Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Adams.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always had a life-long fascination with creating. Throughout my 29 years, I was constantly daydreaming, making, or creating something. For me, there is something very therapeutic about making things with my hands. I have practiced photography, silversmithing, painting, crocheting, drawing, ceramics, poetry and the list goes on — but it wasn’t until 2018 that I discovered my adoration for polymer clay. I spent hours upon hours researching anything I could find on polymer clay, made my first supply purchases, set everything up at a small desk in my bedroom and the rest is history!
I have two jobs, both working with young adults and teens with special needs. In my spare time, you can find me mapping out the future of Dead Betty, sketching new designs, and bringing them to life from a chunk of clay. I want to give a shout out to my partner Levon, who has graciously helped bring my vision to life with his graphic design skills and by re-building my website. And of course, for being my #1 support.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
If there is one thing I learned in life, it is that nothing ever goes how you expect it to. I know I am not in this alone when I say the most monumental struggle happened earlier this year when the Coronavirus hit the US and everything shut down. One of my jobs has been shut down since March and with my income cut in half, buying supplies has been really difficult. It has also been difficult because factories are either shut down or have extreme limitations and are unable to produce their products at pre-pandemic speeds, meaning there is a polymer clay shortage.
On top of that, I was having a hard time finding any inspiration and wondering why anyone would want/need to buy jewelry when the world is up in flames. So I took an unintentional but necessary months-long hiatus to reevaluate what I was doing and at the end of that I realized I am exactly where I need to be. It has been a blessing in disguise because I have more time than ever to focus on my passion and be intentional with it. There is a lot of work that comes with having your own small business because a chunk of clay doesn’t just magically turn into jewelry. I design, mix my own colors, cut out the shapes, bake, sand, drill, assemble, package, and ship them. I photograph the items or bring my vision to a photographer. I run social media and update my website. I wear a lot of hats, but I enjoy every minute of it. Even when things are hard, it’s all worth it.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Chances are, you’re probably wondering, “What the hell is a Dead Betty?” The name Dead Betty was born from the silly punchline of an inside family joke back in 2001. You can find the full origin story on my website, but the TL;DR version is that Dead Betty stands for love and inclusion for all. It represents the beauty that lies in cherished relationships with people who mean the most to us and the objects or stories we pass on to keep memories alive.
I pride myself in the quality of my product and how it arrives on your doorstep. All Dead Betty earrings are made in small batches with clay or brass. All polymer clay earring colors are mixed by hand and may vary slightly in color as a result. Earring posts, hooks, and jump rings are all 14k gold-filled, meaning it won’t tarnish, they are naturally hypo-allergenic and will not irritate even the most sensitive ears.
I strive toward being ecologically responsible by limiting waste and being intentional with creating and packaging. All orders are shipped with the planet in mind. The production process is based on only making what is needed as not to overproduce. All orders are currently shipped in 100% recyclable and reusable bubble mailers. One thing I will continue to do for Dead Betty is to take the necessary actions to keep my carbon footprint low.
What were you like growing up?
This question is always so tough for me to answer because I have always loved everything! If you were to ask my sister, she would tell you I really blossomed after she left for college and stopped hogging the spotlight.
I can be outgoing or quiet and reserved. Growing up and to this day, I am very imaginative. I would pretend to be a witch and make potions from flowers and leaves in the front yard or I would write short stories. I would dress up in wild outfits and dance around in my garage or I would chat with friends on AIM for hours. If you’ve seen the show PEN15, it’s a very accurate representation of my childhood. I am constantly changing and evolving and there is so much beauty in that.
Contact Info:
- Website: dead-betty.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @thedeadbetty
- Facebook: facebook.com/thedeadbetty
Image Credit:
Albany Katz, James Michael Juarez
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