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

Kara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

The beauty of art is that you can create whatever you want and it’s unique to you. It’s your way, your style, your kind of weird, and some people like your same kind of weird, different, or beautiful and they’ll pay you for it. I learned what I do by DOING. You just have to start.

I got my start by seeing a friend of a friend make clay earrings in 2019. I saw her style, color combos, and designs and while they were beautiful and unique- they weren’t my style, so I thought- I CAN DO THAT, I can create and design earrings in my own style. I BELIEVED I COULD, so I looked up what kind of clay, what kind of tools I needed, bought some cutters and away we went. 1 pair, 2 pairs, 3 pairs. The more you create, the more you fine tune your craft.

I think the learning process is important. Some things are meant to be trial and error. It builds confidence and appreciation for growth. The skills that were most essential for the brand I wanted to create were consistency and attention to detail. They’re handmade, but I wanted them to look like the highest quality- with symmetrical pieces, smooth edges, same thickness, tarnish free connectors, etc.

Obstacles that stood in the way of me learning more or things that slowed me down- were when I got in my own way.. mentally. Comparison is truly the thief of all joy and if you chase that rabbit, your creativity will go out the window, so will your self esteem and belief in yourself that YOU CAN do all that you envision.

Advice to myself when I first started- stay in your own lane, work on improving yourself and your brand. Work with excellence as you are working unto the Lord to bring Him glory, not yourself. Show appreciation to every single customer that buys what you create. Their purchase is saying I BELIEVE IN YOU.

Network, network, network- go to the craft fairs and pop ups. Don’t let yourself get down if you don’t sell much, just keep showing up. You’ll thank me later!

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

In 2019, I was looking for a way to create something with purpose that could bring income, as a way to fuel the business I wanted to create and to give back. I had already been listening to the Business Boutique Podcast, so my wheels were turning, preparing my mind to see an opportunity. When I saw that making clay earrings was becoming a thing and a friend of a friend was doing it, it was like I just knew “OK, I can do that”.

A problem I had always had with jewelry was finding something cute and then it tarnishing a few wears later. I wanted to create a high quality, non tarnishing product that people could wear years down the road. I quickly learned that many people struggle with having sensitive ears, keeping them from wearing fun earrings. I believe my attention to detail and sourcing high quality and hypoallergenic findings is what sets me apart.

Another hurdle to jump was pricing my products. I treat my earrings like art, most only created one time. This creates value because there are some colors and styles I wouldn’t be able to duplicate the same way if I tried. It just wouldn’t be the same. So, while I’m not the cheapest, I’m also not the most expensive. I’ve created pricing to reflect the quality of my product and I’ve seen our customers take care of of our earrings the same way I do, which let’s me know they see the value in them too. They are unique. :)

My mission with this entire brand, start to finish, every day I make, every day I’m at a pop up or market, any stores where our earrings are sold is to FIRST glorify God because He is the only reason I am able to do this. No matter how small we stay or how big the brand gets, I won’t be taking this with me to heaven. It will stay earthside where someone else can continue the mission or it will all fall apart. I’m only here for a short time, all the money in the world won’t bring happiness, peace, or contentment. There isn’t enough making I could do to satisfy what only God can do for me. So, I am here to praise and honor Him through the work of my hands.

PS139 is written on the back of every pair of earrings, so that when you choose to wear earrings, even if you don’t wear ours, my hope is that you will see PS139 and be reminded of how special you are to God because of what He says about you in Psalm 139. You are fully KNOWN and deeply loved by Him, regardless of how far away from Him you feel. Every person is here on purpose, handcrafted in your mother’s womb for such a time as this.

God gave me the word KNOWN for the brand when I was in the gym one day. It’s been almost 3 years and He’s still showing me what that word is supposed to mean for this brand, in different ways. It just keeps growing.

My greatest joy in all of this is meeting people, whether on Instagram or meeting them face to face at markets or pop ups. I love to hear all the stories. Because of every purchase, we are able to give a portion of our profits to Portico- an organization in Murfreesboro that helps women who are experiencing unplanned pregnancies. When they decide to keep their babies, they are given the tools, resources, and community to help them and their baby.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are so many facets of what I see as rewarding being an artist, but a couple things are- I love to see pictures of the earrings on my customers, for their wedding, special date night, girls night out, every day wear, etc. That brings me so much joy! Another rewarding aspect is when I get to write a check to Portico, knowing the money we gathered is going to help women and their newborn babies. It reminds me that making earrings has a purpose. They’re more than just earrings.

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

Murfreesboro is really good about this. Support your local small businesses. There are so many corporate giants out there, but nothing can replace the mom and pop restaurant, the little country store, the local farmers, the family owned supply company, etc. Our country was built on people building businesses to support their families and help each other. Buy local and shop small every chance you get, where your money is able to make a big difference and a lasting impact, possibly for generations to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.knownclaydesigns.com
• Instagram: @known_claydesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/known.claydesigns