My Story

About Viola Marie,

I’m Stephanie Knudsen, founder of Viola Marie. I’m a Marine veteran who’s always dreamed of running my own business. After leaving the military, I faced challenges finding work due to mental health struggles. But instead of giving up, I decided to create something that would bring both joy and purpose back into my life.

Viola Marie isn’t just a store name — it’s a tribute to the two women who shaped my childhood. My grandmothers, Viola and Patricia Marie, were the kind of women who could turn a rainy afternoon into a masterpiece. We’d spend hours doing arts and crafts, sewing, and creating just about anything we could dream up. They taught me patience, attention to detail, and the beauty of making something with love. Both have since passed away, but their creativity lives on in me — and in this shop.

I’ve always loved the clean, timeless look of neutral, modern, and simple style. That’s the heart of every item you’ll find here. I hand-select each piece with the same teamwork mindset and eye for detail the military taught me — because you deserve products you can trust.

You might also see my German Shepherd, Axel, pop up on social media. He’s my emotional support animal, constant “supervisor,” and biggest source of joy. Whether I’m cross-stitching, drawing, or designing new ideas for my Etsy shop, Axel’s right there making sure I take the occasional break for belly rubs.

When you shop here, I want you to feel excited, seen, and confident that you’re supporting a small business built with heart. Every order means the world to me, and I’m grateful you’re here.

Welcome to my little corner of the world — I hope you find something you love.