Introduction

There’s something undeniably powerful about the feeling of possibility—that electric little spark of what if that lives quietly in each of us, just waiting to be noticed. It’s that tiny voice that nudges you forward when everything else says stay safe. For me, it’s always been more than just a whisper—it’s been a lifeline, a compass, and the heartbeat behind everything I create.

At Anam Cara Clay Goods, I’ve always believed that jewelry should be more than decoration. It should tell a story. It should open a door. It should be a tiny, wearable reminder of the dreams we carry and the paths we dare to walk. Every collection I create begins with a question: What if this piece could help someone feel more themselves? More seen? More hopeful? That belief shapes every charm, every stud, every pair of earrings that leaves my studio.

But possibility isn’t just something I pour into my work—it’s something that has shaped my life in the most profound ways.

Thirteen years ago, what if changed everything. It was the question that led me to Josh. We were both standing at the edge of something uncertain, both wondering if we should take the leap. And we did. We both decided it was worth a shot. That single moment of courage—of believing in what could be—set the course for a life we would build together. And I can say without a doubt, if it weren’t for that leap of possibility, Anam Cara Clay Goods wouldn’t exist.

There wouldn’t be bright, quirky studs or dreamy, meaningful collections. There wouldn’t be those quiet moments of connection with customers who say, this piece feels like me. I wouldn’t be living this beautiful, creative, purpose-filled life. I’m so deeply grateful I listened to that nudge. That I followed the whisper of what if.

So this month, as we embrace the theme of chasing dreams and stepping boldly into what’s possible, I hope you’ll pause and listen for your own what if. Let it guide you. Let it stir something brave and true. Because sometimes, the tiniest spark of possibility is all it takes to light a whole new path.

And I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

Start With Emotion, Not Just Aesthetic

Before I touch the clay or sketch a design, I begin with a feeling. What emotion do I want this piece to evoke? Hope? Courage? Joy? The answer guides the entire creative process—like a compass that keeps me grounded in intention.

I keep a kind of internal journal. Not a formal sketchbook or neat log, but a living, evolving collection of words, colors, textures, and tiny visual cues that capture a mood. It might be the warm glow of late afternoon light, a phrase someone said that stuck with me, or a color combination I spotted in a thrift store scarf. These fragments become my materials before the clay ever does.

Some days, it starts with a single word: brave, gentle, curious. Other times, it’s a palette—sun-warmed mustard, soft lavender, electric teal—that brings the feeling into focus. I’ll shape forms that carry that same energy: a bold arc, a delicate droplet, a playful squiggle. Even subtle details like texture or asymmetry are part of that conversation.

When you wear a piece from Anam Cara Clay Goods, I want it to feel like more than an accessory. I want it to feel like a quiet nudge—a whisper that says, you’re allowed to feel this way. That it’s safe to be bold, or soft, or in between. That there’s room for your dreams and your voice, right here, right now.

Some of the feelings I come back to again and again—joy, transformation, celebration of individuality, courage, wonder, and belonging—are like favorite brushstrokes in a larger painting. But every piece carries its own subtle intention. That’s what makes handmade jewelry so personal: it’s a little story, shaped by feeling, made to meet you where you are.

Design With Story in Mind

Every collection I create is built with storytelling at its heart. It’s not just about pretty shapes or colors—it’s about capturing something meaningful, something that resonates on a deeper level. Whether it’s the empowering message woven into the Skirt Project Collection, celebrating strength and sisterhood, or the playful, whimsical spirit of the Doofy Bird Collection that invites us to embrace the quirky, joyful parts of ourselves—each design is anchored in a narrative that matters. These stories speak to resilience, joy, growth, and the beautiful, sometimes messy, weirdness that makes us uniquely who we are.

When I begin a new collection, I don’t just think about the clay or the colors. I start by imagining who this jewelry is for:

Who will wear it?
What’s her story?
What might she be navigating in this chapter of her life?
What does she need to feel or remember in that moment?
What emotion do I want her to carry with her when she puts on this piece—whether it’s courage, hope, comfort, or a spark of joy?

