We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Hetrick. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria below.

Hi Maria, 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?

I started making polymer clay earrings in 2020 as a fun hobby and stress reliever. For my birthday, I bought myself an earring-making kit from a small business I found on Etsy called DewDrop Inc. I’ve always been creative, but I never really saw myself as an ‘artist’ until I ventured into the world of polymer clay. Opening that kit was inspiring—it gave me a glimpse into what making polymer clay earrings was all about. Once I got that taste, I was hooked!

I did a lot of research, finding the best tools and experimenting with different styles. Soon after, I began sharing my creations on social media, and to my surprise, people started reaching out to buy them. I found once I did the right research that there was so much knowledge to be learned, and that is still true today! If I did have to choose one obstacle that stood in the way of learning more, it would be time. This is not a craft for people who want instant results. You need to have patience. I’ve had pieces that take one hour and others that take 10! Throwing into the mix that I’m also a mom to a toddler and work in marketing aside from my small business, I can’t stress how precious time is. I still love it, though!

Maria, 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?

Clay Dazing is all about spreading happiness from ear to ear through handmade polymer clay earrings. The name reflects my love for experimenting with different styles, so I’m never boxed into one category. I like to think of each piece as a little burst of joy, crafted with creativity and care. Hearing from customers that my earrings make them feel happier is the sweetest reward and keeps me inspired.

I started making polymer clay earrings in 2020 as a fun hobby and stress reliever. Little did I know it would quickly turn into a true passion. After sharing my early creations on social media, the positive feedback was overwhelming, and Clay Dazing was born—transforming my hobby into a growing business.

While I primarily sell online, you can also find my pieces at The Factory at Columbia inside the charming Glovebox Kids store, at the Black Box Ice Cream shop in Smyrna, TN, and occasionally at pop-ups and markets.

I’ve grown my business largely through organic social media. I initially started on Etsy but quickly transitioned to my own website when I realized most of my traffic came from my own promotion. Some of my videos even went viral, which was both exciting and nerve-wracking—millions of people seeing my work was surreal! While the exposure was amazing, it came with challenges, including managing both positive and negative feedback. But through it all, I’ve stayed focused and used those moments to strengthen my strategy. Collaborating with other small businesses I love has also been a key part of my journey, helping me grow and build lasting customer relationships.

Some say the clay earring industry is oversaturated, but I believe there’s room for everyone. At the end of the day, we’re all artists creating pieces we love. Even though we have access to similar tools—clay, cutters, stencils—it’s how you use them to bring your unique vision to life that makes the difference. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the kindness within the clay community. It’s an incredibly supportive space where I’ve made wonderful connections and friendships I never expected.

Looking back, I’m most proud of how far I’ve come. My very first clay earrings came from a DIY kit just before the pandemic. I still have a couple of those originals (which I keep to myself to avoid embarrassment), and comparing them to what I create now fills me with pride. Seeing how my talent has developed and knowing that people love my work enough to keep coming back is truly humbling. This journey has been more rewarding than I ever could have imagined.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Hands-down, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is connecting with customers and hearing them share their love for something you’ve made. There is nothing like the feeling of when people praise my art. It means so much to hear that it brings them joy through just a simple pair of earrings.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my audience on social media primarily through Instagram by posting consistently and actively engaging with the community I wanted to connect with. I also stayed on top of new trends and leveraged them whenever possible. In the early days of Clay Dazing, I sometimes posted multiple times a day, and when Reels first launched, I was creating them non-stop. That strategy helped me reach viral status and even hit monetary bonuses. It was a different time before the content creator market really took over.

While engagement isn’t what it used to be, I still see decent interaction. The key is to stay positive and remember that social media is meant to be social. It’s easy to fall into the trap of just posting products, but it’s important to create content that connects with your audience on a personal level—not just sales-driven content.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.claydazing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claydazing
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claydazing
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahetrick/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@claydazing