Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Skidmore
Hi Rachael, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Rachael Skidmore, a self-taught polymer clay artist based in Salt Lake City, Utah. I create high-quality pieces using captivating color palettes and tantalizing patterns, often drawing inspiration from the world around me. Whether it’s hiking in the mountains with my family or collecting vintage clothing, my life influences my work in unique and meaningful ways. I’m passionate about inclusivity, and I hope that my creations resonate with people from all walks of life.
My journey started in a very different direction—I studied social work at Utah State University (USU) and worked in the field while building an online vintage clothing store on Etsy. Over time, my passion for vintage fashion grew, and I opened a physical location for my shop in Salt Lake City, where I ran it for a few years. But in 2019, I began making polymer clay earrings to complement my vintage clothing collection. What began as a side project quickly grew into something much bigger than I had anticipated.
Five years later, polymer clay is my main focus. In 2021, I launched an online course through Domestika, which has attracted nearly 30,000 students, and in 2023, I became a published author with the release of my how-to book, *Polymer Clay Jewelry*.
I sell my handmade polymer clay creations under the name *Made by Maeberry*, both on my website and at various markets around Utah. I love using my social media platforms to engage with and inspire others, and I teach in-person and online classes to share my craft. If you’re interested in learning more, check out my website at *madebymaeberry.com*.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a small business owner, an artist, and a mother has its challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Balancing all of these roles requires a lot of time management, dedication, and, a lot of flexibility. It can be especially tough when there’s a deadline to meet or when I’m juggling multiple projects at once. However, I’ve learned to be kind to myself and acknowledge that it’s okay to take a step back when life gets busy.
Running Made by Maeberry while raising kids means I’m always wearing multiple hats. Between crafting my polymer clay pieces, managing my website and social media, teaching classes, and handling the business side of things—there’s never a dull moment. At times, I feel like I’m constantly racing against the clock to meet the demands of my business while also being present for my family. But I’ve found that having a support system, like my husband and friends, makes all the difference when I need a little extra help.
I’ve also faced the challenge of staying creatively inspired while balancing so many responsibilities. It’s not always easy to find time to experiment with new designs or techniques when I have so many tasks to tackle. But I’ve learned to embrace the ebbs and flows of creativity—some days I’m full of ideas, and other times it’s a little slower. Being a mother has taught me the importance of patience, and I’ve realized that my best work often comes when I allow myself the time and space to be inspired, without putting too much pressure on myself.
The financial side of owning a business has its own set of challenges, too. As a small business owner, there are times when the financial uncertainty can be nerve-wracking, especially when I’m focusing on growing the business while balancing my personal life. But seeing the impact my work has on others and knowing that I’m building something meaningful makes all the hard work worth it.
Overall, being a small business owner, artist, and mother is a constant balancing act. There are difficult days, but there are also incredible moments when everything aligns and I see the fruits of my labor. I take pride in what I’ve built, and the challenges I face only motivate me to keep pushing forward. Ultimately, it’s about finding a rhythm that works for me and my family while staying true to my passion, and adjusting expectations when needed.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m known for my bold, colorful, and creative work in the polymer clay community, and I’m incredibly proud to be self-taught. Growing up, I had two dreams: to be an artist or a vet. But when it came time for college, I chose to pursue social work. While I don’t regret that decision, I do acknowledge that part of me was held back by the fear of failure, which kept me from pursuing an art degree at the time.
I’ve always had many interests, and over my 37 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience a wide variety of paths. Now, as a successful artist, I find fulfillment in knowing that I’ve found my way into the creative world, albeit in a non-traditional way. It feels like I’m making my 5-year-old self proud, proving that it’s never too late to follow your passion and carve out your own path, or switch directions
One of the biggest accomplishments of my professional career has been working with Goody Hair. I worked with them to bring prints inspired by my polymer clay work to life via Goody Hair products. The artist collaborative collection launched in 3k+ Wal.marts this past January and will be available through the end of the year.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First and foremost, I have to thank my parents for shaping my creativity and supporting me along the way. My dad has a natural gift for drawing and sketching. I remember being in awe as a child, flipping through his sketchpads and marveling at how he could capture the world with just a piece of paper and a pencil.
My mom has always been a woman of many creative interests. As a stay-at-home mom with a hustle mindset, she was constantly creating and selling her work. Watching her explore new passions while making money from them taught me the power of non-traditional paths and instilled in me the belief that creativity can lead to success.
None of us make it through life alone, and the same goes for business. From the very beginning, I’ve been fortunate to have the support and encouragement of family and friends. Selling at small markets like Salt + Honey Market and Beehive Bazaar helped get my name out there and connect me with customers.
And of course, we can’t forget about the power of social media. Platforms like Instagram have made it possible for me to reach a wide audience I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. This has been a game-changer for small artists like me, and I’m so grateful for the connections it’s allowed me to build.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.madebymaeberry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madebymaeberry
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/@madebymaeberry
