Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Burrows.
Hi Rachel, 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?
I have always been a creative person! I actually had a photography business for about 8 years, which is where I found my confidence in expressing myself. A Way of Handmade was created, though, during the pandemic, like many other new small businesses. A week before the pandemic official started, I had friends in town. We had seen clay earrings on Instagram and decided to have a girls’ night and make our own. After that, I was hooked! I tried to research more about technique and tools but was limited then. I had to learn trial by error. Throughout 2020, as I starting to feel more confident about my earrings, I would post them on my personal Instagram stories and sell them. My neighborhood was putting together a little craft fair towards the end of 2020. My boyfriend (now husband) encouraged me to join. Thank goodness for those people to push you to go outside of your comfort zone. I sold out that day!
From that day on, I couldn’t be stopped. I have spent the last couple of years at local street fairs, craft markets, and selling online. I have been lucky enough to create custom designs for bridal parties, bachelorettes, and non-profit events.
When I sit at my table, I’m usually listening to a book or Crime Junkies. But those hours spent designing are therapy for me. My anxiety leaves my body as I work, which is why I think it feels addicting to sit there for hours.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Almost every creator I have met has experienced imposter syndrome or a creative block. Of course, I have experienced both myself. As I started to feel more confident in my craft and making progress in sales, I felt imposter syndrome. I would think about how there are so many other people doing the same thing as me. They would make designs that I would tell myself I could never make. I would then get into a creative block because I would see designs that other people did before I could make them myself. I didn’t want to be a copycat. I wanted to make something different, but sometimes felt like there wasn’t anything already done. It felt over-saturated, and I should find something else unique to stand out. But I never gave up, and I found my place.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the owner and creator behind A Way of Handmades. I design polymer clay jewelry. The craft of polymer clay earrings that took off during the pandemic. As much as I love the loud and fun designs of polymer clay earrings most people create, I am a very simple person. I can admire those designs, but I wouldn’t wear them myself. That is when I decided to design ones I would wear, which now sets me apart. I design my pieces to be simple, minimalistic, neutral, and perfect for everyday wear. I am proud that I have been able to grow my business in the middle of a pandemic and continue it after, too!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in hard work. I have worked hard to be where I am today. I have invested into my own business. I work late nights after my daytime job to have product to sell at events. I have put myself out there to network and find clients that I can make custom pieces for. My husband helps me during pop-up events, but I have used skills of graphic design, marketing, and photography to my benefit. I am a woman of many trades that help me be successful with A Way of Handmades.
Contact Info:
- Website: Awayofhandmades.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/awayofhandmades
Image Credits
Rachel Burrows
