Meet Jennifer Moye: Polymer clay Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Moye and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Yes… “The true work of art is but a shadow of the DIVINE perfection.” -Michelangelo This is a recent quote that resonated with me. It’s how I’ve felt way before learning about the quote. My creations are just a reflection of my creator and all that he has created. A lot of my pieces I created are inspired by nature whether it be beautiful birds, a pretty landscape, or the sun setting. So I give credit to him and always have. Reflecting on this this quote has helped me to keep things in perspective and stay humble.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I design and create earrings made of polymer clay. It is a business yes, but I consider it an art first. I’m involved in every detail of the pieces I create. They are more than just earrings, a hair clips or lapel pins…. they are considered works of art. True, they aren’t designed from a canvas, however, they are designed using various different mediums, with my hands, much like a painting. I love how I can include texture, make them abstract, add strokes or even floral designs, much like a painting. Many polymer clay jewelry artists refer to their pieces as slow baked. This is true because there is no quick and easy process. I like to take time in designing pieces and if that means I miss a selling opportunity, that’s ok. I prefer to take my time to create something that I am excited about first and then present it. I always had a love art. I had plans to go to college after high school for it, however, that never happened. I pursued other goals, however, I never lost that love. I never thought of myself of a jewelry designer. However, I attended a private jewelry making class a friend of mine had with some close friends about six years ago. I didn’t know I would fall in love with the concept of design in that way. Of course I had no idea of what I was doing, however, with a little help from our instructor, I designed a beautiful piece. From that moment on I knew I wanted to dive more into this creative avenue. It wasn’t until two years ago, I started making jewelry from upcycled pieces, beads and leather. I didn’t feel creatively, like I was involved in the way that I wanted. I happened to see a person’s “slab” on Instagram and knew I had to learn more about what this polymer clay was! A slab is a conditioned and rolled out piece of clay with a design implemented on it. Once I saw I could have creative control and be an artist with this method I had to learn more. I did a lot of research at first and was very nervous about releasing my first piece. After all, putting yourself out there to be critiqued and to voices of opinions exposes you to comments you may not be ready to hear. One negative word could have broken me at a vulnerable moment. I’d say fear had been a huge hurdle in my life, the fear of how I would be perceived, peoples opinions and possible negativity. Sometimes the negativity came from my own mouth! How do you shut your owns self up from the self doubt? When I finally rose above that and overcame my own voices, I did receive some negative comments but I didn’t allow that to discourage me. Although it hurt, I’m not going to lie! I am not that resilient, however, as I move through this journey I feel my skin toughening and tightening up. This was something I love and enjoy doing. I felt that someone, even if it was only one person, that someone would see my vision and possibly see a little of themselves in my pieces. That thought coupled with continuous prayer and my friends cheering me on helped me to keep pushing forward despite it all. My goal is not to become huge by selling to the masses. I have goals to continue small, however, still to reach people. It’s important to me to create designs that make them feel amazing, that bring a stroke of confidence and boost how they feel. One customer told me, once she received my earring she threw her other earrings in the trash! Another stated the earrings I created for her reminded her of her sister who always used to wear headwraps. I get to hear comments and reviews like that personally resulting in my connecting with my customers.. That’s an awesome feeling! I enjoy being able to communicate with my customers in a way that many brands aren’t able to because they are too big. It allows me to interact with them, to see what they desire or listen to their suggestions and feedback. I love the personal touch and conversations I have with customers. I feel that’s how real connections are made and maintained.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a love for nature and viewing Jehovah God’s creation. Most of my friends have the same interests as I do. If I’m not creating you can find me observing nature and daydreaming! Fun would be going hiking to see some of that creation. Georgia has some beautiful views like Brass Bald Mountain, Providence Canyon State Park or Tallulah Gorge. Then head on over to a winery but we’d have to stop off at Blue’s Jamaican Restaurant in Buford! Caribbean food is my all time favorite type of food, and this place has my mouth watering just thinking about it!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course all credit goes to my God, Jehovah for giving me the ability in the first place. I’d also have to recognize my husband Chris, who continuously encourages me and is always running me around to get business related things done. Shout out goes also to Brianna, owner of Honeybee Card Shop and Amber, owner of Creamed Soaps. I have never met these women in person, but they have also encouraged me with how they conduct their businesses. They are always willing to extend advice and answer the many questions I had early on. I also have many friends, to many to mention, that are not only customers but my cheerleaders! I can count on them to give me their true opinion and suggestions.

Website: dailyandmoye.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailyandmoye/
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