart creative (2018), volunteers with local organizations, and is a small business advocate Follow Rachael:  www.instagram.com/blackscintilla www.blackscintilla.com  www.instagram.com/coruscatecreative  www.coruscatecreative.com Awards/Honors (Year Received)* 40 Under 40, Journal Record (2020) Small Business Saturday Interviewee for The Oklahoman (2019) NRF (National Retail Federation) podcast guest discussing small businesses (2019) Congressional E-Commerce caucus panelist in D.C. (2019) Small business luncheon guest hosted by Oklahoma City Mayor Holt (2019) Discover Oklahoma featured business (2018) 40 Under 40, OKC Biz (2017) Midtown Rotary guest speaker (2017) Rose State College Small Business Conference keynote speaker University of Central Oklahoma Interior Designer Department Speaker Yelp award winner for the Small Business Coast to Coast annual gathering in San Francisco, CA (2016) This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahoma's story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and follow them on instagram for daily updates www.instagram.com/oklahomahof  #thisisoklahoma