Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Mcculley
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey with polymer clay began on February 19th, 2023 when I crafted my first pair of earrings with my girls just for fun. I was looking for a creative outlet to help reduce the stress and anxiety of my grandfathers health rapidly declining. Little did I know that this moment would mark the beginning of a transformative chapter in my life. Just one day later, my world was turned upside down when I lost him. He was not only a beloved family member, he was my best friend. His absence was going to leave a void, one that seemed impossible to fill.Yet, in the midst of my grief, life gifted me a beautiful miracle: just six days after my grandfathers passing, I
My journey with polymer clay began on February 19th, 2023 when I crafted my first pair of polymer clay earrings on my kitchen island with my girls. I was looking for a creative outlet to help reduce the stress and anxiety of my grandfathers health rapidly declining. Little did I know, this moment would mark a transformative chapter in my life. Just one day later, my world was turned upside down when I lost him. His absence was going to leave a void, one that would seem impossible to fill.
Yet, in the midst of my grief, life gifted me a beautiful miracle: just six days after my grandfathers passing, I welcomed my first grand baby, Kai Scott into the world. This tiny bundle of joy brought a sense of hope to my heart, reminding me that even in our darkest moments, life continues to unfold in unexpected ways.
My love for polymer clay started to grow unexpectantly. It was not just a way to help me grieve, I actually started enjoying it. It was a way to unwind and express my creativity in tangible form. As I molded the clay, I found a sense of peace that I hadn’t experienced in a while. Each piece became a reflection of my emotions, a blend of sadness and joy intertwined.
At first, I focused on simple shapes and designs, but as I gained confidence, I began experimenting with colors and textures. The process of conditioning the clay, shaping it with my hands and watching it transform in the oven became almost meditative. I would
lose track of time, and be completely absorbed in the rhythm of creation.
Knowing another grand baby, Rory Mae was coming in September and my hobby starting to thrive, I decided to officially name my small business. With the help of my daughters, I decided on the birth month flowers of my grand babies. The Iris for my February grand baby Kai, symbolizing hope and faith and the Aster for my September grand baby Rory, representing love and new beginnings. The naming choice was a way to intertwine my creative work with the joy and significance of family.
As months passed, my passion for creating earrings blossomed into something more. I began designing coordinating apparel to complement my earrings, allowing me to expand my collection and provide my customers with stylish, matching options.
As I shared my creations with my friends and family, their encouragement deepened my passion. I began to explore many techniques. It was amazing to see how a simple material could turn into something so beautiful and meaningful.
Knowing another grand baby, Rory Mae, was coming in September and my hobby starting to take thrive, I decided to officially name my small business. With the help of my daughters, I decided on birth month flowers of my grand babies. The Iris for my February grand baby Kai, symbolizing hope and faith and the Aster for my September grand baby, Rory, representing love and new beginnings. The naming choice was a way to intertwine my creative work with the joy and significance of family.
As months passed, my passion for creating earrings blossomed into something more. I began designing coordinating apparel to complement my earrings, allowing me to expand my collection and provide my customers with stylish, matching options.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For me, the biggest challenge would be social media and marketing. Building and maintaining an audience is particularly difficult with algorithms constantly changing.
Creating engaging high-quality content can also be time-consuming and challenging for me as well with technology always changing and I am not a natural.
In a saturated market of handmade accessories it can be difficult to stand out. It was important for me to differentiate my brand which led me to my muted color tones combined with my passion of Cincinnati sports.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My passion for Cincinnati sports is a central theme in my work. I incorporate elements that celebrate local teams such as the Bengals, Bearcats, Reds and FCC. You will also find me incorporating Ohio State and Kentucky into my products as well.
My designs are also influenced by the changing seasons, allowing me to introduce seasonal collections that reflect the beauty of each time of year, Whether it’s earthy tones for fall, soft pastels for spring, or festive colors for the holidays, my seasonal designs keep my offerings fresh and exciting, encouraging customers to return for new pieces.
I also offer a range of every day styles including faith based apparel. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or enjoying a casual day out, my pieces are designed to elevate your look!
My commitment to attention to detail and quality craftsmanship are central to my brand’s identity. I aim to build a community of like-minded individuals who share my appreciation for handmade artistry, muted aethetics, and Cincinnati sports culture.
Don’t hesitate to reach out! Whether you’re curious about my latest collections, want styling tips, or have specific requests, I’d love to hear from you!
Contact Info:
- Email: shopasterandiris@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopasterandiris/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092516036936
