Today we’d like to introduce you to Roda Colo.
Hi Roda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started creating polymer clay earrings in November 2020 during quarantine. At the beginning of 2021, I made the leap to launch my small business online. I quickly grew into more than what I could ever imagine.
Now, I am a full-time pop-up market vendor. I’m making earrings with different mediums such as clay and resin. I recently started making acrylic pieces as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I love making earrings, it relaxes me, and it makes me happy. I enjoy meeting and talking to new people. I made friends through pop-up markets. I have repeat customers who are now my friends.
I can do events every day if I have to. I love creating beautiful jewelry that empowers women, and I am passionate about my craft.
I do not like it when there’s unexpected bad weather such as windstorms, cold storms, or rain. It’s stressful to keep my things safe and organized.
Another struggle that I have is balancing my school work, family, and my business. I am a graduate student at TAMUCC and sometimes I have three projects due in one week, then I have to make earrings for my big markets during weekends and then find time to play with my children. I think 24 hours is not enough.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My main material for making jewelry is clay. The process of creating clay jewelry is relaxing and delicate. Clay is first conditioned and mixed into whimsical colors. Most of the pigmentations have a unique recipe. Once the color process has been completed, the different earring forms are made using cutters, canes, or hand-cut shapes and formed into slabs. The pieces are then baked, sanded, buffed, drilled, and assembled to achieve a clean and beautiful finish.
My inspiration comes from minimal and statement style shapes and textures fit for any occasion and mood. Each piece is handmade by me, making one-of-a-kind, delicately crafted items. The creative process and inspiration come from different people and ages. When I design my jewelry, I have to make sure that it is unique, a piece of jewelry that will represent you and make you feel beautiful and powerful.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
As an artist, what matters to me is the joy I can give to my people. It doesn’t matter If I have to create these statement earrings for hours, what matters to me is the excitement and smiles I see on their faces when they wear my earrings. I am an artist more than a businesswoman.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rcclaydesigns/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Rcclaydesigns/
