Today we’d like to introduce you to Eliza Conklin.
Hi Eliza, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve been making clay earrings just as a hobby since my husband bought me a whole clay-making jewelry kit for Christmas of 2021. I had mentioned to my husband how I saw the clay earring making on Pinterest and thought it would be fun, then he surprised me with the gift! I had thought about selling earrings for some extra income but didn’t really know where to start. In September I went into Forage & Feather, an Artisan shop in Aurora, after seeing their ads on Facebook. While shopping I noticed some clay earrings and was looking at them when the co-owner there said they were cute, I responded by saying that I actually make clay earrings, too. She then told me that the lady who made theirs moved out of state and they were needing a new clay maker!
She said I could bring my earrings in for her to check out. So the next couple of weeks after that I created a collection, made earring cards, and took them in. She put them in the inventory and out for sale right then and there! I decided if I was going to get into this, then I was going all in. I’m a registered business now, have done two vendor shows, and have my earrings sold in two stores, Forage and Feather and Cellar Door Coffee Co. I have a lot of plans and am excited to get more of an online presence through my FB Shop. I plan on doing several vendors shows in 2023 in Solon as well!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I’m still really new, but so far things have been going really well. I’ve had a ton of support from my family, friends, and the community. My main struggle is just finding the time and having the energy to try to do it all…I’m a Stay at home mom of three little ones, ages 6, almost 4, and 2. I homeschool my oldest as well.
So I was already kind of busy and throwing a business owner in the mix made it a bit busier and I have some really late nights! I wouldn’t change it for the world though, I love being able to stay home with my wild kids. Being a mom can be stressful and for a while there I had a real loss of identity, just pouring myself into my family with nothing left over for myself. Creating with clay has really been therapeutic for me in a way…some much-needed “me time”.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I went to school for Fashion Design and took many art classes, so I’m really glad to be using my still let again, just in a different way. I love being able to offer jewelry for the fashionable and for the quirky and fun!
I don’t want to be limited to just a certain style and want something to offer everyone, from sparkly dangle earrings to pizza studs! I recently started making clip-on earrings, inspired by my girls. So I am happy to offer accessories for little fashionistas as well! I also take custom orders!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am so thankful for whoever created Pinterest and for everyone who adds content to it. I use it for everything from recipes, home decor, craft ideas, clay inspiration, and even business advice.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizaandclay/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100085627366068/
