We were lucky to catch up with Margi Pandya recently and have shared our conversation below.

Margi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The year was 2021. The world was still navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 era, and for me, Margi Pandya, life was on an indefinite pause. I was in a necessary holding pattern, waiting for my work visa renewal. Professionally, I was halted, which brought an overwhelming sense of frustration and restlessness. I desperately needed a meaningful project—something to channel my energy and prove to myself that even in this period of waiting, I could create and achieve.

It was during this time of enforced downtime that I stumbled upon the world of polymer clay jewelry making. I ordered a simple kit, and the moment I started working with the clay, the atmosphere in my home shifted.

Circumstance: The mandatory quiet and isolation of 2021 provided the time and mental space required to deeply explore a new craft.

Emotion: The initial anxiety quickly gave way to pure, focused joy and a powerful feeling of limitless possibility. The clay was astonishingly versatile. I realized I could shape it, mix colors, texture it, and paint it into literally anything I imagined. I wasn’t constrained by traditional materials or molds. Every single piece could be unique. This power to design and create a unique piece of wearable art was an immediate, thrilling antidote to the uncertainty of my visa situation.
The Business Logic: Turning Joy into a Worthwhile Endeavor

The pivot from a creative outlet to Blooms Handmade Earrings was driven by recognizing a clear gap in the market, combined with the unique properties of the material.

1. The Problem I Solved: Comfort Meets Artistry

I wasn’t solving a problem no one was solving, but I was offering a unique approach to a widespread issue:

The Pain Point: Women often have to choose between statement earrings (which are typically heavy and uncomfortable after a few hours) and lightweight earrings (which are often generic and mass-produced).

Polymer clay allowed me to create intricate, artistic, and large-format designs that were also feather-light. My pieces provided the bold, artistic flair people craved, without the accompanying earlobe fatigue. I was selling comfort and style, not one or the other.

2. The Logic of Uniqueness

My approach was built on the foundation that small-batch, unique art is inherently valuable.

Logic: Since every piece is handmade by me, I can constantly innovate with color palettes and textures. This meant customers weren’t buying a mass-produced item; they were buying a tiny, exclusive piece of art. This uniqueness elevates the perceived value and justifies the price point for a handmade good.

Platform Alignment: Starting on Etsy was a logical first step, as that platform attracts customers who specifically seek out unique, handmade stories like mine. The subsequent move to Shopify allowed me to scale and build a dedicated brand identity around that unique vision.

What Got Me Most Excited?

What truly solidified this as a worthwhile endeavor was the transformative power of the medium. Taking a simple block of clay and turning it into a vibrant, tiny accessory that could completely change someone’s mood or outfit was exhilarating. My creations weren’t just accessories; they were small, accessible pieces of wearable joy.

The name Blooms came from the idea that just as my creativity blossomed during that challenging time, my earrings could be a daily reminder for my customers to let their own unique style bloom.

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

My journey into the world of handmade jewelry began quite unexpectedly in 2021. I was in a period of mandatory downtime, waiting for my work visa to be renewed during the COVID-19 timeframe. This enforced pause, while initially frustrating, became the catalyst for Blooms. I needed a productive and joyful outlet, and I found it in polymer clay.
I create small-batch, self-made polymer clay jewelry. While I occasionally experiment with necklaces or accessories, my core focus is always on earrings.
My business solves a simple yet pervasive problem for jewelry lovers: the compromise between artistry and comfort.

Women often have to choose: either wear simple, lightweight studs, or go bold with heavy statement earrings that become painful after just a few hours.

My polymer clay earrings completely eliminate this trade-off. They are feather-light, allowing me to create large, intricate, and bold artistic designs that you can wear all day long without earlobe fatigue. My clients get the compliments and the artistic expression they crave, along with the comfort they demand.
Every piece is created by me, Margi Pandya. This is not mass-manufactured. I personally mix the color palettes and hand-finish the details, ensuring that my clients are buying a truly unique piece of wearable art—not just another trendy accessory.
What I Am Most Proud Of

I am immensely proud of the resilience and creativity that birthed this business. Blooms is proof that even in moments of professional stasis and uncertainty, you can find a deeper, more meaningful path. Transitioning from a hobby to a recognized brand on both Etsy and my own Shopify store is a massive achievement that validates the hard work and the unique value of my craft.
You no longer have to suffer for style! Our earrings are incredibly lightweight and designed for all-day wear.
Every flower, every pattern, every color mix is a testament to finding joy and purpose through creation. My goal is to help your own personal style bloom.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

My husband recognized that investing a small amount of money into this creative pursuit wasn’t just funding a hobby; it was investing in my well-being and future productivity.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When you first start selling unique, handmade polymer clay earrings on a platform like Etsy, the marketplace is saturated. The immediate, fearful comparison is often: “My handmade labor cannot possibly be worth more than the mass-produced jewelry available everywhere else.”

You gained the confidence to charge prices that accurately reflect your time, skill, and unique value proposition. This allowed you to move to your Shopify store, invest in premium branding, and ultimately serve the customers who truly appreciate and value the artistry of Blooms Handmade Earrings.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Etsy.com/shop/selfmadebymargi/
• Instagram: Blooms_handmade_earrings
• Facebook: Blooms.handmade
• Other: https://Www.bloomshandmadeearrings.com