Peachy’s Craft Shop and Polymer Clay Art

I came across Peachy.ph sometime last year, a blog about arts and crafts and motherhood and everything in between. When you visit her blog, you’ll immediately think, “oh wow, everything is so peachy!” and conclude that that’s probably the reason why the blog is called such. And then you learn that her name is indeed, Peachy, and everything starts to make more sense!

Personally meeting Peachy through Pursuit Manila and getting to know her a bit more is one of my unexpected blessings this year. One late night over Viber messages, I have gotten a glimpse of Peachy’s heart and I knew that I have gained myself a new friend. (Ashushu!)

More than the pretty little things you see in her blog, the arts and crafts supplies you find in her online shop, and the adorable polymer clay art that she creates, Peachy also shares her passion and experience to help others figure out how to start their own craft businesses. 

I asked Peachy a few questions about her experience turning her passion into a business, and she gladly answered them. There’s so much to be learned from this, so listen up kids and take notes! :)

Peachy’s pop-up shop during the Pursuit Manila Fair, Photos by Jamie Espadilla.

What’s the story behind your brand name?

At first I was known as The Joyful Crafter. “Joyful” because crafting brings me so much pleasure. My business then was more on making handmade projects for souvenirs. Then, I started having my own line of polymer clay which I branded & patented as “NENDO”, a Japanese word for clay. With God’s grace, the business grew and I was able to offer different crafts/DIY materials, based on clients’ requests. And since I have 3 different things going on, I decided to rebrand and keep everything in just one account—Peachy. Other than Peachy meaning pretty, dainty and happy, I chose to use my name because every little thing that you see in my shop are the same products that I personally use.

Share a little bit of how your business started, when, or why you started it.

I never really had plans of turning my passion in crafting to a business. When I got married and had to give up the fast paced work in a corporate world, being pregnant and a recovering workaholic and volunteer works addict. I had to find something to do to keep me sane. That is when I decided to re-learn crochet. But because i have bad case of CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome) and slipped discs affecting my right and left hand nerves, I had to put the hook back down. That’s when I chanced upon polymer clay craft, the medium I used to make the godparents’ souvenirs for our baby’s 1st birthday. Eventually, the hobby turned into a small business.

How did you come up with your business idea?

I am not really good at business planning. One reason is because I think I wasn’t really ready for this to become a business at first… I think this is why I kept attending workshops so I can really learn how to put everything together. Since everything started with me being clueless and just working on what I *feel* God wants me to do, I haven’t really thought much about what I want to do with this business. Right now, all I know is that I wish for this business to grow because when I was at the edge of giving up, God made me see just how much people Peachy is able to help through products that sprung out of love, faith and passion—Customers who, like me, work from home creating handmade projects; shop owners in the province who distribute crafting materials (and earn to support their own families); and the children of the organizations close to my heart. Someday, I wish to have a shop/studio where the products I offer will be readily available and where people can go to for art workshops, and to earn about building their own business without leaving the confines of home.

What’s a work day look like? How do you manage your time?

I am a work at home mom / stay-at-home-entrepreneur so I don’t really have a routine schedule. Usually though it looks like this:

7:30am: I wake up to prepare my eldest for school.
10:00am: I check my Facebook page for orders, pack and bill clients and book schedule either for shipping or pick up.
11:30am: I leave for my spine therapy.
1:30pm: I’ll be back home and will tend to our little boy to sleep.
3:00pm: I’ll work in my craft room to continue packing more orders, bill and schedule for pick up; start claying for a project or do a product photoshoot.
5:30pm: Play with the kids.
6:30pm: I will prepare and cook dinner.
7:00pm: Feed my family.
8:00pm: Study time with my little girl.
9:00pm: Prepare the kids for bed.
10:00pm: Go back to my computer to do paperwork.
12:00mn: Draft a post or arrange new orders.
2:30am: Sleep. (But whenever I am scheduled to do volunteer work, I leave home as early as 7 or 8am and wont be back until early evening. The kids are left to my husband, mom in law and yaya’s care).

Which part of the business that you really enjoy?

Making a project out of polymer clay and conducting workshops.

What’s the best part about doing your business?

Aside from me raising funds to continuously support the organizations close to my heart, it is knowing that I am able to help people create a living for their families, being a source of inspiration and being able to share my knowledge by conducting workshops. Most of all, having the chance to meet lots of friends along the way.

What advise can you give to others who are struggling and wanting to pursue their creative passions?

Whatever it is that you decide to do, just do it. Allow yourself to make mistakes, it’s okay because that is where you will truly learn. Important thing is you don’t give up, just enjoy the process and if creativity isn’t flowing at the moment, it’s okay to put your tool down and just go back to it later ;-)

Check out the details on Peachy’s polymer clay art!! Drools.

Our takeaways into building a passionate and meaningful business—

• You don’t have to have it all figured out in the beginning. Just start, and you’ll figure out what works as you go!
• When you start a creative business, think about how it will benefit yourself, your family, and a bigger community. In Peachy’s case, she’s able to help and supply materials for other creative business owners and artists, as well as devote time and resources helping non-profit organizations. If that is not meaningful work, I don’t know what is! ;)
• Making a business out of your passion takes a lot of work and extended working hours. But always remember why you’re doing this to begin with. In Peachy’s case, she makes sure that she gives more time for things that matter (her family and her kids!) and just catch up on work later. Know your priorities. :)
• Never stop learning! Peachy has invested a lot in equipping herself, attending workshops, getting a blog coach, and learning from experts. By investing in trainings, you save a lot of time making mistakes that might cost you more time and money.
• Always be sensitive to God’s leading. His ways are higher, and He’s seeing the big picture. We can plan our paths all we want, but God’s plan for us is better than anything we can think of ourselves. So trust His leading, and be willing and ready to make adjustments.

Check out Peachy’s Blog and Shop

Peachy’s polymer clay trinkets and accessories are great gift ideas, especially this coming Christmas season! I personally love her camera straps too, go check it out!

Website / Instagram / Facebook 

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Dream Chasers Blog Series

This post is part of a special blog series where I feature passionate creatives, travelers and dreamers who have made a choice to chase their dreams and pursue what makes their hearts soar. I believe in learning and finding inspiration from other people’s stories, which is what this series is all about. I hope that as we get to know these dream chasers’ lives and visions and challenges, we find valuable lessons and inspiration that will help us in our own journey. Read more from this series HERE.