Meet Haley Nelson | Art Teacher & Creator of Handmade Goods

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

Hi Haley, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Originally I never thought about actually selling my creations, or the idea of Sage Moon ever existing in the capacity it does today. I began creating my own jewelry as a low-cost hypoallergenic option for myself after being inspired by a class project. As a High school Art Teacher, I often get into hobbies outside of school based on the materials used in my class. November of 2019 was the first time I started using Polymer Clay to create jewelry for every day wear. With some inspiration from Etsy and many practice batches I began to experiment with different designs and brass additions. I eventually started creating earrings for my friends, specific themed events, etc. A creator here in Denver, Greg Gandy actually invited me to a small makers market for the Holidays. That was the first time I ever considered that I could begin selling my work at a higher level than just with people I knew.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud of how I have been able to find joy in Sage Moon over the years. While it’s not my main job, it has provided me with so much joy and pride in myself. The pride I feel in having created something completely from scratch is what fills my cup. Prior to Sage Moon my main mediums have always been painting and graphic design, I pursued a post graduate degree in Digital Publishing which has been a huge help in creating personal marketing tools. Sage Moon is primarily for jewelry however I have begun to branch out with more graphic prints, resin creations, and paintings. I have learned to continue being creative in various ways, it actually helps to keep me creative learning new skills.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ohh fun question, so many great options! I would definitely take them to all of the local finds, markets, and of course good food. I think we would start out with some great coffee walks around areas like Sloans Lake. I would take them to restaurants like Brider, Barcelona, and hop around the cocktail bars of LoHi. I think we would spend a lot of time hanging out in the park and enjoying some sun and then a makers market in the evening. In my option some of the best things to do include activities and places that allow you to connect while also exploring something new.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to highlight the Denver small business community. I have been blown away from the start by their support and enthusiasm for each other. Every single time I do a market I leave having felt so grateful for their support and company. Everyone in the community is so uplifting and great to be around.

I also want to shoutout my students and school community, I am grateful to work at such a supportive place. A lot of my coworkers have always encouraged me, and watching my students persevere always inspires me to continue being creative through the not so easy times.

Website: https://sage-moon-shop.square.site/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagemoon_shop/?hl=en

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Sage-Moon/100064982020353/

Image Credits
Photographer, Rose Maltai – IG = maltai_photography