What began as a creative outlet during the pandemic has grown into Amanda’s thriving handmade jewelry business, Clay Corner. Inspired by her friends and fueled by boredom, she turned her free time into a chance to design unique polymer clay pieces and expand her product line. Despite a busy schedule filled with academics and activities, Amanda continues to grow her brand with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to ask for help when needed.
CEM: Tell us about your business. How did you first get the idea?
A: At the beginning of 6th grade, I started the idea of getting a small clay jewelry business called Clay Corner and I thought of this idea during the pandemic because I was bored, and I had nothing to do. Also, some of my friends started some ideas of making their own businesses and I wanted to join in the fun.
CEM: What supplies and resources did you need to get going? How did you get ahold of them?
A: For clay jewelry business, I need polymer clay and hooks and studs for the earrings that I was going to make. I first started out with earrings, then I expanded to other products. I also need resin, paints, and different kinds of decorations for all of my earrings and supplies. I get them at stores such as Hobby Lobby and JoAnn’s, those are my favorite craft stores.
CEM: What are some challenges you’ve faced in business, and how did you overcome them?
A: The biggest problem I have in the business is my time because I do a lot of extracurricular, advanced placement and honors classes. I also do sports and other clubs so finding time to take out of my day to create my homemade pieces is hard. A way to fix this problem is to spread my work throughout the day. When I first started, I was kind of scared to ask for help because I thought as a child entrepreneur, I thought I had to do this completely on my own and sometimes that is not the case. Sometimes it is ok to ask for help and that is something I have learned.
CEM: Do you have any advice for other aspiring kid entrepreneurs?
A: When I first started, in my first few years I thought of quitting. In my second year I thought I wouldn’t be able to succeed, and it was a waste of time at that moment. I thought it would take too much time out of my day, and I was bored. The most important part about being a young entrepreneur is to keep going, you never know where you can go thanks to your business and that is one of the most important lessons. Be dedicated, know why you started in the first place, have your reasons and always make sure you persevere through any challenges because the most important thing is the outcome.
CEM: How can potential customers get in touch with you?
Instagram page: _ClayCorner
Facebook: Clay Corner
Esty: Clay Corner by Amanda
Those are my three main pages to go to, but I am looking forward in the future creating a website so I can keep more in touch with my customers and expand my business.