Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Poolman.
Hi Kelly, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was introduced to polymer clay in early 2020 as a creative outlet during the pandemic and immediately felt I had found what I was looking for. Previously, I had made and sold wood signs, however, I was getting burnt out and needed something different. My husband and I had struggled with interfertility for years and that same year we found out we were expecting our rainbow baby on our 9th wedding anniversary! I love to create things, especially jewelry and find so much joy working with polymer clay that it quickly became a passion of mine and has evolved in a way I never imagined. Each piece is carefully handcrafted, baked, sanded, hand drilled and assembled in northern Minnesota. Creating jewelry has been a way for me to make something beautiful and bring the same joy to someone else!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I started making polymer clay earrings, it started out as a hobby, but I had hopes and dreams of it turning into something bigger. I had done a ton of research, ordered supplies and began creating pieces at the time I thought were good enough to sell to family, friends and even boutiques in the area. I still have a few pairs of earrings I created in the beginning that I like to keep just to see how far I’ve come in the last 5+ years. I am fortunate enough that I have not come across many struggles during my business. However, in 2024 I opened my Etsy shop and therefore, made the difficult decision to close my website. Being a business owner is not for the faint of heart and like any business, there are ups and downs. Being a mom, wife and also working full-time outside of polymer clay, life can be hectic so work-life balance can certainly have its challenges.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Beyond working with polymer clay, I work full-time at DigiKey where I am in Supplier Quality. I have been employed there since 2008 and love that I get the privilege to work a hybrid schedule. There have definitely been some difficult moments throughout this journey, and I just cannot imagine doing anything else besides working with polymer clay. I’m proud of how far I have come in my business while managing everyday life. It’s no easy feat and I’m amazed how much I have stepped out of my comfort zone. I am proud of not giving up when I have wanted to the most and to remember to just keep pushing forward. I am so fortunate I get to work with my hands every day and be creative. I don’t take it for granted and am so appreciative for the opportunity and everyone who has been with me supporting what I truly love to do.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned from countless artists that the most important lesson is often about patience and consistency. Your unique style doesn’t come overnight. People often start by mimicking trends, but the real turning point is when we start trusting our creative voice, embracing trial-and-error and see failures as feedback, not defeat.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timberandclayy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timberandclay
- Other: https://timberandclayy.etsy.com
