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

Mae, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I have always been a maker or DIYer since I was a kid. I used to design and make my own small drawers or organizers using old boxes and cartons for my pencils, crayons, and other school supplies. I loved drawing, coloring, painting, and sketching. I started sewing when I was little and I even finished a huge cross stitch of Hello Kitty when I was in elementary school. I also made friendship bracelets using embroidery threads and paracords. Growing up, if I wasn’t doing my schoolwork, you’d always see me creating something.

Just as other crafters’/makers’ stories, it all started as a hobby. At first, I made diffuser earrings. When friends from work started appreciating my creations and started buying from me, I turned it into a small business. I continue to make, not only diffuser jewelry, but also other crafts and accessories using different mediums, such as polymer clay, resin, and Japanese paper.

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?

My name is Mae. I am from the Philippines and my husband is active duty military. I was teaching English to Japanese students in Nagasaki, Japan when we first met. I have always loved art and I have developed my passion for creating beautiful pieces of jewelry when we got stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

Of all the accessories, earrings are my favorite. You can simply throw a cute pair of earrings with your outfit and it can already change your whole look.

My mom, who was my best friend, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016. When I found out about it, I felt like my life was going to fall apart. I learned the great benefits of essential oils for ones health, and so I thought about creating some diffuser jewelry. Starting this business gave me an outlet for my creativity and my fear of losing my mom. I also thought that it could also help with her medical needs.

She passed away on Valentine’s Day in 2020. I told myself that I wanted to continue her legacy. She was always selfless and generous, and she never stopped giving, especially to those who were suffering and those who are in need. So I prayed, and my prayer was answered. I was led to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. My mom was my role model, and she showed me what it means to think of others before yourself, just like Jesus did. She “did everything with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14).

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

At my very first vendor event in the US after moving from Japan, I was so excited because I knew that my small business will have a greater opportunity to grow and be well-known to an even bigger audience. I stayed up until 3am (the night before) preparing my inventory, determined not to run out of items. On the day of the event, I only sold one item in five hours. I was devastated. If it weren’t for my supportive husband, I would have already given up on my dream. But I learned a lot from that experience. It has given me an opportunity to grow and become better. I still have my moments of insecurity and doubt, but I know that God is giving me the encouragement to keep going.

I am now a part of the biggest arts market in downtown Jacksonville, Florida (the RAM). I want to encourage others who are struggling to never give up on their dreams. Failure is a part of the journey, but it is not the end of the road.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative, for me, is seeing people appreciate my artwork. Seeing the smiles on their faces and the glow in their eyes when they see something I’ve created encourages me to become a better artist. It’s so gratifying when they get excited to own a piece of my art that brings joy into their he”ART”s.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bblovehandmade.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bblovehandmade/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBLoveHandmade/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigS3ynoWrDggf4X_CuloUA
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/bblovehandmade/