Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lina Adjogble. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Lina, thanks for 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?
Polymer clay completely shifted my path when I discovered it. It’s everywhere, which is great, but I wanted to stand out. I knew I had to keep learning and pushing myself. So, I connected with artists who were ahead of me and took their courses. I’m all for free platforms such as YouTube, but investing in education and supporting artists felt right. Workshops, courses, Patreon – they all helped me grow and find my own style, boosting my confidence along the way.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Lina, the founder of Chosen & Free Co., a Brooklyn Park-based handmade jewelry brand specializing in polymer clay earrings. Each piece is meticulously crafted in small, exclusive batches, reflecting my passion for patterns, textures, and vibrant color combinations. My customers appreciate the unique nature of my work, often selling out quickly both online and at select retail locations and art festivals.
My jewelry isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a celebration of diverse influences and a tribute to the strength and resilience of women. Each collection is infused with intention, inspired by the stories of everyday women accomplishing extraordinary things. Through my art, I aim to empower others to embrace their individual beauty and inner strength.
Prior to founding my jewelry brand, I had a decade-long career in Information Technology, but a sudden job loss in 2019 led me to reassess my path. Seeking guidance from a life coach, I realized my need for a creative outlet and discovered a passion for jewelry making, particularly with polymer clay. What began as a personal hobby quickly evolved into a thriving business, allowing me to share my art with women across the country.
As a wife, mother of three boys, and former IT professional turned artist, I bring a unique perspective to my craft. I’m proud to offer not just beautiful jewelry, but also a story of resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of passion.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
My social media community is incredibly dear to me. It’s filled with supportive women who have become not just followers, but genuine friends. Authenticity has been key in building this community. For those starting out, clarity about your identity as an artist and your target audience is paramount. Understanding your audience enables impactful content creation. Basic knowledge of digital marketing is also crucial. The real magic happens when your art, story, audience’s interests, and digital marketing knowledge align seamlessly.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is fueled by a simple mission: to spread joy. I aim to craft wearable pieces that exude happiness and confidence. The ultimate validation is when customers express how my creations bring them joy and effortless style. Every piece I make is infused with intention, and if it doesn’t make me want to dance with joy, it’s not finished.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chosenandfreeco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chosen_and_free
Image Credits
Cyn Visualz (credit for my photo)