We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shelley Moon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shelley , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you ever had an amazing boss? What did you learn from them? Maybe you can share a story that illustrates the kind of boss they were or maybe you can share your thoughts on what you think made them an awesome person to work for?

Yes, I’ve been fortunate to have had an amazing mentor who also happened to be my boss at one point in my career. Let me tell you about him.

His name is Tin, pronounced “THUN” and he was the epitome of what it means to be a great leader. From the moment I joined his team, I could sense his passion for his work and his genuine care for his team members. What made Tin stand out was not just his impressive knowledge and expertise in our field, but his ability to inspire and empower those around him

One particular instance stands out in my memory that illustrates Tin’s exceptional leadership qualities. Our team was tasked with a challenging project with tight deadlines and high stakes. As we gathered for our first meeting to discuss the project, Tin began by acknowledging the difficulty of the task ahead, but expressed unwavering confidence in our abilities to overcome any obstacles.

Throughout the project, Tin provided unwavering support and guidance, always leading by example. He was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and dive into the work alongside us, demonstrating his commitment and dedication to the team’s success. At the same time, he encouraged creativity and innovation, empowering each team member to contribute their unique skills and perspectives.

What truly set Tin apart was his ability to see the potential in each team member and help them realize it. He took the time to understand our individual strengths and weaknesses, offering constructive feedback and guidance to help us grow both personally and professionally. Under his mentorship, I felt myself stretching beyond my comfort zone and achieving things I never thought possible.

But perhaps the most impactful aspect of Tin’s leadership was his genuine care for her team members as individuals. He took the time to get to know us on a personal level, celebrating our successes, supporting us through challenges, and always lending a listening ear when needed. It was this sense of camaraderie and mutual respect that fostered a strong sense of unity and cohesion within our team.

Thanks to Tin’s leadership, we not only successfully completed the project, but exceeded expectations in ways we never imagined. More importantly, he instilled in me a newfound confidence in my abilities and a deep appreciation for the value of strong leadership. Even after I moved on to other opportunities, the lessons I learned from Tin continue to inspire and guide me in my own leadership journey.

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.

Clover + Maven is the brainchild of three passionate individuals who came together through a shared love for craftsmanship and creativity. Ryan Doolittle, Shelley Moon, and Elizabeth Hyman each brought their unique talents and experiences to the table, resulting in a dynamic collaboration that gave birth to a brand unlike any other.

Ryan Doolittle, hailing from Ryan Doolittle Glass, is a master glassblower renowned for her exquisite craftsmanship and artistic vision. With years of experience honing her skills in the delicate art of glassblowing, Ryan brings a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the beauty of glass.

Shelley Moon, the creative force behind Shelley Moon Designs, is a talented sustainable fine jewelry designer with a flair for creating stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces. Drawing inspiration from mindfulness and meditation and the world around her, Shelley infuses each of her creations with a sense of joy and being surrounded by people she loves.

Elizabeth Hyman, affectionately known as The Gardener’s Wife, is a skilled artisan with a passion for botanical art and dried floral design. With a background from a lifelong love of plants, Elizabeth brings a unique perspective to Clover + Maven, infusing her creations with the beauty and vitality of the natural world.

Together, the three co-founders of Clover + Maven has brought together over 55+ local women artists and makers in Austin and surrounding cities, which offer a diverse range of products and that span the realms of glass art, fine jewelry design to 3D print jewelry collections, dried floral creations, concrete planters, fine art, fiber art and beyond. From hand-blown glass vases and sculptures to intricately crafted jewelry pieces and lush floral arrangements, each item is lovingly crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

At Clover + Maven, we pride ourselves on our ability to create meaningful and memorable experiences for our clients. Whether it’s helping a couple find the perfect engagement ring, curating a stunning dried floral centerpiece for a special event, or simply brightening someone’s day with a beautiful glasswares, we strive to exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression.

What sets us apart from others in our industry is not only our dedication to craftsmanship and creativity, but also our collaborative spirit and commitment to community. By coming together as co-founders, we have been able to leverage our collective talents and resources to create something truly special. We believe in the power of collaboration and are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside each other and support one another’s endeavors.

As we continue to grow and evolve, our main focus remains on providing exceptional one-of-a-kind, handmade products that bring joy and inspiration to our clients. Whether you’re in need of a unique gift for a loved one or are looking to add a touch of beauty to your home or event, we invite you to experience the magic of Clover + Maven.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that success is solely measured by external validation and recognition. The backstory to this unlearning process is rooted in my early experiences as an aspiring artist and entrepreneur.

Like many creatives, I initially equated success with external markers such as awards, accolades, and social media validation. I believed that if I could just achieve a certain level of recognition or reach a certain number of followers, I would finally feel validated and worthy as an artist.

However, as I pursued my passion and embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I began to realize that this mindset was limiting and ultimately unfulfilling. I found myself constantly seeking validation from others, measuring my worth by the number of likes or comments on my work, and feeling disheartened when my efforts didn’t receive the level of recognition I had hoped for.

Over time, I came to understand that true success is not defined by external metrics, but rather by internal fulfillment and alignment with one’s values and purpose. I learned to shift my focus away from seeking validation from others and instead focus on creating work that resonated with me personally, regardless of whether it received external recognition.

This shift in perspective was liberating and empowering. I began to derive a deeper sense of satisfaction from the creative process itself, finding joy and fulfillment in the act of self-expression and exploration. I also learned to appreciate the small victories and milestones along the way, recognizing that progress is often gradual and nonlinear.

Unlearning the belief that success is solely measured by external validation was a transformative experience that allowed me to cultivate a greater sense of authenticity, resilience, and self-worth in my creative journey. It taught me to trust in my own unique voice and vision, and to embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth without being tethered to external expectations.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

1. Communication:

Open and transparent communication is vital for keeping our creatives informed, engaged, and motivated. We regularly communicate our organization’s goals, priorities, and expectations, and encourage feedback and input from our community members. We strive to be approachable and available to address any concerns or questions that arise.

2. Recognition and appreciation:

We make it a priority to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of our local women makers/artists. We recognize their hard work and efforts publicly and privately, expressing genuine appreciation for their contributions. This boosts morale and reinforces positive behavior, encouraging continued excellence in our community.

3. Empowerment and autonomy:

We empower our local women creatives by providing them with the autonomy and authority to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Trusting our community members to make meaningful contributions fosters a sense of responsibility and pride, leading to higher morale.

4. Clear expectations and goals:

We set clear expectations and goals for our community, outlining what success looks like. We ensure that everyone understands their role and responsibilities within our Maven community and how their work contributes to our shared objectives. This clarity helps align individual efforts with collective goals and fosters a sense of purpose and direction.

5. Support and development:

We invest in the growth and development of our local women makers/artists by providing them with various opportunities. We will be offering mentorship and guidance, and encourage professional development initiatives such as workshops in the future as we are currently looking to expand our store. We show genuine interest in our community members’ career aspirations and support them in achieving their goals.

6. Foster a positive work environment:

We create a positive and supportive work environment where our local women makers/artists feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage collaboration, teamwork, and camaraderie, and address any conflicts or issues that arise promptly and constructively. We cultivate a culture of trust, inclusivity, and mutual respect, where everyone feels empowered to contribute and thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cloverandmaven.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/cloverandmaven
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/cloverandmaven

Image Credits
Elizabeth Hyman, Ryan Doolittle, Shelley Moon and Jinni J (IG – @heyjinnij)