Today we’d like to introduce you to Cleo Sanchez Balderas.
Hi Cleo, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My business journey is more of a personal growth story. Like most, I began creating for the purpose of finding pleasure and comfort for myself. In 2019, I started making polymer clay jewelry for my own enjoyment, and my admiration for the craft enhanced when my friends wanted to purchase my work as well. From there, Typewriter and Moss was born, and I quickly immersed myself into the world of craft markets and street fairs!
Within my market experiences, I found that I cherished meeting and connecting with fellow makers and artists as equally as I loved creating for myself and others. When the pandemic hit in 2020 and markets were canceled, I felt the urge to open my own storefront where I could create and sell my creations.
However, I missed the connections and feelings of meeting artisans. I wanted to embrace the aspects of the creative world that I admired, so I began inviting some of my friends and fellow creatives to sell their products at my shop.
As I am nearing Typewriter and Moss’ first storefront anniversary this weekend, I am proud to share that I hold space for more than 25+ local Sacramento artisans inside the shop, as well as now own and coordinate a pop-up marketplace in Auburn called The Exchange.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My business journey has not been a smooth road by any means necessary. As a creative, I can not separate from my work, as I am my own work.
My friends and family can always classify me as being an “over-worker.” When my business first began, I was working full-time, graduating college, and was creating polymer clay jewelry at night as a side hustle and source of creative expression. Since a young age, my mind was engrained with the philosophy that hard work was equivalent to money and happiness, and self-care came last.
However, I have learned in the past year since the pandemic and leaving a painful marriage that it is necessary for me to take care of myself mentally and physically. Therefore, I have had to recognize the importance of taking creative breaks to grieve and heal, as well as allow myself the grace to take time off to be around family and friends.
I’m realizing that being successful in my business is less about the money and glorifying the hustle and more about the strength in confidence of myself and my work. Being busy is not a badge.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am most known for my simple, neutral-colored polymer clay earring designs, as these creations were the foundation of my entrepreneurial career.
However, I am also known for my efforts in my community in Auburn, as well as online. As a shop owner and market coordinator, I have been able to share and communicate the beautiful talents that are offered in the greater Sacramento artisan community on a daily basis. Within my work, I aim to showcase the importance of handmade products and how it translates to understanding the human experience.
I believe that the world needs more authentic, honest, and vulnerable connections. Based on my own personal experiences in the creative world and selling in shops, I learned to create the businesses that I needed in order to create richer relationships with fellow creatives and directly communicate with my community.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My childhood was rich in fulfillment and experiences where I could create and express myself. My little sister and I would often engage in dramatic play, however we always spent more time on the creative aspect of the dramatic play by creating tickets for a pretend carnival or designing bookmarks, rather than acting and playing out the scenarios.
I suppose you can say that I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.typewriterandmoss.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/typewriterandmoss/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/typewriterandmoss/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/typewriter-moss-auburn
Image Credits:
Cleo Sanchez Balderas
