Hello, I'm Manelyn, the creative force behind Manelyn Clay Arts and Crafts. Today, I'm excited to share the story of how a simple act of creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic blossomed into a fulfilling and successful business.
The Spark of Inspiration
It all began when I crafted a clay keychain as a birthday present for my daughter's classmate. The joy it brought to her, and the appreciation from her classmate, sparked something in me. Encouraged by my family, I decided to explore this newfound passion further.
Taking the Leap
With the support of my husband, we decided to give this a try. We invested in air dry clay and silicone molds, and I started creating 6cm clay pieces. Sharing these creations on my personal Facebook page, I was overwhelmed by the positive feedback and encouragement to sell them.
The First Sale and Expansion
My first sale was to my husband's cousin, a moment that solidified our decision to pursue this venture. We expanded our reach by posting on Facebook Marketplace, which quickly led to more orders. Soon after, I opened an Etsy shop, a dedicated Facebook page, and joined various clay groups to connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Challenges and Memorable Moments
Finding a reliable clay supplier was one of my biggest challenges, as the lead time was often too long. However, a memorable moment in my journey was when I received my first order from a client outside my immediate circle. She purchased clay figurines for her family and became a repeat customer. Her support and appreciation for my work gave me the confidence to grow my listings and expand my business.
Artistic Evolution and Client Collaboration
My artistic style has significantly evolved, driven by the requests and feedback from my clients. I began with 6cm dot eye figurines, but now I create 10cm figurines, wedding cake toppers, pets, and 3D clay portraits. Listening to my clients and developing new offerings has been key to my growth and success.
Continuous Learning and Collaboration
To refine my skills, I dedicated countless hours to learning from other clay artists on YouTube. When faced with complex orders or high demand, I reached out to fellow clay artists for assistance. This collaboration not only helped manage workload but also fostered strong relationships that have become integral to my business.
Business Expansion and Innovation
Recently, we've expanded our capabilities by acquiring a Silhouette cutter and a laser engraver and cutter, operated by my husband. This allows us to create intricate cake topper bases with laser-engraved texts and form unique accessories like computer tables and chairs using acrylic. We also design custom boxes for pop boxes and blind boxes upon customer request, enhancing our product offerings and meeting diverse customer needs.
Building a Network of Artists
In an exciting new chapter, I'm developing a network of talented clay artists to help meet client needs while providing fellow artists with a source of income. Some artists prefer a creative outlet rather than a full-time business, focusing on areas like pets or car miniatures. By aligning orders with their interests, we ensure that they can do what they love while delivering exceptional service to our clients. I believe this is just the beginning, and there's so much more to come.
Growth and Mastery
As time went on, my skills improved, and our product offerings expanded. I began selling not only clay pieces but also clay tools and silicone molds. My Etsy listings grew, and I was thrilled to consistently receive 5-star reviews from satisfied customers.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Each creation is a testament to the growth and dedication that has shaped Manelyn Clay Arts and Crafts. I'm grateful for the support and encouragement from my family and community, which has been instrumental in our success.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Your support and feedback continue to inspire us to create and innovate. Stay connected with us through our social media channels or visit our website to see our latest creations.