Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fernanda Ibarra de Lopez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Fernanda, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
As a small business owner and artist, I’ve learned that dealing with imposter syndrome is more of a journey than a final goal. Even with a clear understanding of my achievements and skills, I still encounter moments of self-doubt. I’ve come to see these moments as a natural and valuable part of the creative process. By embracing these feelings with self-reflection and resilience, I find they play a vital role in my growth and creativity.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi, I’m Fernanda, and I’m the heart behind PolyFER Clay, a small business I started in 2021 specializing in handcrafted polymer clay accessories. As a mom and wife, I was looking for a creative outlet that would let me balance family life with something that truly fulfills me. During the pandemic, I turned to polymer clay as a way to take care of my mental health. What began as a personal escape quickly became a passion. I started making so many pieces that I ran out of space to store them! This natural overflow, combined with a desire to share my creations, led me to turn my hobby into a business.
What makes this journey so special is the joy I find in the creative process—designing something from scratch and then seeing it come to life is incredibly rewarding. And there’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing someone wear an earring I crafted with my own hands. Each piece truly feels like a small piece of my heart.
Right now, I’m focused on discovering new techniques and honing my skills. Looking ahead, I dream of sharing my love for polymer clay by teaching others who are eager to learn.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey I’ve found that creativity, perseverance, and a passion for learning have been truly transformative. For anyone just starting out, embracing these qualities can lay a solid foundation and pave the way for lasting success.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is someone who genuinely appreciates the craft behind handcrafted products. They get that each piece is made with a lot of love and effort and understand that these creations are more than just items for sale. They recognize and value the time and heart that small businesses invest in their work, seeing each item as a special, heartfelt creation.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Personal photo was taken by my husband and number one supporter; José López.
All images of my work were taken my me; Fernanda Ibarra de Lopez with my iPhone 12 camera.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