These questions aren’t abstract—they come from real conversations and real connections. Over time, I’ve developed a set of customer personas to help guide my creative process. These personas are fictional, yes—but they’re deeply rooted in the stories I’ve heard, the moments I’ve shared, and the incredible women I’ve met through Anam Cara Clay Goods. They’re not just marketing tools or checkboxes; they’re living reminders of the diversity, complexity, and beauty of the women I’m lucky enough to create for.

There’s the woman who wandered into my booth on a rainy day, newly retired and rediscovering who she is without a job title—looking for something small but meaningful to mark her new beginning. There’s the passionate art teacher who wears mismatched studs every day because she wants her students to see that freedom and creativity are worth celebrating. There’s the college student who carefully saved up to buy her very first pair of “just for me” earrings—an act of self-love and independence. And there’s the young mom who slipped on a pair during nap time and smiled, whispering, “I forgot how good it feels to feel like me again.”

These stories shape every line, every color choice, and every texture in my work. They keep me grounded in the truth that jewelry isn’t just an accessory—it’s personal. It’s more than something you wear; it’s a way to carry a piece of your story with you wherever you go. Each piece becomes a quiet companion, a reminder of your strength when you need it most, a symbol of your dreams when you’re daring to reach for them, and a reflection of your ever-evolving self as you navigate life’s twists and turns.

That’s why storytelling is the thread that runs through every collection I create. It’s what transforms clay and color into something deeply personal and meaningful. Jewelry made with intention and heart has a unique power—it connects us not just to ourselves, but to each other. It bridges the gap between individual experience and shared humanity. Through these stories, we find common ground, inspiration, and the courage to show up as our true selves.

When you wear a piece from Anam Cara Clay Goods, you’re not just accessorizing—you’re carrying a story, one that honors your journey and celebrates your uniqueness. It’s a form of expression that speaks without words, holds space for your emotions, and invites connection. That’s the magic of storytelling in jewelry: it goes far beyond the surface, weaving together meaning, memory, and possibility into something you can touch, wear, and hold close to your heart.

Choose Colors That Spark Joy and Confidence

Sometimes I lean into soft and serene tones that calm the spirit—muted greens, gentle creams, and barely-there pinks that feel like a deep breath. These colors hold space for stillness and self-trust. They whisper, You don’t have to rush. You’re allowed to simply be. I reach for them when I want a piece to feel like a quiet companion—something grounding, nurturing, and deeply comforting.

Other times, I’m drawn to the bold and the unexpected—vibrant raspberries, electric teals, fiery mustards. These are the shades of motion, of shaking things up, of saying yes to the unfamiliar. They carry a spark. When I use them in a design, I’m thinking about adventure—not just the big life changes, but the little ones too: trying a new class, striking up a conversation, wearing something a bit louder than usual because it feels right.

But no matter the palette, my goal is always the same: to create jewelry that helps you feel more fully like you. Whether you're in a soft season of rest or a wild season of growth, your earrings should reflect and support where you are—and where you're going.

Because when you feel good in your skin—and in your earrings—you walk through the world differently. You carry yourself with a bit more confidence. You speak a little louder, smile a little bigger, and say yes to things that once felt out of reach. That’s the magic of color—it doesn’t just decorate. It moves you. It reminds you that something beautiful is possible, and sometimes, that’s all you need to take the next step.

Here are six color combinations I absolutely love, and what they represent for me in the language of possibility:

Color is one of my favorite ways to speak without words. It’s instinctual—something felt in the chest before it's understood in the mind. A soft blush can say “you’re safe here.” A burst of citrus yellow can cheer you on like a best friend in your corner. And when the right colors come together—just like the right story or the right moment—they can make you feel something real. Something possible.

