Meet Molly Byrd | Mom & Polymer clay artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Molly Byrd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Molly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started right after Covid took over the world. I was already a stay at home mom at the time and my kids were 1 & 3. I wanted to help provide for my family while I was home with them and had hopes of ultimately growing and becoming full time. It had to be something where I could choose my own schedule and do it from home. I have always dreamed of making a career based in creativity and I know I’ll never get tired of it, so it was a perfect fit!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The polymer clay market is extremely oversaturated right now so it’s hard to stand out, and an artist never wants to feel like they are doing what everyone else is doing or something that doesn’t make them happy. I have definitely learned to lean into my own style and weave my interests into my art while also making things that a wide variety of people like. It’s a balance for sure, but I think that makes me stand out. I try to have something for everyone, but I’m known for a weird and niche style.

It hasn’t been easy, but being consistent and doing my best to find my own special community that has similar interests became vital. When I felt like I was shouting to the wrong crowd I figured out that pop up events were a good way to get my name out there and find those folks that like my style of jewelry. Seeing art in person whether it is jewelry, photography, pottery, paintings and everything in between is what captivates people. Touching, seeing & feeling art in person is what makes you fall in love with it and not be able to pass it by. It sticks with you.

I am really proud that I stuck to making things in my own style. I could give in to making things I know would sell quickly but ultimately making popular styles isn’t what makes me happy and would get old fast. I want to enjoy working with clay long term, and finding my audience was key.

By my audience I mean the people that aren’t afraid to wear bold earrings every day. The people that love Halloween, storytelling, color, niche things like cryptids and UFOs… you get the idea. You are so welcome here and you can enjoy that daily experience of deciding what pair of earrings to wear because your collection is so unique and fun.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A lot of people say there isn’t much to do in Goldsboro, but if you take the time to explore there is a boatload to do just downtown!

We have a lot of unique shops, like Lola’s Vintiques, a blend of vintage, antiques, artisan creations and treasures from a different time that all bring that magical nostalgic feeling we love so much.

Or a local coffee shop, like Gypsy Bean, for a laid back atmosphere and yummy drinks prepared right in front of you with fun names like “The Doctor” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

We have a new art studio where several local artists create, like Emily of Fragments and Fig! She makes the coolest grumpy face mugs, sterling silver jewelry, unique art prints and you can watch her in action while she makes hand thrown pottery.

If you like IPAs and other drinks outside of the typical menu, try Well Travelled Beer, a local taproom and bottle shop with the most dope atmosphere to sit and enjoy said beverage.

If you want something unique to do there is an escape room downtown too! The spot is appropriately called Downtown Escapes & is sure to give you a fun experience you’ll never forget. Make sure your team is ready to put those brains to work and listen to each other in order to be successful!

There are endless food options, like Brick’s Woodfire Pizza, the Laughing Owl, Thai Garden, Pink Piggy Sweets for dessert and SO many more! Your taste buds will never get bored, there is no doubt about that.

All of those things are just downtown, and there is plenty more to do around the county. Odom Farms comes to mind immediately. We have taken our kids there every fall multiple times for hay rides, pumpkins, farm animals and a wide open playground with tons of space to run around safely and burn off that energy. They really have a laid back small town vibe and I feel so relaxed every time we visit. They also host birthday parties, too!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband & our kids! My husband, Tyler, has always been extremely supportive in everything I’ve attempted and has always believed in me. My kids, Wesley & Violet, have shown their own creative sides as they’ve grown and really enjoy seeing the things I make and many times want something to keep for themselves. Knowing that I’m helping support them while also showing a different kind of work ethic and job exists outside of the box is really special. The world needs more art and I like knowing I’m passing that down to the next generation.

I also have to shout out my friend Kaytlyn, who has also been featured with you! She is another small business owner who is super inspiring and encouraging for me personally. Kaytlyn has been a huge part of my growth and I started being a vendor at pop ups regularly over the last year because of her.

Website: www.violetandwesley.com

Instagram: violetandwesley

Facebook: www.facebook.com/violetandwesley

Image Credits
Cheyenne Joy Photography Jes Noelle Photography