January is a time of newness and rebirth amongst many other changes at the beginning of the year. The first month of the year is naturally low lit and low energy. When figuring out what vendors should represent this tedious month, we thought of some of the sweetest, brightest, and most bubbly vendors we work with!
Ivy Lane Clay Co. is an amazingly talented clay jewelry artist from Hummelstown, PA. Creator and owner, Bre is a mother of 3 beautiful kiddos. We asked this local artist a few more questions about herself and how she got her start.
Why did you start your craft? & how did you get your start?
I first started creating polymer clay jewelry because I was a stay-at-home mom, desperate for a hobby/something to do outside of being a parent. I stumbled upon the craft one random day from watching TikTok videos. I loved seeing all the behind the scenes/process videos of other clay maker's designs and thought it looked fun, So I bought some supplies and started creating. I didn't go into it expecting to be running a small business, but I'm so grateful for the support and how things have turned out!
Who are some of your mentors or inspirations?
The biggest inspirations for my designs are definitely my fellow clay artists/cutter makers. There's definitely an endless list of people but Ro Clay Co. and Lulu Cutters are two specific businesses that immediately come to mind when I think "inspiration". All of my designs first begin with a cutter shape, and they both create such beautiful, unique cutters (as well as other clay tools) that are perfect for my brand. They also both frequently share tips/tricks that have been a huge help with growing my own skills with this craft.
What does an average day look like for you in terms of business production?
I find my seasonal earring designs such as my Halloween and Christmas collections are definitely my biggest sellers! Aside from earrings I more recently released barrette hair clips and clay bookmarks, both of which have been a huge hit at pop-up markets!
How can people find your work and support you?Along with my space at Trellis Marketplace, I also attend a lot of pop-up markets/vendor events year-round. I have a page on my website (www.ivylaneclayco.com/pages/events) with a list of my scheduled events! Aside from shopping though, the best way to support me is liking/following my social media pages like Instagram, or Facebook and sharing posts with your friends! Word of mouth goes a long way!
In the dimly lit months at the beginning of the year we gravitate towards sources of light and life. Nothing comes to mind better than Treat Yourself Soap & Candle Co. Laura, owner and creator of this business has quickly become a Trellis Marketplace staple. Exquisite soaps and candle scents made with love and care are near our front entrance. Enjoy learning a little bit more about Laura and her process with her growing business!
Why did you start your craft? & how did you get your start?
Since I was little I've had the ability to connect scents/smells with memories, people and places. I've also been fascinated with wax even lighting taper candles with our gas stove at WAY too young an age. I wanted to combine the love of wax and a talent for scents together to create a signature soap and candle line.
How long have you been doing your craft?
Almost 6 years ago I began watching others on Youtube make artisan soaps and wax creations during my pregnancy. I even ordered from those beloved channels sampling their soaps. After becoming a mom and trying to avoid burnout (as a teacher) I found myself enjoying the tiny self-care moments while choosing a fancy bar of soap and delighting in the scent while hand washing. It was something just for me, not given to anyone else. My soap making journey began wanting to create soaps so that others could indulge in self-care as well.
Who are some of your mentors or inspirations?
Katie Carson with Royalty Soaps and Jerrica Zimmerman with Quench Bear Soap were and continue to be my Youtube inspirations. My business sense for innovation and pursuing my passions is inspired by my Uncle and his photography business, Amazing Memories.
What are your best selling products?
At Trellis Marketplace my best sellers are: Vanilla Latte, Christmas Cheer, Morning Donuts and anything Lavender in both soap and candle forms. At my in-person events, my bestsellers are my solid lotions.
What does an average day look like for you in terms of business production?
I juggle daily production with teaching (virtually) full time, and mom life. It's all about time management. I prep or finish production in the morning before work and kids going off to school. I eek in a thing or 2 during my lunch break and after school and dinner I do a tad more. I run on "to-do" lists, and coffee
How can people find your work and support you?
Trellis Marketplace of course! Online at www.treatyourselfscc.com and IG/FB @treatyourselfsoapcandleco