Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Wade.
Hi Karen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The story of Ear Sugar began in 2011 when I decided to combine my passion for creating handmade things, with my love and need for simple comfortable jewelry.
As odd as it seems, I had always had a hard time finding pretty stud earrings that were high quality, and affordable. I’m a wife, and busy mom of two girls, so wearing expensive or bulky earrings just wasn’t the right fit for me. I needed something comfortable, yet eye-catching that I could wear 24/7. After much frustration with low-quality studs that either hurt or broke, and the alternatively high-priced diamond earrings, I decided to try and make my own.
I quickly noticed that I was not the only one who loved my new little studs and started to get requests from friends and family for a pair of their own. When I first began making earrings I actually used polymer clay. I used to hand mix the colors and then roll them out into super-thin sheets that I would then bake. Once they were baked into hardened clay sheets, I would use leather punching tools to cut out small circles from the clay sheets, sand the edges, layer a nice dome of resin on one side, then glue on the post.
Over time, I worked to make Ear Sugar studs the best they could be, and that eventually lead me to a special process that doesn’t require me to use polymer clay anymore. Through the last ten years, Ear Sugar has grown to be my full-time job and such a wonderful way to connect to the community. My very favorite parts of this business are the people I’ve connected with along the way.
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’ve learned so many lessons the hard way when it comes to being a small business owner. There have been ups, and downs, and huge learning curves. Just in the last ten years, the industry has changed significantly. The biggest lesson I keep learning is to be ready for change and embrace the wisdom of others.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I feel one thing that sets Ear Sugar earrings apart from others is their attractive simplicity. I try to create things that are not only eye-catching but also functional for everyday life. I put a lot of time and thought into what I create because I want you to love it as much as I do.
Knowing something I made with my own two hands is bringing someone else joy is such a wonderful feeling.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
For anyone in the artisan world, I think some of the biggest resources for connecting and growing will likely start in your own community. I have found so much love and support from my local artist community while participating in local markets, events, and even with social media.
When you put yourself out there it can feel extremely overwhelming and scary but it’s absolutely worth pushing through those feelings and branching out to attend those events and make those connections. One connection will lead to another helping you grow as a business and an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.earsugarstuds.com
- Instagram: @earsugar
