Today we’d like to introduce you to Juana Arredondo.
Hi Juana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It’s actually more of how I got inspired and the motivation of a single mother myself that made me start my small business. I remembered so well back in 2021 saving so many clay earrings pictures, daydreaming, and taking the risk with only $100 to start a dream and wanting better for my family and kids. As the pandemic was still going on, I can recall how I saved so many pictures, follow so many clay influences, and just took the risk. I stayed up so late at night, while my son went to school the following morning, juggling my daughter and working. My parents always helped me day and night, assuring to pick me up when I felt bad, making sure I had supplies, and are my personal cheerleaders. I sometimes felt doubtful and hopeless thinking was it worth it. With the support of my family, kids, and friends I am now seeing how a dream became a reality. How I have made close friendships with many beautiful small businesses like mine, and I am an example of never giving up. That young mom of 2 never knew that from 1 sale could turn into 5 or 10 earrings. Dreams do come true.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For me, it’s been much of a rough road, but instead of seeing it negatively, I take it as lessons learned. It’s hard having to be in control for the most part of my business. Having sometimes my kids sick rushing them to urgent care, to trying and not to lose myself from reality, the lack of motivation, I mean I can go on and on. When I first started, I was so clueless and had no idea how much it requires to run a business. Having to sacrifice time, meals, and sleep to have orders ready. With all honesty my family time and mom’s guilt it’s actually the main reason for the struggles I have on the daily. I had moments where I went from talking to my mom every hour of the day to 3x in the day, I’m such a mommy girl. Let alone crying thinking my product wasn’t good enough because sales weren’t coming in. The cheery on top is getting hacked and seeing my hard work come down. God knows why everything happens and it happens to grow, be humble, and be better because after the storm blessings arrive.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I run a small business and work around the clock as in polymer clay earrings designer. I tend to get inspired by everything around me whether it’s a clothes pattern, to the weather, or even special holidays. It’s mainly what I have in mind that makes me create the perfect pair of earrings. From designing small to big statement clay earrings, I tend to see and be known for my studs. I can bring so many shapes, colors, and designs, but something about a small stud with detail always seems to be the winner and what I am known for the most. I am going to be completely honest, everyone who does polymer clay earrings are amazing and of course, we all have something that makes us stand out from each other. I would say the detail in my earrings. I love spending the time about 2-3 hours just adding the perfect small flower, or pattern to a pair of earrings.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories would have to be hands down. Enjoying time with my family, I am a very family-oriented person. Being around my sisters, parents, and kids brings me so much joy and warmth in me. Ever since I was a kid, I recall always pulling up a chair or sitting in the countertop of the kitchen watching how my mom cooked. As I grew older, I had my hands on mini-cooking classes with her. As we laughed, got wise advice on life, or play fight. Now I am in charge of cooking for my family and seeing my mom enjoying the meals she taught me to cook.
