Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mae Lorenzo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Mae thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

The first dollar I made as a creative is, ironically, one of my most priceless memories. It wasn’t so much the validation as it was the incredible affirmation that people not only saw value in my art, but they were willing to pay for its worth, too. It was a dream turned reality — and proof that the risk and leap of faith was worth it.

My day job was and still is working as a marketing lead in the anime industry. Marketing has been one of my biggest passions for the last 10 years and my work does bring me joy. But as I got older, I reflected on how I sacrificed other passions for career stability. I believe I’m blessed because I can wholeheartedly say I love my job and find fulfillment in what I do…

But at heart, I am an artist: I love painting, dance, music, sketching. I am spontaneous and outdoor-adventure seeking, where I’ve literally hung off cliffs as a pastime. In a world of paid media and audience analytics, it’s easy to get lost in a routine haze of crunching data and numbers. I had no creative outlet.

I hit an emotional and spiritual wall for six months where I felt completely unmotivated, uninspired. I was pretty much begging God for vision and a shift, because I didn’t know what I needed to add color back into my life. I didn’t know what to ask for, but I just needed something new to reinvigorate me.

One night, I kept listening to the song “Fresh Wind.” At 3 a.m., I woke up and heard God tell me, “Earrings.” That was it. “Earrings.”

I didn’t know how to make earrings. I didn’t know what to buy. I didn’t know how to establish or run a small business. I had no entrepreneurial background, and like many artists, I also battled imposter syndrome. But I didn’t question it. In spite of my lack of experience in so many areas, I knew if I gave myself a chance to doubt for a second, I’d never start walking. And so, “Fresh Wind Clay” was born.

I ordered materials that night. For the next few weeks, I stayed up to dawn to play with clay after work. I burned pieces. I broke metal. But in the joy of messing up was the joy of learning, and I found a new way to express myself into tangible, charming pieces other people could hold and also express themselves with.

Even without experience or a real following at the time, I dared myself to push beyond the boundaries of my room — I challenged myself to set up a booth at a market. My now-husband also gave me the courage to put myself out there. Within a month, a local market was generous enough to give newbie like me a chance.

I would have been happy to make one sale that day — but I almost completely sold out. It was so humbling, I almost cried. Each piece was meticulously designed, all with unique names and backstories — each imperfectly perfect, never molded exactly the same in the nature of handmade clay pieces. I literally toiled over hundreds of pieces, not knowing if one would connect with the people who’d walk by. The fact that strangers could see the heart of my craft and were able to interpret their own joy in just a moment’s exchange was so pure and precious.

That first dollar meant the world to me. Sure, I’ve made hundreds of thousands in revenue for other multi-billion dollar companies through marketing campaigns in my career — but that first dollar was entirely my own. It was proof that all it takes is a leap of faith to soar.

Mae, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello, friends! My name is Mae. Through Fresh Wind Clay, I handcraft and slow-make clay earrings that are unique in character…the same way we’ve all been created uniquely! These pieces are lightweight, graceful, whimsical, charming, and are a mix of colors, charms, and textures to cater to each person’s authentic personality. It’s all about capturing life’s simple joys and turning them into tangible, delightful pieces you can hold.

I actually still work full-time in digital marketing, paid media, and audience analytics. Fresh Wind Clay is a leap of faith, and I was finally pushed off the metaphorical cliff after I spent about six months hitting an uninspired spiritual wall. To be honest, I felt like I was struggling to hear God. After a long night of prayer of just hungering for His presence and listening to the song “Fresh Wind,” He gave me the vision for “Fresh Wind Clay.”

There was something so sweet and symbolic of feeling like I couldn’t hear God, and His answer being centered around the ear through earrings. It’s even sweeter to reflect on the people I’ve met and the stories I’ve heard from the beautiful hearts who’ve come by to shop, and the connections and friendships I’ve made along the way. It was never just about the product.

Before Fresh Wind Clay, I had no background in entrepreneurship, nor did I have a background in jewelry or clay-making. I had no desire to — or belief that I could — run my own business. I am living proof that if you set your mind to it and if you muster the courage to take the first step (or do it afraid), anything is possible. Sure, there are logistics and legalities you should wisely build on, but taking the first step is the biggest hurdle you’ll cross. Even if you have to trip forward, keep moving until you can confidently run.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

So, hear me out. I had a whole list of books and Ted Talks listed on resilience, creativity, risk-taking, community-building, and more, but one source keeps rising above the rest: the Bible.

(And no, I won’t thump it at you. I’m sorry for the people who may have used the Bible to harm you…that’s a discussion for another day.) The Bible is home to many of the adages and proverbs we know today, and counsel for entrepreneurship is among one of the many topics covered. Aside from shaping my faith, my outlook on life and relationships, and my mission to share joy and love with others through my art, the Word has gifted me with the peace and courage to quell any doubt.

Here are some scriptures I think that would encourage any entrepreneur or creative:

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” — Mark 8:36

Wealth is meaningless if you lose your heart. When you lose your heart, you lose your vision. And your business along with it.

“Without the guidance of good leaders a nation falls. But many good advisers can save it.” — Proverbs 11:14

You cannot go far alone. Seek mentors or trusted partners in your community to keep growing. At the same time, make sure you return the favor for others. When someone has used their hand to lift you up, extend yours to bring the next person up with you.

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” — Matthew 7:12

The golden rule of treat people the way you want to be treated. Whether they are your customers, clients, or colleagues, being intentional in this act of care will only elevate your business — and the joy people receive from what you have to offer.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” — Timothy 1:7

Oftentimes, we only go as far as fear allows us. Do not let fear of failure stop you from building your business and changing lives!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Art is both a personal and communal experience. It’s self-growth and bridging growth with others at the same time. Art is deeply personal and vulnerable, but through the lens of another, they can experience a different personal emotion or reflection.

With art, you can share happiness. You can create and give beauty to the world even if you can’t see it around you. As someone who is a believer, there’s a great joy, humility, and gratitude in knowing this gift of creativity brings me closer to my Creator.

It’s a never-ending journey of growth and progress that I get to go on. There’s a beauty on getting to watch my art change as I change through the years. Existing in this space of being and becoming is so rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://msha.ke/freshwindclay
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshwindclay/

Image Credits
Headshots by: Karla Moreno (@klickwithk – https://www.instagram.com/klickwithk/?hl=en) Product and popup shots: Mae Lorenzo