We were lucky to catch up with Wendy Varner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Wendy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

Polymer clay earring artists are a dime a dozen these days. You can go on Google, Instagram and Pinterest and see that there are so many of us to choose from. And with every clay maker putting their special twist on every earring they make, it can make it very hard for the customer to choose who to purchase from. I view each and every order like a special gift from them to me. Every order, no matter how small, helps my itty bitty tiny small business to grow. I don’t take any customer for granted. That’s why I like to include a free pair of stud earrings selected just for them in every package I ship out. I take into consideration their color choices and pick a pair that I know they will like. I receive many messages and feedback that the free pair of stud earrings was just what they needed! That makes my day and puts a smile on my face every time.

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

I’ve always been super artsy and crafty. I’ve always loved art, color and texture! I am a watercolor artist but when I was first introduced to the world of polymer clay art by my youngest daughter, I immediately fell in love. I quickly learned the techniques to make simple earring designs. Now I have a small business selling polymer clay earrings and I love it. I taught myself how to mix custom colors and simple florals for earrings and intricate 3D florals for bridal bouquet keepsake earrings. There is always something new and exciting to explore and learn. I specialize in trendy yet chic polymer clay hoop earrings.

I live in Charlotte, NC with my husband of 40 years and am a mom to four grown children and seven grandchildren.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media is just that. SOCIAL. So the key to social media is to be SOCIAL. I know that sounds rather simplistic but it’s true. If you want people to be interested in what you have to offer them, then you have to be willing to give of yourself and show yourself. You have to be willing to show up, talk to them, show them what you are all about and show them what you are doing. They will be interested. The more you show up, the more interested they will be because people like consistency.

I consistently show my creative process, show my creative progress, share when I mess up and show my face as much as possible. I talk to people. I show that I’m interested in them, because I truly am. I ask their opinion. I build a rapport with them.

If you’re scared to get started, don’t feel bad, I was too. I forced myself to get in front of the camera even when I didn’t want to and after a while, I got used to it and now hardly ever feel nervous about it.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I participate in many pop up markets and fairs along with online vendor events. I always meet new people and encourage them to sign up for my weekly newsletter. I encourage them with incentives to tag their friends and review my products online. I wear the earrings that I make and get many compliments and when I do, I make sure to the person know that I made them and sell them online. I ask them if they are on social media and which platform they prefer. I help them find me and follow me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.WendyVarnerDesigns.com
• Instagram: @WendyVarnerDesigns
• Facebook: WendyVarnerDesigns
• Linkedin: wendy-varner-designs
• Twitter: WendyVarnerDes
• Youtube: WendyVarnerDesigns