I’m constantly in awe of how color can shift energy, open up a memory, or spark an entirely new idea. It’s why I return to certain palettes again and again—not just because they’re beautiful, but because they mean something. Each one is a kind of invitation: to feel, to remember, to begin again.

So when I design with color, I’m thinking about you. About how you might be feeling the day you wear that pair of earrings, or what kind of energy you want to carry into a room. Because in the end, it’s not just about matching your outfit. It’s about connecting to something deeper—something that reminds you you’re allowed to take up space, to feel fully, to imagine wildly.

And to believe—always—that your next chapter is waiting to unfold in full color.

Make Pieces That Invite Possibility Through Play

Possibility often shows up when we make space to play—when we give ourselves permission to try something unexpected, mix and match without rules, and wear pieces simply because they make us smile. That spirit of curiosity is where so many good things begin. It’s why I’m drawn to customizable designs like huggie hoop charms—they’re made to be flexible, playful, and full of potential.

When I create these charms, I’m thinking about how style can be a mirror—not of who we think we should be, but of how we’re actually feeling in the moment. Some days, you might crave bold color and texture, like a little visual pep talk. Other days, maybe you want something soft, subtle, and grounding. There’s no right answer. That’s the beauty of it.

With customizable jewelry, you're not locked into a single vibe or aesthetic. You get to shift, adapt, and evolve—just like you do. These are pieces that move with you, whether you're dressing up for something big or just adding a little spark to your everyday. Because you are not one-dimensional, and your jewelry shouldn’t be either.

Instead of approaching style as a box you have to fit into, I invite you to see it as a playground—full of colors, shapes, and stories that are yours to explore.

Here are five style tips to help you lean into play and possibility with your jewelry:

Play invites possibility. It’s a gentle whisper in your ear asking, What if you tried something new today? It opens a door to seeing yourself in different lights—bold, quirky, soft, or daring—and reminds you that style is anything but fixed. It’s personal, ever-changing, and deeply creative, just like you.

When you lean into play with your jewelry, you’re giving yourself permission to explore without judgment—to experiment, to surprise yourself, and to celebrate the small joys that come with those moments. Maybe it’s mixing colors you never thought would work together, swapping out charms to match your mood, or simply wearing something just because it makes you smile. These are the little acts of rebellion against routine and sameness.

Jewelry isn’t just what you wear. It’s how you say yes to being more of yourself, one playful piece at a time. It’s a daily reminder that you have the power to shape your story, to brighten your day, and to step into possibility with confidence and fun. So, go ahead—play a little. Because in that play, you might just find the spark that leads to your next big adventure.

Possibility Is Personal—and It’s Powerful

When I sit down at my work table, I’m not just shaping clay—I’m shaping little reminders of the dreams we all carry. The quiet ones we tuck away, the wild ones we sometimes forget, and the hopeful flickers of what if that never quite leave us. Each piece I create is rooted in those sparks of possibility, those moments where hope and courage meet.

I don’t just want my jewelry to be beautiful; I want it to be meaningful. To be your gentle nudge on the tough days, your quiet celebration on the good ones. Each charm, stud, or earring carries an intention—a whisper that says, You’re allowed to dream big. You’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to be exactly who you are. My hope is that when you wear these pieces, you feel seen—not just in your style, but in your story.

Because possibility isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice we make again and again. It’s the decision to say yes to trying, to opening your heart, to stepping forward even when the path isn’t clear. It’s a practice of bravery and faith in yourself, one small moment at a time.

So, I hope you wear what lights you up. I hope you choose colors and shapes that reflect the person you are becoming. Let your jewelry be more than an accessory—let it be a daily reminder that you are magic in motion, full of endless potential.

And most of all, I hope you keep chasing your dreams—because they aren’t distant or out of reach. They live within you, patiently waiting to be remembered and embraced.

Here’s to choosing possibility—together, every day.

Creating Jewelry That Inspires Possibility