We were lucky to catch up with Inaara Jiwani recently and have shared our conversation below.

Inaara, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I came up with the idea of making resin art pieces after a trip to Trader Joe’s one day. I remember walking into the store and immediately seeing these beautiful pastel yellow and pink gerbera daisies. I bought them, took them home, and immediately placed them in an old mason jar. A few days had passed, then a week, then two weeks and I remember telling my family how I wish I could preserve these flowers some way. I did not want them to die at all. Then it hit me- what about resin? The term, “resin” was one I had heard multiple times; but never really knew what it was.

I looked into resin and found that it was a two part mixture with a one to one ratio- that then hardens into whatever shape you would like, as long as you have a mold. Many people don’t know this, but seeing those gerbera daisies at TJ basically saved a part of me! I started to do some quick research and saw how it would take a lot of resin to be able to preserve such big flowers, so I figured that I would try with a much smaller project first and see how it works out!

YouTube became my best friend when searching for resin tutorials and I would say constantly practicing is what got me better. I think precision and a keen eye for detail are two most of the essential skills needed. In terms of obstacles, the weather would play a big part. It couldn’t be too cold outside or sometimes my resin would not harden enough. Another obstacle would be making sure that there is an equal amount of resin in the container to make sure I wouldn’t get any bendy pieces.

Inaara, 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?

Hi everyone! I’m Inaara! I am 24 years old and I graduated college In December of 2021 with a degree in Political Science and concentration in Legal studies! I work as a case manager and resin is my hobby! I try to get better and better each day with creating some pieces. The way I became obsessed with resin happened accidentally, but I am so thankful that I have been able to create my tiny hobby into a tiny business!

I suffer from a chronic pain disease known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This is a rare disease in which one’s body part suffers from severe and debilitating pain after an injury or surgery. In particular, it can deal with nerve damage in which the nerves are sending high impulses to the affected site. There is treatment that can somewhat help, but there is no absolute cure. I have CRPS in my right wrist. I have been diagnosed with it since 2018, and I knew I needed a way to help manage my pain and to help my mind be clear of dark clouds. That day at TJ when I saw those daisies, I didn’t know that resin would become such a big part of me.

I told myself I needed to start a hobby to help deviate my mind from the constant, 24/7 pain that I was in. Resin is a very much hands on hobby and I knew if I started it then it could be taken as a risk; especially with my right wrist already being in so much pain. But nonetheless, I told myself that I just needed to take a few deep breaths and I would be okay.

Resin easily became my go to. If I was having a bad week or a bad flare day and knew that I wouldn’t be able to work on some projects, I would take the day off. But creating resin art has really helped me become stronger mentally when dealing with my CRPS. I’ve been lucky enough to have been able to sell my resin coasters and trays as well as take them as housewarming gifts! Seeing people around me smile when I would give resin coasters as gifts would bring me such joy. It’s so amazing how a unique, handmade piece can go such a long way!

I understand that there are many different resin brands out there, all wonderful as well. But what makes Resin by Inaara so different is that with every single piece of artwork I am creating, there is warmth in the fact that someone with a chronic pain syndrome has put her heart and soul into her craft. Each piece is very special to me because I can tell how far I have come. It makes me happy that even with my pain I can create such beautiful pieces and it brings me even more joy to know that I can bring a smile to someone else’s face.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the happiness, the, “oohs” and “aahs” when a customer sees a piece, and the warm feeling I get when I see a customer smile.

Another rewarding part of being an artist is that there are so many different ways to be able to explore and create the craft. I can test out new colors, new patterns, and new additions! The feeling of testing out new variations is so much fun! You never know when you’ll find a new art piece to recreate!

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

One of my goals on this creative journey is to be able to set up a tent at a local festival- and be able to get my small business name out there! I would love to showcase multiple pieces all at once!

In addition, knowing that I can do this craftwork with a chronic pain syndrome and still create wonderful pieces is one goal already accomplished!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @resinbyinaara
• Facebook: @resinbyinaara
• Other: Gmail: resinbyinaara@gmail.com

Image Credits
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