Pursuing the light…
Creating jewelry isn't new to me, but the medium of polymer clay is. I had an Etsy shop several years ago, creating handpainted ring dishes and druzy jewelry. When my daughter was born in January 2017, I put the shop on hold and never came back to it. As a full time working mom, it just wasn’t a priority at the time.
I began playing with clay jewelry in August 2020, after admiring other clay makers and having the itch to start creating with my hands again.
I knew, though, that I didn't just want to sell pretty things... don't get me wrong, everyone loves sparkle. But I have this deep desire to do genuine good in the world, discover my truth and purpose, and spread kindness along the way.
I'd been collecting inspiration through various authors, podcasts and speakers for over a year, and finally felt empowered to do something new; to try and contribute to this self-love movement, and make real change.
I'd had this quote by Morgan Harper Nichols as the screensaver of my phone all year:
"This is the season she will fearlessly pursue all the light-woven things she was called to do." (P.S. -It's still my screensaver!)
With this quote as my inspiration, and a week or so of brainstorming, I came up with the name Lightlaced: meaning that with this jewelry, I intend to lace a bit of light into the days of everyone who wears them.
Each style is designed with a specific intention, based on a word I want the wearer to remember while wearing it. WORTHY. ENOUGH. TRUTH. GRACE. RADIANCE. Each of us is beautiful, unique, and special--even on the days when we don't feel like it.
This brand isn’t so much about positivity, but authenticity. I'm learning as I go, and evolving myself and my business along the way.
I've struggled with anxiety and self confidence for pretty much as long as I can remember. Some days I feel down, stuck, directionless, undervalued, inadequate... which I've learned many of us relate to, but don't often admit. Through this jewelry brand, my hope is to let people (particularly women) know that they're not alone; that they are worthy; and to leave them with a bit of hope and inspiration.
With my jewelry, I've literally written the word I want to represent on some styles (e.g. Truth, Grace, Enough) to really drive it home. Others are kept more simple (usually due to space constraints or me simply forgetting to stamp them, in my excitement to get the clay in the oven!). But each style of my dangle earrings has a name and an intention behind it, which is what this is all about: intention.
With each order, I include a “Lightlaced Act” card, noting an action item that you can take to spread your own kindness in the world. They range from “Smile at a neighbor” to “Donate to a charity of your choice.” I believe we are all connected in one way or another, and that we likely have more in common than we probably realize. Something as simple as a smile has the potential to really turn someone’s day around; and in turn, the simple act of you smiling will automatically make you feel a bit happier, too. We could all use some more kindness and compassion, and to know that we’re not alone.
I'm still very new to this, and learning every day. But what I love about clay is how satisfyingly smooth you can make it, the textures you can create, and that nothing is final until it's baked. It's been really fun (and definitely frustrating at times, too!) exploring this new medium. I love watching tutorials on how certain techniques are done, and love that other makers are so open to teaching. Once I feel a bit more experienced, I plan to pass on the things I've learned, as well.
Whether a customer purchases a piece of jewelry from me, I'm grateful for being given a moment of their time. If they leave feeling even the slightest bit seen, heard or inspired, then my mission has been accomplished.
