Today we’d like to introduce you to Bre Wagner.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Honestly, some days I still can’t wrap my head around how I got to where I am. I struggled a lot socially which ultimately led to me dropping out of high school. I also had a hard time with what people consider “normal” jobs. There was a lot of fear and uncertainty for what the future would look like for me.
Eventually I met my husband, and we welcomed our first daughter in 2020. I was a young, stay at home mom struggling to find myself. Art has always been a big part of my life since I was young, so a year later in 2021 I picked up my first bars of polymer clay in an attempt to find my creative spark again. I never expected to make a living off my art, but friends and family encouraged me to open up an online shop and before I knew it my hobby grew and evolved into my full-time job!
I’m now a mom of 3 wonderful girls, and April 2026 will mark 5 years of running my small business. I’m grateful that I never gave up, and for all the people who supported my art 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?
Nothing is ever perfect, but overall I’d say this whole journey has been incredibly positive and fulfilling. I think the biggest thing I struggle with, especially as my business continues to grow, is juggling all the things. It can be really difficult finding a balance and having to work around so many other schedules.
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 create handmade polymer clay earrings and accessories ranging from simple studs, to intricate floral designs, but my brand is definitely most well known for my whimsical and/or seasonal designs (and they’re my favorite to make too!)
There have been plenty of designs I’ve loved over the years but I think I’m most proud of my mini food themed accessories. I put a lot of effort into making “realistic” looking snacks and treats, as earrings and seeing everyone’s fun reactions always makes me so happy!
Polymer clay jewelry is a pretty saturated industry, which can make it harder to stand out. It sounds generic but truly what’s helped me is simply being myself. When I first started creating jewelry back in 2021 I had no idea what I was doing and mostly just made what was considered trendy at the time. It wasn’t until I started creating these quirky and colorful designs “for myself” that I really started to grow a solid customer base and relationships.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
It’s hard to pinpoint a specific memory as my favorite, but I find myself reminiscing often on memories with my grandfather who passed away when I was a teen. I spent so much of my time with him going to farmers markets, going out for breakfast, watching our favorite TV shows together every week – the list goes on. I just wish he was here to see the person I’ve become.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ivylaneclayco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivylaneclayco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivylaneclayco
- Other: https://ivylaneclayco.faire.com
