We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nora Roberts. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nora below.
Nora, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
To set the scene, I was in my mid 20’s working at a job that made me cry every day. I felt very stuck. I was taking care of every single person in my life, except myself and that was the hardest part to come to terms with. I felt like there was something wrong with me because I was not content in my work life and I reached a boiling point where I knew something had to change. I started making jewelry as a way to unwind. I thought if I had one thing at the end of my day that was finally just for me, then maybe it could carry me through my work days. It did and it didn’t! It did in that I enjoyed creating so much that it became something very positive in my life. But, it didn’t in that I enjoyed it so much I eventually quit my job! When did I know it was time to just do it? I knew I was ready when I spent most of my work day doodling designs. When I spent every break watching videos about techniques or reviews about different tools I was wanting to get. I knew I was ready when I’d spend my lunch break planning out my entire evening to maximize the amount of work I could get done. And when I finally made the decision to open my shop, I was shocked at how it was received and I’m incredibly thankful for it every day. In my professional life today, I run my online shop and I was very lucky to be able to accept a position at a jeweler. I feel like I’ve been able to finally surround myself in creative passions and I’m so grateful for the experience.
Nora, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Howdy, so my name is Nora and I make jewelry! I run an Etsy shop under the name: OklayNoralee – which basically means Okay Clay and Accessories by Noralee. I stretched my earlobes when I was really young, and in my early adult life I decided to let them shrink back as much as possible. I was jealous at times seeing friends wear earrings that I knew I couldn’t. I can’t wear post-back earrings or anything too heavy as my lobes sag still. I initially got into making polymer clay earrings because the material is so lightweight! I found that I could make intricate and large designs to wear without worry of anything being too heavy and I was sold on it. I started making every kind of earring I could dream up, from glow in the dark moons, to large suns, dangly clouds, and landscape pieces. The sky is the limit when I’m creating and that is my favorite part. Since then, I’ve expanded to several different mediums. Lately I’ve been really into working with crystals/stones. I also expanded from just earrings — I now make necklaces, bracelets, anklets, rings, and even home decor pieces. My most recent favorite thing to make is suncatchers, which have brought on a whole new sense of joy in creating a piece I know will be displayed in someone’s home.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
As a society we cannot bash the arts while also simultaneously consuming art, because here’s the thing, you probably know someone right now from your inner circle that is trying to pave their artistic way. You probably already know someone trying to express themselves through art right now. The biggest and best thing we can do for artists is support them. I love wearing something by another local artist. I love getting to tell someone about the piece and the creator whenever I get complimented on the item. This is support. If you can’t financially support a creator, there are so many free things you can do that help, such as sharing their work online. Online interaction can go a long way for small business creators. Financial support at the end of the day though is worth it. When you pay for something from a small business you are paying for more than just the item. You are paying for something unique. You are paying for someone’s passion.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I find great pride when I see someone wearing something I made. It is exciting and mind warping to hear someone say a piece I made with my hands makes them feel confident when wearing it. As I’ve ventured into some home decor pieces recently, that’s also been a really rewarding moment when I see something I made on display in someone’s home. It reminds me of when I first started and the only time I saw my pieces on someone or in someone’s home was when I was visiting my Mom. The growth in my following and customers in general over the past two years has been really awesome and rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OklayNoralee
- Instagram: oklaynoralee