We were lucky to catch up with Kristin DiSanto recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kristin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

If I had a redo, I’d leap in with both feet much sooner—no tiptoeing this time!

Setting up my small business was truly a crash course in resilience, organization, and the importance of good coffee. I’ve learned that flexibility is key, networking can be done anywhere and anytime, and sometimes chaos breeds creativity.

I’d do 3 key things differently:

1. Get involved in the community sooner – local events were so much fun and I wish I had started them much sooner
2. Set up systems and controls from the beginning – inventory all of my purchases and products and educate myself on taxes sooner
3. Compare myself less to others – not comparing yourself to others is like giving yourself permission to bloom in your own unique garden. It’s about embracing your journey, trusting your pace, and celebrating your personal victories without the distraction of someone else’s path.

Kristin, 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?

I happened to stumble upon clay years ago (many, many years…) and fell back into it during the pandemic. I consider myself a quirky individual who is obsessed with making handmade clay jewelry. My brand, Sunny Creek Clay, is all about bringing a touch of whimsy in everything I create.

I thrive on transforming simple materials into wearable works of art. From playful geometric shapes to whimsical creatures with dainty handmade flowers, each piece is a celebration of creativity and individuality.

Learning about polymer clay has been a journey, one that I am incredibly thankful for. It has given me a creative outlet to channel stress and in turn allows me to create a space where everyone feels not just beautiful, but fully accepted for who they are. I believe beauty comes in every shape, size, color, and style, and my products are designed to celebrate just that.

Whether it’s through inclusive sizing or products that cater to a wide range of tastes (and budgets), I’m committed to making sure everyone finds something that makes them feel empowered and confident. Beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is SCC! I embrace individuality and celebrating the uniqueness that makes each person sparkle & shine.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Starting out in the clay jewelry market was like diving into a bustling ocean without knowing how to swim. Every wave brought a new challenge, from standing out amidst countless talented creators to navigating fluctuating trends. With each setback, I learned resilience isn’t just about staying afloat—it’s about adapting, refining, and carving out a niche that’s uniquely mine.

Through persistence and creativity, I honed my craft, experimenting with designs that spoke to my passion and personality despite the trends. I embraced setbacks as opportunities to innovate, constantly evolving my style and approach. Along the way, I discovered the power of authenticity and connection, building a loyal community who appreciates the heart and soul I pour into every piece.

This journey has taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding rough waters, but about harnessing that energy to propel forward. It’s about finding joy in the creative process, celebrating small victories, and staying true to my vision. In a flooded market, resilience isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifeline that keeps me thriving.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In early 2024 I began experiencing health issues that led to a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis; I felt my world come crashing down around me and hit a huge setback in my entrepreneurial path.

Navigating the challenges of chronic illness while running a business (on top of a full-time job) wasn’t easy. Simple tasks became daunting and the physical toll made creating jewelry a painful endeavor. Through this adversity, I discovered a new kind of strength.

I learned to adapt my techniques, finding ways to work smarter and more efficiently. Embracing limitations became a catalyst for innovation, inspiring me to explore new designs and methods that accommodated my health needs without compromising on quality.

Today, my journey is a testament to resilience and positivity. It’s about turning setbacks into opportunities for growth, finding beauty in adversity and pain, and showing others that challenges don’t define our success—they fuel it. With every piece of jewelry I create, I weave a story of determination and passion, celebrating the power of perseverance in both art and life…a life I fight to preserve daily.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sunnycreekclay.com
• Instagram: Sunnycreekclay
• Facebook: Sunny Creek Clay