Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Neuhauser.
Hi Paige, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Having a business of my own has always been in the cards for me. Growing up, I would always “set up shop” and run imaginary businesses. I’ve just always had that entrepreneurial spirit! It all started back in January of 2019. I was actually running a different business at the time called, Kitschy Doodles, where I designed handmade paper products and goods.
I was interested in making my own handmade pins, so I was researching ways to go about that on YouTube. I came across a video where someone was using polymer clay to make their pins and I thought how cool the medium looked. I believe the next day, I went to Hobby Lobby and bought a few packs of clay and made my first pair of earrings. I sold a few pairs while running my paper products business, but after months of learning about the medium and thoroughly enjoying the entire process, I decided to make it my sole focus and open a shop dedicated to clay accessories.
Fast forward to October 2019, when I launched That Clay Girl Co. My brand is devoted to creating handmade wearable art that enhances one’s confidence and style! From a wide variety of earring styles to clay wall hangings, TCGCo. has an array of accessories for everyone. I’m always thinking of what I can create next! I’ve loved every step that’s brought me to where I am today! I’ve grown so much, not just as an entrepreneur, but as an individual.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe any business owner can attest to the struggles of being an entrepreneur and I’m no exception. Running a business takes a lot of hard work and calls for “wearing many hats.”
Running this business on my own, (with the love and support of the family of course) requires me to take on many roles/jobs other than the owner. To name a few: Designer, product photographer, graphic designer, social media manager, marketer, and so much more. With that comes a lot of stress, but it’s that much more rewarding.
One thing I deal with is imposter syndrome. This involves feelings of self-doubt. In your eyes, you believe your work isn’t good enough, even though you have received all the praise. Dealing with this and being somewhat of a perfectionist can take away from my joy of creating at times, but it also motivates me and keeps me wanting to better myself and my business.
All of the good that comes out of running a small business definitely outweighs the struggles and makes everything that much more rewarding.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Just like my business name, I’m THAT CLAY GIRL! Everything I create incorporates polymer clay in some way. I’ve worked with other materials like brass, wood, and macramé, but the clay will always be at the forefront. My background is in graphic design, so having a designer’s eye not only for my products but for all of my branding has been the perfect balance of creating with my hands and digitally.
I’m most proud of how I’ve evolved with polymer clay. I love looking back and realizing how far I have come with the medium. The more I have worked with it, the more I have come into my own style and brand. After almost three years of working with polymer clay, I think I can finally say I’ve found my style/aesthetic.
My aesthetic is modern with abstract accents. I love working with colors that are visually appealing and create a vibe together. If you look at my Instagram feed or have seen my market booths, it’s very apparent how much I love all shades of terracotta and other warm colors.
I feel the aesthetic I bring to all aspects of my brand is what sets me apart. I’m all about creating an experience for my customers, whether that’s in person at markets/pop-ups or with my packaging for online orders. I love going above and beyond to create memorable moments.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I enjoy working with other small businesses who are similar to me in aesthetics to curate cohesive product giveaways. For those who are so kind in wanting to support That Clay Girl Co., this can be done through several outlets from visiting my Etsy shop, ordering wholesale, stopping by my market booth, or even simply following me on social media. I am grateful for all of my supporters… past, present, and future.
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@thatclaygirlco.com
- Website: http://www.thatclaygirlco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatclaygirlco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatclaygirlco
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-el9u4YTwlAAbJ-P5Hiq4w
