Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Wilcox.
Hi Megan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
At the height of the Pandemic, I was finding myself extremely bored and home 24/7 like everyone else and started to run out of things to keep myself from going crazy. Not only was I bored, but I was also starting to become depressed from the never-ending news, being stuck inside away from friends and family, and just not being able to go out and live my life. Sometime last August, my boyfriend suggested that I look into a creative outlet to help pass the time and to help cheer me up. I spent countless hours scrolling through Pinterest for days to see what I could find. I finally came across “Polymer Clay Jewelry” late one night and instantly fell in love. I immediately thought, “Oh I can make that, no problem”, even though I have absolutely no clay/art experience.
From there, I kept watching “How to” videos and started buying all the supplies I needed from local craft stores in the area. I spent a few weeks learning and playing around with the clay and making Earrings for myself. Once I started to wear them out around friends and family, everyone started to ask where I got my Earrings from. It was exciting to be able to say that “I made them myself” and the joy that came along with it. With a loving push from my boyfriend and best friend, I nervously decided to open my first Etsy shop on September 25, 2020! I had no idea where to start, what to do, or how to even wrap my head around being a small business owner but I was beyond determined and excited to figure it all out! It’s been almost a year later and with the help of my Clay Community, friends and family, supportive boyfriend, and all of the kind reviews from others, I am still going strong!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been pretty smooth so far but there have been a few roadblocks along the way! Every so often, I will tend to get into my own head and start to feel discouraged about my work and what I am creating! These moments or roadblocks will lead to days or sometimes weeks of not creating, posting on social media, and even thoughts to stop and quit altogether. The few times I have thought to quit, a random notification on my phone from Etsy will pop up letting me know a new review from a customer has been posted to my site! Each time I read the reviews, I instantly remember the first feeling of joy and happiness I had when first starting my business. I am always so thankful and grateful for all of the kind words that it helps push me right back into my motivation! Motivation can be hard to keep going but with supportive and positive energies around you, it makes it a lot easier!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
With my Clay Jewelry, I first started out by making just Earrings but over the last few months, I have been able to expand to key-chains, necklace pendants, hair barrettes, and cute little charms. I have found myself constantly making Faux Marble slabs, simplistic designs, and anything and everything with a moon, cloud, and start cutter! The Faux Marble slabs are typically my favorite because I never know how they are going to mix or marble out. Anytime I make something new, I always aim to make it unique and one of a kind. I like the idea of each and every person having their own one of kind set or piece. I am extremely proud of myself for continuing this journey and for not giving up as much as I may have wanted to. I never thought I would be in this spot today but I wouldn’t change it for anything!
I think what sets me apart from others is my attention to detail and care! With each and every package, I include a handwritten note to the customer to let them know how much their business means to me and how much I hope they enjoy their package! I also like to include a personal note about their order to show them I care!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking?
I wouldn’t consider myself a risk-taker normally but to me, just the fact that I took a chance on myself and opened an Etsy shop is a major risk. I have always been too nervous and scared to try anything new out of fear of failing and I finally decided that enough was enough! The actual thought of opening a store was scarier than the actual process! Once I started buying all of the supplies and posting on social media, the feeling that I was ‘risking’ my money, time, and effort on something that could fail started to fade away. My confidence grew a little each and every day and now I tell everyone and anyone that they too should open their own Etsy shop or small business. The risk of opening my own shop and putting my designs on the line has given me a new sense of confidence, pride, and happiness that I never knew I could reach! I wish and hope for everyone to have that feeling! My view of risk-taking has changed since opening my shop and I think that if you believe in yourself or whatever you want to do, you can do absolutely do it!
Pricing:
- Studs $6.50 – $11.00
- Dangles $10.00 – $16.00
- Keychains $10.00- $15.00
- Hair Barrettes $8.00 – $14.00
- Pendants $10.00
Contact Info:
- Email: cloudsofclay@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CloudsofClayJewelry
- Instagram: @cloudsofclayjewelry
- Facebook: Clouds of Clay Jewelry
Image Credits
Juan Mejia
