Community Highlights: Meet Janelle Krupa of The Beatnik Booth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Krupa.

Hi Janelle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! I’m Janelle Krupa, polymer clay jewelry designer. I’ve always been creative, and I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. For me, being able to create something is my form of meditation and helps keep me in the present moment. I have dabbled in jewelry making for several years, but it wasn’t until the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that I started making polymer clay earrings. I had more time on my hands and was home by myself often and was looking for a creative outlet and something to help keep me centered. I had bought a pair of clay earrings about a year prior and after looking at them closer one day, thought to myself “I can definitely make these.” I went to a craft store to just look around, I came across the polymer clay aisle and grabbed a few clay colors and cutters without really knowing what I was doing. After a few YouTube videos, I figured it out pretty quickly. At the time, I was just going to make them for myself, possibly give them away to friends and family for gifts but as soon as I started posting my creations on my social media accounts, my family and friends started reaching out to me asking if they could buy my earrings. I was humbled with how many people bought my earrings and decided I needed an online shop, so I created an Etsy Store. Besides selling online on Etsy, I also sometimes will sell my earrings at the local Farmer’s Market (Fulton Street Farmers Market).

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have definitely had my fair share of failed creations. It was through trial and error that I have learned how to improve my skill and earrings. I have thrown away plenty of pieces and have learned which brands of polymer clay work best for me just from practice. It has been very rewarding to see the progress I have made over the past two years.

As you know, we’re big fans of The Beatnik Booth. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
For me, I want to make sure that my polymer clay earring design business doesn’t feel like a job. It’s something I enjoy doing and it makes me happy to see others enjoying the pieces I make. Although a lot of people are doing the same thing, it’s different just by making it my own. My price range is also much lower than my competitors’ because it is more of a hobby. Typically, when I am creating pieces, I don’t even know what I am creating until I start rolling out clay and get in my creative mindset. Some of the best pieces I’ve made haven’t been planned. Each piece is unique and the most fun part for me is making something new so once I sell out of a design, I typically don’t make it again. I have hundreds of different designs, all handmade. 

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice would be to be patient with the process and just have fun with it. Also, to not compare your designs to anyone else’s because it will make you feel like you aren’t good enough to be in the business. Instead, use other creators as inspiration to grow. 

Pricing:

• $15-$19

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thebeatnikbooth.etsy.com
• Instagram: @thebeatnikbooth