We recently connected with Ellen Ridder and have shared our conversation below.

Ellen, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Though the first post on my ellens.instashop Instagram page dates back to September of 2020, I consider this a rather new business venture. I’ve always had a full time job while making earrings, so the hours I’ve been able to put toward this business is far fewer than if I were making earrings full time.

Quick(ish) backstory: I learned how to make my first pair of polymer clay earrings (thanks to my younger sister and YouTube) on Christmas evening of 2019. She brought home a variety pack of 1 oz. clay blocks from Hobby Lobby and we watched a short demonstration on how to swirl multiple colors to get a fun, tie-dye effect. We baked the earrings in the oven, assembled the pieces, and (after they cooled…ouch!) put them in our ears while running to the mirror to admire our work. I was amazed by the creative freedom that polymer clay provided. From that first introduction to polymer clay, I couldn’t stop making new earrings. At the time I was an elementary teacher who began to slowly purchase clay and tools. I never intended on selling my earrings. At the time, I enjoyed creating as an outlet to my stress-filled profession. After some prodding from family and friends to sell my earrings, I started posting on my personal Facebook account and created another Instagram account solely for the earrings. I left the classroom at the end of May in 2022 and jumped headfirst into a new career in the medical field as a technical trainer. Growing this business has been slow — which is what I’ve decided is best for me. I have a fulltime job and do this on the side so it’s important to me that I’m able to handle the workload as my business grows. I’ve always loved creating for others and by doing this, it has challenged me to create a better work-life balance for myself. [End of backstory.]

In writing this, I’m realizing that by starting this business, my biggest investment I have made is time for myself. (And to think I was planning on telling you about investing in my Shopify account or my ring light…) After leaving teaching, I felt like I was having a bit of an identity crisis. I was teacher Ellen for so long and almost every decision I made was catered toward the kids. I lost my creative side little by little over the years. Picking up this creative venture has poured life back into myself. There’s a popular story known by many teachers and parents of young children called “Will You Fill My Bucket?” by Carol McCloud. After making a career shift, I’m again able to prioritize my free time being creative and fill my own bucket.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

About me, the artist: Growing up, earrings were my jewelry statement piece. The bolder, more colorful, bigger they were, the better. I often find myself choosing what earrings to wear and then picking out the rest of my outfit. My love for art and earrings come together in this small business.

About my business:
I create small batches of earrings catered around seasonal themes/collection styles. Because I like everything I make, I started making two or three of each style to keep one for myself! Knowing that there aren’t many of each kind makes my earrings unique and truly one-of-a-kind.

When cured properly in the oven, polymer clay is quite flexible. However, I should note that it can break when bent too far from its original shape. It is easy to keep clean – typically warm water and soap will do the trick. Makeup remover works, too. And, the best part about polymer clay earrings: they are lightweight. My heaviest pair of earrings weigh half an ounce… that’s a quarter of an ounce per lobe. Wild! (For reference, 0.5 oz is equivalent to a pencil.)

My mission:
“Look good; feel good” is a phrase I live by. I grew up on a cattle ranch and was often outside in ragged jeans and stained t-shirts fixing fence, working cattle, feeding, etc. So whenever I had an opportunity to get out of my work clothes and dress up, I did. Earrings are the final piece to a polished look when I dress up. Now as a creator, my mission is to help those wearing earrings feel good. I hope by wearing my earrings, I’m giving my customers a bit of confidence while wearing earrings they love.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Seeing my earrings being worn by others is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist. I spend my spare time creating and others will see value in it and buy it. Hands down, that is the best feeling. I have had some of the most supportive friends and family from the start, and now I’m gaining followers and getting sales from people I don’t yet know. Knowing that others perceive my product as good quality and purchase my earrings reinforces that I’m on the right path. The encouragement I receive, likes, shares, comments, all of it, has helped me share my earrings with a wider audience. I love being part of such a creative community online and it motivates me to try new things within the polymer clay medium. When people choose to spend their money on small businesses versus giant corporations, it makes me so happy!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When I first started selling, I associated success with whether the majority of my earrings would sell or not. In a way, my worth was attached to whether people liked what I had to offer. Because these earrings are an extension of my efforts, if a collection sold well, I felt good about myself. When a collection would sell very little to zero pieces, I felt awful. Over time I have realized that success to me is staying true to creating what I want to create and if someone likes it, great! If not, that’s okay – not everything is for everyone. And most importantly my worth isn’t determined whether someone sees value in what I create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://handmadebyellen.myshopify.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ellens.instashop

Image Credits
Ellen Ridder