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

Emily, appreciate you joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

Growing up, I loved creating and chose to take as many art classes as possible in school, while also joining art clubs and organizations in my community. From drawing, to painting, to sculpting- I wanted to do it all. I eventually stumbled upon jewelry making when I was thirteen and I began making beautiful earrings for my friends and family.

After graduating high school, I chose to take a different career path which led me away from my creative roots. There were many bumps and turns along the way over the next couple of years, and I was feeling lost. I spent some time searching for the missing piece in my life.

Through much searching, and immersing myself into a new community, I followed this dream of mine and chose the name Placed by Grace. Through this time, I was able to find myself again, and return to not only my creative roots, but also my roots in Christ. I chose the name Placed by Grace because I believe everything happens for a reason. This name represents a time period of my life when, by God’s grace, I was directed back to the path meant for me.

Emily, 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?

In 2017, I took my first summer job, working at a toy store on Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan. This summer job changed my life forever.

I returned in 2018, working full-time at The Artists Market and part-time as an intern for the Mackinac Island Arts Council. At this point in my life, I knew I loved art, but I had no intention of pursuing it as my occupation or career. However, as I worked directly with so many talented artists and makers, I became so inspired and knew this is what I wanted to do- I needed to pursue a creative career of some kind.

This Island and its community captured my heart and I continued to work seasonally. On a rainy, October afternoon, while working a shift at the Artists Market, I came up with the idea of Placed by Grace! Two years later, I was selling my handmade jewelry in this same shop.

Later, in 2021, I began as a guest instructor at Watercolor Café, teaching polymer clay classes. This was a huge step for me as I struggle with social anxiety and it was very much out of my comfort zone! But it turned into something I absolutely loved doing. Fast forward to this past year, I expanded this side of my business and began teaching at four other locations throughout Michigan.

Placed by Grace has shifted slightly over time, but I credit my inspiration to the artists and makers I’ve met along the way.

As 2024 begins, I’m entering into a new era as a business owner. I will be opening my first brick and mortar store this spring. Creating this space with my personal artist journey in mind, I will be showcasing and selling locally sourced, handmade goods. This space will give a platform to the same artists and makers who’ve inspired me since the beginning. Along with a retail space, I will also be offering art workshops in the evenings, twice a month. I will be teaching polymer clay jewelry classes and will be co-hosting with other makers in the area.

Full circle moments are my absolute favorite and they have been abundant. Every day I am so grateful for this intricate design that God has made of my life. Placed by Grace. “Walking in the grace of God is believing what God says about you and letting that guide and guard you.”

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

I heard somewhere recently that the goal is to use your 9-5 to fund your 5-9 until your 5-9 can become your 9-5. When I first started this business, the obvious goal was to make it profitable but I wasn’t expecting it to be my fill-time job right away. Being a full-time artist and business owner was going to take a lot of sacrifice and hard work.

My first two years of business I exclusively sold my handmade jewelry online (on my own website). At the end of my second year of business, I started attending local art fairs and outdoor markets. When I began selling in person, I noticed a huge jump in online sales. Participating in local arts and craft sh0ws was a great marketing tool that helped me get my business out into the community.

By the beginning of my third year, I began selling my handmade jewelry wholesale to boutiques and shops across the US. Using a well-known wholesale platform, skyrocketed my business. Wholesale quickly became the main source of revenue for my business. My personal website sales began taking off during this time as well because I was able to get my product into the hands of more people. During this same year, I began teaching in-person polymer clay classes which helped me connect with my community.

I think the key to growing a business is to have product(s) you believe in, create multiple streams of revenue and have an intentional marketing plan.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Staying connected to my customers is so important to me. One of the biggest ways I stay connected to my local customers is by attending local arts and craft shows. Meeting and speaking with my customers in person, shows the face behind the business and helps build my customers trust for the brand. I spend much of my year traveling throughout Michigan, attending shows and meeting customers and it’s become my favorite thing about running my business.

Connecting with customers online, can look a little different. This kind of connection comes in the form of connecting through social media, hand-written thank you notes, and responding to online reviews with gratitude.

Fostering brand loyalty is how you grow your business- this starts by creating or selling high-quality products that you believe in. In every order, I include a hand-written thank you note. In orders placed by returning customers, I also occasionally include freebies like a pair of studs. I also offer exclusive sales and promotions to my customers who are email subscribers.

It’s important to remain grateful always. Your customers are the reason you get to live your dream. Make every effort to ensure your customers know how important they are to you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.placedbygracedesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/placed.by.grace/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlacedByGraceDesigns/
• Other: Shop Wholesale on Faire: https://faire.com/direct/placedbygracedesigns

Image Credits
Chanda Darr Photography