We had the good fortune of connecting with Shayla Fyfe and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shayla, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Fyfe Created both to pursue a lifelong dream of owning my own small business and out of a desire to intentionally do something that I love, that is for me, and brings delight to others. Fyfe Created came right after I had my first born child – in the rush of assuming a new role as a mother, I forgot a bit of what fueled me. I’ve always been a crafty individual, so I stumbled upon clay & fell in love with the versatility and the way something that I poured myself into brought about joy in others. In the end, Fyfe Created helped me remember what fills me up & how important it is to make space for that.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
It’s funny to even read that first sentence in context of my current life – I never thought I was creative or that I could make art. For years I was under the impression that everyone else had that one thing, that one spark that set them apart – not me though, I was the exception. I’ve always been crafty, but never an artist. Even as I say that now, I chuckle to myself because that desire to create was a sign that I had artistic inclinations to make things that brought others joy. Then I stumbled upon this medium of polymer clay & something ignited for me – it just made sense & there weren’t rules & I could just play.
I started Fyfe Created honestly as an experiment. Owning my own creative business has always been a big dream of mine, but I genuinely never would have dreamed it would be through selling my own art.
Starting my own business was a culmination of everything I’ve tried in my life – I have a background in organizational leadership, dabbled in managing in a retail setting, & happen to be an executive assistant as my day job. None of these things should translate to polymer clay artist/small business owner. Regardless, all these things worked together to give me a basic structure on project management, budgets, launch schedules, marketing, and strategic planning – the foundation of most of my business. Then the art is mostly play.
I like to strategize my launches and learn a lot from my customers on the go, but most of it is trying new things, finding what I love & making things that I find beautiful and versatile. My values of versatility and affordability set my art apart from others. I sincerely want people to love what I make and love the way they feel wearing my designs – so, I do my best to not make them out of reach & unaffordable for my customers.
My style is rounded shapes, gemlike textures, color blocking, & playing with other elements incorporated into my designs like brass charms & wire. I tend to make dainty designs that can stand up to the test of a toddler as I have one myself & many of my customers have them as well.
I’ve learned a lot about myself in this process & a lot about observing others. I’ve learned what I love to create which came through many tears & persistent trying – there’s a lot of insecurity in making something that someone else will wear. In the end, I’ve learned to keep trying & keep making – the best art comes after hours and hours of practice & experimenting.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start at Roots Garden Center for the most pleasant conversation & coffee experience in town. It’s a quaint little Narnia-like setting. You get delightful coffee, find the sweetest nooks for conversation, and are surrounded by a canopy of plants.
I’m sure my friend would bring their kiddos so we’d have to go to Wise Wonders & get an incredible cup of coffee at Ebon (yes, that’s cup number two – I’m a big coffee drinker). It’s perfect for our littles to run around and learn with other kids while we get to chase them with the best cup of coffee offered in town. It also happens to be made by one of the best people in town, Lenny. He truly is a coffee wizard.
Then I’d show off that my earrings are stocked at the Yarn Bar just a block away. Saying hi to Sue & Linda is always a treat and they offer such whimsical yarn varieties!
We’d later hit up Uberbrew for a pint of Whitenoise & the best tomato soup in town! And if we were feeling feisty, we’d wander to Walker’s so I could introduce them to my favorite cocktail – the Grey Afternoon. If we’re feeling generous, maybe we’d invite our significant others so my hubby could show off their array of Mezcal selections.
To work off all those calories the next day, I’d take them to Studio Soul for some Oula with Jenna. The best workouts are the ones where you don’t realize you’re working out because you’re having so much fun! Then we’d wander around the Rims & enjoy the cascading view of Billings.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It feels a bit cliche, but my husband deserves the biggest shout out in helping me get where I am today. He has consistently been the one affirming my talents, interests, and passions; ensuring there is space for those key pieces of me to grow and be recognized. He’s always been the first one to say, “hey, something feels off. Have you made time for your passions recently?” He’s my biggest supporter in making Fyfe Created a reality and he’s my graphic designer and photographer, so I really couldn’t do what I do without him. I also want to give a big shoutout to my friends, family, & boss – they are my biggest fans and without hesitation & with abandon show love & support for this endeavor I’ve jumped into.
Website: Www.Fyfecreated.com
Instagram: @fyfecreated
Facebook: /fyfecreated
Image Credits
Halee Lineberry Samuel Fyfe