By Cindy Adams

A chance discovery of a 3D printer in action mesmerized Marquitta. Watching it transform digital designs into physical objects, layer by layer, captivated her imagination and sparked something deep within. As her intrigue grew, so did her desire to play an active role in the creative process. Observing was no longer enough.

Today, Marquitta's bedroom also serves as her studio, her small 3D printer its centerpiece. It's where her creativity is expressed through colored filament and intricate creations. She watches, transfixed, as the printer head methodically glides across the build plate.

"It was my Christmas gift to myself," she explains. "When it first starts, it sounds like a train. But then it just hums. I like watching it. It's relaxing except when it eats 'stuff' and leaves a mess everywhere."

An artist's reality.

Marquitta is not only a creator, but also an entrepreneur, turning her new passion into a small business. She has inventory, storage, bags, tissue paper and a label maker for her products. She also has a receipt book and a ledger to keep track of sales. She is already filling word-of-mouth orders.

"You do have to let me know in advance if you want a certain color or filament," she advises. "The price of the item depends on how long it takes, and the materials used. Some pieces take three days."

Beyond creator and businessperson emerges Marquitta’s most defining dimension, her generous spirit. She finds joy in creating meaningful, heartfelt gifts. She has given her creations as birthday presents and Christmas gifts. She recently made bunnies for Easter baskets and printed Star Wars' R2D2 and Darth Vader for her friend, Ariel.

Marquitta — a beautiful, multi-dimensional person delighting in creating, building and giving.