Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Victoria Polk, Founder and Artist of Mestiza Clay, located in Sanford, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is a treasure trove of handmade wearable art. I make polymer clay jewelry, from earrings to necklaces to bangles and barrettes. Each style is made in small batches so that they can be especially detailed for my people. My customers vary in ages but are generally fun-loving people who like to make a statement with what they wear and who love to shop small businesses with slowly made products in mind. I create something beautifully unique in good quality that you cannot find in mass production, and that is what attracts my customers.
Tell us about yourself
I originally studied and worked to become a professor in English Literature. I taught in the classroom for a few years, but once my husband and I started our family, I gradually taught fewer classes as an additional baby joined the family. By the fourth one, I decided it was time to step back from teaching and be home with my children. I needed an outlet, something I could make with my own hands and potentially form a product for extra side money, and I came across a pair of clay earrings. I loved the look and felt it was something I could create as well. It took a while to finally go live with my business. I wanted to make sure I had a good grasp on making the jewelry, so I made them initially for myself. Once I had a good feel for what I made, I created my website and started selling. I have always been a creative person. Growing up, I was constantly drawing and painting; it was my favorite activity; once I came across polymer clay and saw all the many things I could create, I fell in love with it.
My family and Hispanic culture motivate me to create. As a Colombian-American, I wanted to share a piece of my culture. I use my Hispanic roots to influence many of my creations. And even more importantly, my family motivates me. I want to show my kids what one can do with their own hands. And I want to show them that if they have a passion that they want to share, they shouldn’t hesitate to just start. They motivate me to persevere, even when it’s hard. Starting a business is a tough road, but with perseverance, it can be successful.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would say that finding my style has been my biggest accomplishment. My biggest goal has been to find my niche that stands out all on its own. To develop a style that is beautiful but also unique. Initially, I was practicing and making simpler styles that didn’t feel quite like me. Now with more experience, I’ve been able to make styles that define who I am—detailed and full of vibrant colors.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, I believe the hardest part of being a business owner is juggling all that the business entails alongside my family life. I put my family first, and the business comes after, which means I learn to fit it in when and where I can. It is extremely challenging having to be the creator, marketer, customer service, photographer, and social media manager, among other things, while also homeschooling my four kids and taking them where they need to go, but it all somehow works out—one day at a time I suppose.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- One thing that helps get me through the challenges is knowing that it will all work out. Maybe not at the exact time I want it to, but when I break the tasks down one step at a time and do what I can, it slowly but surely gets done.
- Keep putting yourself out there and creating your work. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the customers or feedback right away. Just keep creating and push through the quiet parts because there will be a breakthrough.
- It can be a roller coaster full of low and high moments, so I would say network. Word of mouth is an amazing tool, so even if it is a dry month or months, if you continue to meet new people, your name is circulating and oftentimes will come back to you tenfold.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
As a creator, it took me some time to find what brought me joy that I could also turn into a business. But once I did, it has been a key motivator to keep going and sharing what I create. Find what brings you passion and dig in!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mestizaclay.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mestizaclay/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mestizaclay/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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