Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Wells.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have a BSW with a minor in Psychology and Sociology. Did that for several years in AZ and decided I needed a change. Move back home to NC and went into restaurant management. I did that for about 5 years until I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis. I had to step down and needed to find something to occupy my time. My cousin in law had recently took up polymer clay and was nice enough to teach me. I have always loved big and unique accessories so it seemed like a natural fit. I have been working with polymer clay for approximately 3 years. I have also expanded from just making jewelry and accessories to teaching classes.
I teach people how to work with polymer clay and I also offer theraputic art classes. These classes include musical painting, nature art, upcycling thrift store finds and diy dream Catchers. Each class focuses on how individuals can use art as a healing modality and how to incorporate it into their own overall wellbeing. This is also a great way for me to utilize the training I received while obtaining my degree
Art helped me heal and process my diagnosis and I believe its a vital part of life. We often loose our whimsy and ability to create just for the sake of creating with out worrying about perfection or productivity. I want to offer a space for people to discover this again.
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 am a perfectionist and if I’m not immediately great at something I tend to not follow through.
This was different. I was AWFUL at first but I stuck to it and practice makes progress. Also taking a huge gamble on myself and opening my own business was scary as hell. I have managed several business over my career but starting from scratch with a hope and a prayer was terrifying. Im so thankful to people who took a chance on me in the beginning. Like my nail tech Liz, she was the first to offer to sell my products in her salon (and back then my product was still ROUGH) but she believed in me and my vision.
Im sure my struggles were no different than most small business owners but when you have an amazing support team it makes its a little less daunting
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work with polymer clay and teach theraputic art classes.
Polymer Clay: i make jewelry, bookmarks, hairclips, charms, ect and my favorite style is big, funky, weird statement pieces. I also make everyday simplistic designs but my passion is anything weird, anything that starts a conversation or makes someone take a second glance.
I also teach polymer clay classes. Each class has a theme and participants get to create at least 2 different designs of their choosing. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the medium and build community.
Theraputic art classes- these vary from musical Painting (listen to a curated playlist while painting how the music makes us feel, we focus on emotions and how we recognize them), Self Care/talisman (we discuss goals we have, things we want to nuture and create a talisman to harness those thoughts and energy), nature crafting (we create art with items directly from nature and learn about the benefits of grounding), diy dream catchers (we make our own and discuss the power of dreams and dream symbolism) there are lots more but the point is every class offers participants an opportunity to explore a different medium of art and how it can be incorporated into your overall healing journey. It gives participants an opportunity to step away from the hustle and just breathe and build community and connections at the same time.
Im proud and happy to offer a safe space to feel and express emotions, thoughts and share with others. We need to bring back whimsy and magic into our daily lives….its how we thrive instead of just survive.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Its ok to suck, to fail, to feel like you have no idea what youre doing. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who can help.
My cousin in law Ruth, taught me the basics, my nail tech Liz, helped me start the process of selling my items, My husband is forever my biggest fan and picks me up when Im deep in my imposter syndrome and Ruby from Catalysta helped me get my business legal and ein stuff
So surround yourself with people who want you to succeed and never be afraid to ask for help.
Also stay true to yourself. Find what you are passionate about and do that. It sounds cliche but its so important….its how you find your people and how you stay focused on the hard days.
Pricing:
- Accessories/Jewelry $5-30 each
- Classes $20-40 per person
- Private sessions for friends night in or birthday parties start at $300
- Custom orders vary but start at $12
Contact Info:
- Website: In progress will be available Jan 2026
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lottolovedesigns?igsh=c2xzd21oNmlpMTA1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GnRRpVak6/
