Hi! My name is Gracie and I'm the maker behind Made by Gracie. I'm a 17 year old with a passion for creating beautiful, handcrafted polymer clay earrings and leather earrings.
I started my business in October of 2020 making leather earrings, and then decided to start making polymer clay earrings in February of 2021!
My business has grown and expanded SO MUCH since then. Honestly, more than I could've ever dreamed of! There are definitely some hard and stressful days that come along with owning my own business at 17 years old, but there are also so many amazing and rewarding days that greatly outweigh the hard and stressful ones.
I am very proud of all that I have accomplished so far and of how far I have come with my skills and techniques. I am so incredibly thankful to God for gifting me with the ability to create and share beautiful handcrafted earrings, and of course to each and every person whom has supported me and my small business.
What made you start your business?
Shortly after my parents decided to start homeschooling my brother and I (September 2020), my mom told me I needed to find a hobby to do in the afternoons/evenings. I give all of the credit to my mom when I get asked, "Why or how did you decide to start making jewelry?" Because if she hadn't come into my room that one afternoon telling me that I needed to find a hobby, this wouldn't be my life right now and I wouldn't have this amazing small business of mine.
What's your biggest accomplishment with your business so far?
My biggest accomplishment so far is having shipped to over 30 states in the U.S. and two Canadian provinces!
How many hours do you typically work a week and what does your schedule look like?
I work at least a good 45-55 hours per week (on average). After I am finished with my schoolwork for the day and any chores that I need to get done around the house, I usually dedicate the rest of all of my afternoons and evenings to Made by Gracie!
What is your favorite product that you make/sell?
My favorite product that I make and sell is all of my polymer clay earrings. I just find it so therapeutic working with clay and it is so rewarding and satisfying for me to see all of the little handcrafted details in each and every pair of earrings that are completely made with my two hands.
What is your best selling item?
My best selling item is my clay cow head studs. I wholesale sell them to multiple different stores/boutiques, sell many pairs on my website, and they are always some of the first earrings to go at craft shows and markets!
Thanks, Gracie!
You can find her products on my website
https://autumnjuneboutique.com/search?q=gracie&options%5Bprefix%5D=last
and on her website at
https://made-by-gracie.square.site/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/made_by_gracieee/