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

Claire, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I started this creative business 11 years ago making bags and simple accessories. As the years went by and the struggle was definitely real, I pivoted my business in 2019. I realized I was trying to reach everyone and in doing so, I was reaching no one. So I narrowed down my niche and started making reusable accessories. My love for the environment and for sewing merged and Designed by Claire had awesome new look. It’s taken YEARS to get where I am today but while making this journey I took many breaks, one major one is having my son. This amazing journey has been the best teacher. I’ve learned everything from the books (ugh) to trends & marketing and everything in between. In looking back, something that could have sped up my progress was to have a written schedule, not letting myself get derailed by life & be willing to hire when I got too crazy (I’m still working on that last one). I wouldn’t change my journey and I truly appreciate all I have learned to help me move forward to the future. In saying all of this, I am slowly climbing to becoming a fully paid creative. Not fully there yet but getting there.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My main goal with Designed by Claire is to create reusable pieces that are pretty so people would love to use them. Make them easy, pretty and convenient. I have found in my research of sustainable living, there wasn’t much variety. There wasn’t many pretty fabrics or fun designs. Everything looked very – vanilla. In saying that, there is nothing wrong with vanilla. But I want to draw people in to use reusables instead of single use, so make it pretty, make a statement, share the message that reusables don’t have to be boring!

So my original design for a reusable was for myself. I wanted to start using traveling utensils and of course I needed a cute bag to carry them in. This blossomed the idea that this would be great for people to use for lunch at work, to keep them in their car for traveling, or just have with them for when eating at a restaurant that only uses plastic utensils. My reusable journey started there. But I couldn’t just do one or two bags with plain silverware. I wanted to make it fun – so people would love to use them. I have variety of fabrics and flatware so it can fit in with their personalities. Make them want to use it and make a statement while using it.

Now I offer many reusable items from utensils bags to cloth napkins, reusable face pads to heavy duty beach bags. All with the purpose to reuse again and again.

Plus All of my items are used by me or someone close to me to make sure they work to their best potential. If something needs to be added or tweaked, I do so and add it to the shop.

One of the best feelings I have when selling my reusables is when I get a message for someone saying “I didn’t think I would really use (Item they purchased) and now I use it all the time, why didn’t I do this sooner ” Or when someone comes to my shop (online or at craft shows) from a recommendation of a friend. Not only is my business growing but my message is growing. Reusables don’t have to be hard and boring. They are easy to fit into our lifestyle, we just need to try.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Being a creative all my life and watching my mom and other family member, who also are a creatives, I realized being a creative wasn’t an easy route for making a living. My mom would do art shows (which I loved to go to) and she would do commissioned pieces but she still have a full time job and 2 kids to care for. So when college came around, I chose the “safer” creative option. I got my BA with a concentration in Graphic Design. Started an internship after I graduated and HATED it! I love to work with my hand and be able to feel things, working on a computer was the opposite. After years of going around and around to fill in jobs my husband (but fiance at the time) told me to try being an accessory designer and see how it goes. With his support, I did it. As the years have gone by, the creative market has grown. With the creation of Etsy and more and more markets being created so makers (not just fine artists) have a place to show their goods, I’m thrilled where this ecosystem is heading. More and more people are realizing and appreciating the concept of handmade items and original designs. One of my favorite craft shows to do locally is run by the county itself and helps support makers/creatives. It is free for us to show and free for the customers to attend. It is the BIGGEST and most successful show I have ever attended. Thousands come and support their local artisans. It’s an amazing idea. The more we think like this the more we support the small artists and less the big box stores.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

One of my bigger goals with my business is to share my pieces, my knowledge, resources of being eco-conscious to help one person at a time realize it’s not that hard. We need to stop living in a disposable culture and start using things again and again. I also want to share the message, you need to start somewhere & start small. Using a reusable cotton napkin instead of paper is one step that can be repeated over and over now becomes a habit. It’s not only about the pieces I make, it’s the habits it can create in the process. Changing a person mindset can make all the difference. I see society turning this way and I want to keep creating to foster that change.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.designedbyclaire.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbcdesignedbyclaire/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DBCDesignedbyClaire
• Other: ETSY : www.etsy.com/shop/DBCDesignedByClaire

Image Credits
These photos are all taken by Claire – Designed by Claire