Creativity and Beyond - Scattered Materials
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erin O'Loughlin, founder of Scattered Materials, located in Flagstaff, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Scattered Materials, which is not only an accurate description of the usual state of my studio desk but also the name of my ceramic jewelry line and other mixed-media creations. I started this jewelry line because, as an architect, I believe good design should be affordable and accessible to the average person. I use modest materials to allow me to keep my price-point lower so everyone can obtain these handcrafted pieces of art. While I use the same clay and cord for each piece, my displays are full of pieces in all shapes, colors, sizes, and designs, allowing people to find a piece that best resonates with their own individuality. My pieces also tend to be very androgynous, so anyone and everyone who loves bold statement necklaces is a potential customer.
Tell us about yourself
I work full-time as a licensed architect in Flagstaff, Arizona. Scattered Materials is my side hustle. My ever-wandering mind loves to play and experiment with all different media and techniques, but I found ceramics to be one of my favorites. I first got into ceramics when I started working as a ceramic bell artisan at Arcosanti in Arizona. I worked there for three and a half years, managing the studio for two. During that time, I began to develop my own line of ceramic jewelry on the side to sell at Arcosanti. I found the process incredibly meditative, and each piece is a mantra of sorts. Each batch is unique, and my technique and style have developed year by year.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have been creating ceramic jewelry for the past eight years, and honing my craftsmanship skills over that period of time has been an incredible journey and accomplishment. I don’t sell anything I am not fully confident in, and I go out of my way to cater to people’s specific requests. Integrity as a business owner is key.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It took me a long time to acknowledge the value of my time and expertise. The first few years, I didn’t accurately factor in my time to the pricing since it was just a fun hobby for me. I have since reevaluated my pricing to include a more accurate vision of my time while still keeping my prices accessible. Honestly, though, I’m probably still underpricing myself.
Along with valuing time, you also have to distribute your time accordingly through all the aspects of running a business, including the less glamorous parts like bookkeeping and marketing through social media. I still recognize that my social media game could be much better, and I’m always trying to improve.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Begin somewhere and start today. Starting a business or project can be daunting when you think about how much it takes to accomplish it, but no one is saying you have to do it all in one go. Break down what you want to accomplish and devote some time every day to it. The results will add up. In today’s world of start-ups and immediacy, people sometimes forget that sustainable growth is an option. I started with a bag of clay and some tools, selling off of a display I made from a discarded wooden pallet. I have slowly added to my collection of tools and glazes throughout the years and created custom packaging and bespoke displays. My sales and locations always grow year by year.
- Give yourself a break. Especially if you are starting a business while working full-time elsewhere, you have to make time for yourself to prevent burnout. If it isn’t fun for you anymore, you’ll stop devoting time to it. I know that it is much easier for me to work hard for a solid day when I know I have a hike scheduled for the next morning.
- Do something you believe in, and do it your way. If you are invested in the idea, it’s easier to convince other people they should be too. I only make pieces that I would wear myself (my stereotypical architect all-black wardrobe lends well to bold accessories), and I try to make things that I haven’t seen before. I also have plans this summer to take some work with me and do some outdoor creating while camping to get a change of scenery from my studio desk. Who’s saying I can’t?
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I want to shout out support for supporting other creatives! There’s nothing I value more than my extensive collection of other people’s art. Follow the channels of people who inspire you and lift them up by sharing their work with your communities. I believe that the best gifts (for yourself and others) are not mass-produced, and knowing you supported the arts is an extra little gift in itself.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.scatteredmaterials.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scatteredmaterials
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scatteredmaterials/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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