Meet Elizabeth Usadel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Usadel. 

Hi Elizabeth, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started working with polymer clay when I found an old block of it in the back of cupboard at school (I taught elementary art for 14 years.) I brought it home to experiment with and fell in love with the medium. I was researching techniques and tutorials for it and mostly found earrings being made in Australia. I made a few pairs of earrings for myself, and then for friends and coworkers. I loved making them so much I couldn’t stop! 

This hobby-turned-into-a-business was the perfect thing for me at the time. I had just gone through a tough divorce and I needed something to keep me busy when my kids were with their dad. Getting to be creative and make colorful earrings was so rewarding. It tapped into the artist side of myself that got pushed aside so much when I was teaching. I realized how much time and energy I had poured into caring for my young kids, but in the process had almost completely lost myself. Starting The Color Forest helped me come back to myself (who I was as a person, not just as a mother and a teacher.) 

In January 2019 I launched my website and did some artisan markets over the year. When Covid hit in March of 2020, I was able to spend more time working on my business and made a big leap to rent a small commercial space downtown to serve as a studio + storefront. I moved in there in June of 2020 and have been able to teach workshops there as well. 

Things really accelerated again after I took SpringGR in early 2021. It helped me better understand my business plan and connected me to some amazing resources. I now have my products available on several national wholesale platforms in addition to having them for sale locally in a handful of shops. I’ve met so many kind and talented people like photographers, makeup artists, graphic designers, copywriters, and other makers who have helped me along the way as I grow the business. There have been so many times where I have felt overwhelmed with the generosity and encouragement I have received; there are so many truly great people in this world. 

I was able to transition to full-time work in my business this past summer. That was scary but also exciting. This job doesn’t feel like work – it feels like play. I love it! It also pushes me out of my comfort zone, which is good. I’m learning so much about business and marketing. I still get nervous if I’m being interviewed on camera or doing a live pitch. “Feel the fear and do it anyway, right?” That’s been my mantra. And I am so excited to see where The Color Forest goes in the next year. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There have been lots of times I felt that things were really working out in my favor and took it is as a sign that I was on the right path. But of course, there were obstacles. I think an ever-present obstacle is self-doubt and self-limiting thoughts. For so long I thought as a single mom that starting a business like this was unavailable to me without a partner to lean on. But family members and loved ones have stepped in and supported me. I also have come to believe that if you are a creative person, self-doubt is just part of it. That inner critic is always going to be there. You just have to push it aside and do your thing, and be willing to fail. The perfectionist in me is learning to accept failure as part of the process. 

Time is another obstacle. It’s hard to grow your business when you have a day job because you only have so much time to devote to it. It got to the point where I realized I had at least 40 hours of work each week to do for my business while I was still teaching. Something had to give. I still wish there were more hours in the day, and I’m always working to find more efficient ways of doing things, and learning to ask for help. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I make colorful polymer clay jewelry (mostly earrings) to add brightness to your everyday. I love color. I always have since I was a kid. It’s like a language I speak. And I believe that color can boost your mood and your confidence. We’re hardwired to experience joy when we see bright colors, back from hunter-gatherer society when people were looking for ripe fruits and vegetables to eat. Bright colors light up the pleasure center in your brain. 

Polymer clay earrings became very popular during the pandemic. I’ve noticed a lot of people making the same types of designs, and they are very good at it. I have a different aesthetic and bring a different point of view. Of course, I get inspiration from other artists and designers, but I try to stay true to who I am what I like. Cheerful, saturated colors. Playful shapes. 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’m an absolute nerd for all animals. I have always loved them. I always say “I wish I could have majored in feeding and cuddling baby animals.” I’m just drawn to them. 

Pricing:

• earrings range $7.50-$35
• workshop fees range $20-$65

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: thecolorforest.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/thecolorforest
• Facebook: Facebook.com/thecolorforest
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/TheColorForest/_shop/

Image Credits
Caedy Convis Photography
Nancy Toledo Jimenez