Conversations with Tessa Garrett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tessa Garrett.

Hi Tessa, We’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. Before we get into specifics, could you briefly describe how you got to where you are today?
In June 2020, I was finishing my degree in respiratory therapy, and I needed a hobby. I briefly remembered seeing polymer clay on Pinterest about a year prior. I didn’t do any research; I dove head first, searched it on Amazon, and bought some supplies to make jewelry. As I played around with the clay and burnt it to a crisp more than once, I decided maybe I should research more. There weren’t many resources yet, but I found the better-suited polymer clay to work with and just took off creating so many earrings and hair clips I thought were so cute then. Never thinking of turning it into a business, several friends were asking to purchase my handmade items in July 2020! It was an exciting time because I genuinely enjoyed creating, and the thought of others enjoying my creations was wild! I made earrings daily for months and months and organically built up my clientele. I became friends with customers; I made earrings for weddings, baby showers, and just about any event you can think of! I have only gotten here almost four years later through my faith, family, friends, and amazing customers.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve been very fortunate with my business, but the obstacles are more on the personal life side that can impact a business. I’ve had obstacles within myself, self-doubting, and the death of loved ones. When you have your own business, giving yourself the grace and rest you need can be challenging, especially when it’s just you. When you’re sick or grieving or pushing through limiting mindsets, it’s easy to feel guilty about not putting 100% of yourself into your business 100% of the time. Giving yourself that grace and rest is important so you can improve, or eventually, it all catches up to you. I’ve had to learn that hard and took longer periods off.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create handmade jewelry and accessories out of polymer clay. I love challenging myself to make earrings that look like real stones (amethyst, quartz, etc). I’d say that’s one of my specialties. I am proud that I am never too scared to try something new regarding trends or techniques. I’m constantly learning new things so I can increase my skill level. I love making moons, stars, saguaros, faux stones, and shiny earrings! My style sets me apart because I create from the heart, and my heart and mind are unique. Everyone has a unique touch to their craft, and I think my personality shows through my pieces.

We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking.
I definitely took a risk starting this business; I didn’t know anything about what it took to run my own business. I had to learn by simply doing and going for it. In my opinion, running a small business is a constant risk. You never truly know where things will go regarding sales, bringing on something new, etc. Anything and everything can change at any moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.desertandstone.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertandstone

Image Credits
First photo of me in the hat with the pink earrings on is from Michelle Mirlocca @mirloccacollections on Instagram. The rest of the photos by Tessa Garrett.