We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Faiza Anam a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Faiza, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

The biggest thing I would change about the education system is providing students with a realistic and dynamic outlook of the mountain of options that exist for us. I feel so many students feel their options are limited and it’s simply not true. I also think taking into account that you cannot apply a one size fits all approach when every individual student has individual needs. Especially if they are neurodivergent like myself.

Growing up I felt so cornered to get into the sciences or math, art was not even in the horizon for me nor did any schools I attend prioritize art enrichment. I think instead of having preparatory schools focused on testing and going to university, I think highschools need to allow students to experiment more and have more visual and hands on classes that everyone has a chance to take, versus the select few.

Not to mention, even if we consider pursuing interests outside of school you need to have substantial financial resources to get into art, take art classes and truly experiment with different fields as a student. This is why I think schools need to take on that responsibility of accessible play and exploration, similar to Montessori schools just without the huge tuition.

I always think if I had the chance to hone my interest in art from a young age.. If I knew about polymer clay before I turned 30, how much farther would I be now?

I regret how little we truly learn about the real world because I remember going to apply to classes for first year university and just picking random things because I had no clue what to do. Even the program I was in, I didn’t even look into the details of what was required to remain in that co-op program and I feel like the education system failed me. I ended up being kicked out of that program and having to just make it through university just to get the regular BA degree. And although I learned so much getting my psychology degree, I wish I knew I had a talent in sculptural art and went that route from the start. How was I expected to just know these things when noone in school showed me how big the world really is?

Faiza, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Anam Creations is led by me Faiza Anam. I am a one-woman powerhouse, who has been crafting unique, handmade wearable art and home decor for 4 years. Specializing in polymer clay, I create bold, expressive pieces for those who love maximalism and living life in full color. My floral earrings, food sculptures and miniatures are a testament to my brand motto: Create your own world!

I created this business in 2020 after I was laid off during the pandemic. I got into polymer clay to make earrings to match my outfits, friends and family complimented my work and that’s how it all began! I started selling online, then doing popups. Now I also have my earrings in multiple retail locations in Toronto.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come: I’ve made over 1000+ sales in 3 years time, I have repeat clients who genuinely love supporting me, I’ve had my work worn by fashion designers and muses in New York Fashion Week and red carpet events in Toronto.

I always tell people I’m not just selling you a pair of earrings or a trinket dish. I’m giving you pure joy for weeks, months and years. It’s a feeling that you can carry with you wherever you go. My art makes people happy, makes people feel good about themselves.. You will get so many compliments! I hear that all the time and it makes me feel so grateful.

What sets me apart is I don’t pretend to be a “we” business when I know it’s just me, myself and I making this machine run everyday. I am someone who shares not just the positives or a curated lifestyle, I am genuine and in a world of fake social media lives/ personalities, I’m glad to have found a community of people who get me and relate to me. I’m not afraid to be myself, and I encourage others to do the same and that’s why I know I’m different from other businesses. With me you get a guide, a friend and an entertaining earring dealer you won’t wanna get rid of!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

The only way to grow an audience on Instagram is to be authentic to yourself and your brand. You have to be willing to show your vulnerable side. I made sure to show my face, and get on my stories everyday. I don’t allow a single comment or DM go ignored.

Don’t be afraid to be cringe. Some people think they are too cool to initiate convos or make a silly reel.. And that’s why they are stuck. Get out of your head, have fun and experiment. If it doesn’t work, atleast you can move on to the next idea and see what does. I msg ppl like I’m their friend and that has worked wonderfully. To the point where I can even call some of my clients my friends now.

Cultivating these relationships has been how I’ve been able to learn how to build relationships, get repeat clients and word of mouth business.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

It is so important, if you want to build lasting relationships with people, that you use your active listening skills and show up for your client base everyday. If you’re busy, set aside time everyday to check in with your audience.

Do polls, ask for reactions to new products or ideas.. It doesn’t matter if you feel like you’re talking to a void. Because when you’re consistent and you show your audience you will be there… They will learn to trust you and engage back with you eventually

Contact Info:

• Website: www.anamcreations.ca
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/anamcreations.ca

Image Credits
Image of woman with pink top and blue pants holding a microphone–that is local journalist and content creator Hillary Leblanc and the picture of her was taken my @memoryun_snap on Instagram. Please tag both of their names under that pic. Image of two women on a purple background with Boho Chachkies Vintage on it–that is myself and the owner of Boho Chachkies Vintage, Joy Zubair. I am a vendor inside of her store, selling my jewelry there. Please tag her @bohochachkies on Instagram. Info on other pictures: two of them are other client pics (mushroom and Tulips), one is of my tent at DO West Fest in 2023, one is of my Love Collection from February 2024 (the pink background with earrings), and one if of my Brunch Collection from April 2024.