Meet Savannah Santamaria | Polymer Clay Jewelry Artist

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

Hi Savannah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I began my business journey after having my daughter. When I came back from maternity leave, shortly after I was let go from my job due to not being “flexible enough.” I was shocked. Not only that but I was going through postpartum depression, so it was a tough time.

I’ve always been creative and looking back, every career I had I always felt like something was missing and I always found myself adding creative aspects to my daily work.

I was looking for a way to be creative and hopefully make money. So, my best friend, Becki, sent me a polymer clay kit. I started messing with it and instantly fell in love. It was the perfect therapy I needed.

So, I started my small business journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the first things people tell me when I’m at a market is how unique my style is compared to other polymer clay artist. My goal is to be unique and to create trends, not follow them. I also love to share the behind the scenes of creating a piece, I think it makes when someone buys it even more special, because they can see a snip it of how it was created. How it truly is handmade.

My style is Edgy and Boho, i.e The Edgy Boho. My style is ever changing and I bring that to my business.

The journey to where I am now hasn’t been easy. I started my small business journey a little later than those who blew up during the pandemic. I’ve never gone viral, but my goal is more so to reach those who connect with my jewelry and art. There are times when I suffer self doubt, okay more often than not, but I just keep pushing through it. My clay besties help pull me out of that headspace and also show that I’m not alone.

I’ve learned that there’s no real rule on how many times you need to post on social media. Consistentcy helps, but when you need a break, take the break. Burning yourself out is harder to come back from than a break.

When you are a small business owner, it’s great being your own boss, but also super HARD. You set your own goals and timelines, but even then you find yourself always thinking about when everything needs to be done. I’ve learned to try to just breathe and not put too much pressure on myself. I’m actually planning on taking a breather come January to be able to really plan out this next year, and get more organized in my daily tasks. I think this will make everything far less stressful and I can enjoy the process of creating again.

I am just a mom trying to balance being creative and being present for my daughter. I have dreams and goals I want to share with the world and everyone who has supported me and continues to support me truly means everything to me. It keeps me going.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my bestie was visiting, I would definitely take her to Pao Pao Ramen in Buford. Their Ramen and bubble tea are amazing!

I’d then take her to a local market or festival. One of my favorites is Artist and Fleas at Ponce City Market. While there, we would have to stop by Saint Germain to get some dessert (I always go there after a market to treat myself.)

Going to High museum or Atlanta Botanical gardens would definitely be a must. There’s always something new a different each season, so no matter what the time it would be a great experience.

I would also check out if GVG has any events going on and stop by there.

There’s so many cute spots in Atlanta, I’m always on the lookout to try them all out!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The people who helped make my my dreams a possibility are my husband and mom. Their support has been amazing. My mom has continuously helped in watching my daughter while I work and create, while also supporting my business by shopping for herself or friends. My husband helps when he can at festivals and markets. He also helps with our daughter when I’m working on orders or at festivals. Without their support I’d truly be in a bind.

I also have a group of other polymer clay artist who I talk to daily. We support each other through the trial and tribulations of running a small business and most of us are also stay at home mom’s. Their support truly makes the difference when times are tough.

Website: Www.theedgyboho.com

Instagram: Www.instagram.com/theedgyboho

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theedgyboho

Other: www.theedgyboho.etsy.com

Image Credits
I take my own photos