Today we’d like to introduce you to Miranda Olson-Okonkwo.
Hi Miranda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Crafty Mama Mir in July 2020, after my husband, my 5-month-old daughter, and I all tested positive for Covid. When we were told we had to quarantine for 2 weeks, I thought I was going to lose my mind. So I did what any sane person did, I started online shopping. I quickly found myself in the polymer clay earring corner of Etsy, and I added a pair of earrings to my cart and then thought, “I could just make this myself instead of buying”… so I spent the next day of quarantining browsing YouTube videos, Instagram, and various craft stores’ inventory. Once all the supplies arrived, I started posting some “big news” sneak peeks on my personal Instagram, and decided I would sell some earrings on Instagram, as I was already doing custom embroidery work. In looking back, the entire first batch of earrings I made I ended up throwing out because I had bought Sculpey III which is not recommended for earrings, but to this date, I’ve shipped thousands of earrings across the United States, and created an awesome community and relationships with makers both local and out of town!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Like I said, the entire first batch I ended up throwing away. It was hard to look in the garbage as I tossed those first pieces (although I did keep my very first pair of earrings and still have them today) but I wanted to make sure I was putting out quality work. I get one time to make a first impression, and with how quickly I started Crafty Mama Mir, I needed to start over. CMM has been a great outlet for me, and a nice source of income as well, but I only do it when I want. After my second daughter was born, I took 6 weeks off, and then by 6 weeks, I was itching to create.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
In 2022, I thought it would be fun to host a “clay class” where I supply all the tools, supplies, and food for a night of creating and tacos! The first one was my trial run, and I had 6 people sign up (because that’s all that could fit in my kitchen) and it was so fun!!! The second “Earrings, Tacos, and Mocktails” I hosted with my friend @meghanjoytoday at her ranch and we had 26 attendees and it was a blast! I have two more clay classes planned for June and September, and I love creating with others. Some creators/artists wouldn’t want to share their techniques and tips, but that’s not me. I would not have been able to get into clay earrings as quickly as I did if it weren’t for other artists helping me out either by answering my questions, or by posting tutorials. In my clay classes, there is no question I will not answer! I’m an open book and I love when other people want to try clay out for themselves!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Huge shout out to my best friend who has created all of the branding and graphic designs for Crafty Mama Mir: Maggie Maxwell / @blossomcustomdesigns
My husband Mu has been nothing but supportive, and even has worked with me in my “studio” from time to time… I say studio because it’s a dungeon basement but someday I’ll have a light and airy natural light-filled office.
My Mom! Growing up, my mom has encouraged, supported (both financially and creatively) to do any and all crafts. I was 12 when I started my own “business”, and growing up I always had a creative business side hustle.
My Dad, a man of few words but only has good things to say about Crafty Mama Mir. And for doing my taxes the past couple of years!
My grandma Diane, who was a phenomenal watercolor artist, and would have the patience to sit down with 7-year-old me and teach me how to paint.
My baby girls Mayzie Grace and Mettelynn Miracle, you made me a mama, and ergo, brought Crafty Mama Mir to life. I love you even when you run away with my tools, and everything I do is for you two and your daddy.
And to the people who have been supporting Crafty Mama Mir every single launch and have so many earrings you can’t figure out where to store them, I love love love you all: Kimmie, Erin, Josie, Cassie, Alix, Sammi, Hope, Allison, and Shelly!
Pricing:
- $5 Hair Clips
- $7 Studs
- $10 Keychains
- $12 Dangle Earrings
Contact Info:
- Website: www.craftymamamir.com
- Instagram: @crafty_mama_mir
- Facebook: Crafty Mama Mir
Image Credits
@culturestudios.co
@scrufflifephotography
