Relocating from the fast-paced life of California to the quiet simplicity of small-town Topeka in the fall of 2015 was a difficult transition. For the first six years, my husband had to work two jobs just to keep us afloat. It was incredibly challenging to raise two young children while he was gone from early morning until late at night.

During that time, I often prayed for a way to work from home, hoping it would allow my husband to let go of his second job—especially after I began homeschooling when COVID-19 hit. One evening, I had picked up some clay from Joann’s, but it sat untouched in a cabinet for nearly three months. Then one night, after praying once again for direction, I sensed the gentle, unmistakable whisper of God say, "I've already shown you what to do—use the clay."

I remember thinking, Oh my gosh—the clay! I grabbed my kids’ playdough roller and started rolling it out, watching countless YouTube videos to teach myself the process. Over time, my skills steadily improved, but as a perfectionist, I knew my earrings still lacked that polished, professional finish I envisioned.

Through research, I discovered that many polymer clay artists used a pasta machine to ensure consistent thickness—a key to a more refined look. I found one on Amazon, but at $80, it simply wasn’t in our budget at the time.

A few days later, my daughter and I visited God's Storehouse, a local thrift store we often shopped at. As we walked through the kitchen aisle, I jokingly said, “Wouldn’t it be wild if God let me find a pasta machine here?” I hadn’t even finished the sentence when I looked down—and there it was. An Atlas 150, sitting on the shelf for just $5. In that moment, I knew it was more than coincidence. It was a sign from God, a gentle confirmation that I was on the right path. That pasta machine was a game-changer—it gave my work the professional touch I had been striving for, and I continued refining my craft with a renewed sense of purpose.

A few months later, while visiting Milk & Honey Coffee Co., my mom encouraged me to ask one of the owners if there might be an opportunity to sell some of my earrings there. Milk & Honey has always been known for supporting local makers by showcasing their products in the shop. I took a deep breath, introduced myself to one of the owners, and to my surprise, they said yes!

Getting the chance to display my work at Milk & Honey Coffee Co. marked the beginning of my journey to selling earrings. It was a small step that turned into a big blessing for me and my family. It took time, patience, and a lot of hard work to grow my small business—but with consistency, determination, and a step of faith, about a year later, my husband was finally able to leave his second job! Now, I have the incredible blessing of working from the comfort of our home while also homeschooling our kids.

I’ve also had the opportunity to sell my products at various pop-ups and markets around town, which has been a great way to connect with the community. These days, I primarily operate from home and have built a strong online presence through my Facebook group, which has grown into an amazing and supportive community. Launching my own website is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time, and I’m so excited that it’s finally become a reality!

I’m deeply grateful to every single one of you who has supported my small business along the way. Your encouragement means the world to me. God is so good—always faithful and worthy to be praised!