Women in the Industry: Angie Moster, The Stone Studio
Photos courtesy of Angie Moster/The Stone Studio
Photos courtesy of Angie Moster/The Stone Studio
Photos courtesy of Angie Moster/The Stone Studio
Photos courtesy of Angie Moster/The Stone Studio
Photos courtesy of Angie Moster/The Stone Studio
I have had the pleasure of spending quality time with Angie Moster of The Stone Studio in Batesville, IN, on the Stone Fabricator’s Alliance’s trip to Italy last spring. And I have to confirm that she is as friendly and energetic as she comes across in this interview. Moster’s enthusiasm to learn from veterans of the industry is apparent, also reflecting her background as an educator. Learn more about how Moster and her husband, Sebastian, left their former careers behind and began their adventure in the stone fabrication industry.
SW: Tell us a little about yourself, including how you got into the stone industry?
AM: I love when people ask how we got into the stone industry! It is a crazy story, but we definitely see the Lord’s providence in it. For years, my husband Sebastian and I had been talking about what our next “adventure” might be, and had often considered going into business together. We had many late-night conversations about what that might look like. On January 11, 2020 while shopping at a local thrift store, I ran into an owner of The Stone Studio. I started asking her about their business, and before I knew it, I said “Well, if you ever think about selling the business, keep us in mind!” Little did I know, she and her husband were hoping to retire that year and were in the beginning stages of figuring out their succession plan. Long story short, as Covid was just beginning, we took a leap of faith and dove head-first into the stone industry by purchasing The Stone Studio.
SW: What do you like most about your job?
AM: Hands down, I love meeting new people! I love welcoming customers into our shop, getting to know them, and learning about their project visions. We are blessed to work with some of the nicest customers, and I strive to provide excellent customer service. Prior to being in the stone industry, I was in education. A large part of my day is spent educating people about the characteristics of natural stone, which also involves continuous learning on my part.
SW: What would you say is one of your most memorable experiences of working in the stone industry?
AM: Without a doubt, my most memorable experience of working in the stone industry was attending the 2024 Stone Fabricator’s Alliance (SFA)-sponsored trip to Italy! The experience was incredible -- truly a trip of a lifetime! Meeting the different sponsors, learning about the latest equipment and machinery, and seeing where the stone comes from were just a few of the highlights. The group of SFA members attending with me are some of the best in the industry. We had so much fun together, shared many laughs and made great memories! (As it turns out, the Adriatic Sea is pretty cold for swimming in May!) Oh, yes, and Italy! Did I mention Italy? Delicious food, wine, and breathtaking scenery!
SW: In addition to the trip to Italy, you are active in the SFA. What benefits do you get out of being in a group such as this?
AM: Networking! The SFA is full of amazing business leaders and fabricators who are always so willing to give us guidance when we have questions. We have loved attending different SFA-sponsored events and have gained a wealth of knowledge through these events, not just about the stone industry, but also about running a business.
SW: What’s something that many people might not know about you?
AM: OK, here is something fun. I am just a little competitive, and every year I have to slalom water ski, just to prove that I’ve still got it! In case you are interested, my “walk-up song” for water skiing is “I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown!
SW: When you are not working, how do you like to spend your free time?
AM: I love spending time with our family. We love to take walks in nature, go camping and boating, and travel.
SW: Is there anything else you would like to share?
AM: We are a small family-owned business and many people are surprised to hear that we only work with natural stone. Soapstone and marble are some of our favorite materials to work with. On a personal note, my husband and I have been married for 28 years and my proudest achievement is raising our four amazing kids!
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