We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brittany Arnett a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brittany, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
Self-care is an essential part of my creative and personal journey, and for me, it’s all about reconnecting with nature. Whenever I need to recharge, you can often find me at the local plant store, hiking through nearby trails, or wandering through botanical gardens. There’s something incredibly grounding about being surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. It’s a powerful reminder of how small we are in the grand scheme of things and how much inspiration is all around us if we take the time to notice.
Spending time in nature not only helps me reset but also sparks new ideas and perspectives for my work. Whether it’s the intricate patterns of leaves, the vibrant colors of flowers, or the unique textures of stone, the natural world is a constant source of creative fuel. These moments of connection allow me to step back, breathe, and return to my craft with renewed energy and clarity.
Prioritizing self-care in this way has had a profound impact on my effectiveness as both an artist and a business owner. It reminds me to approach my work with curiosity and gratitude rather than pressure, making the creative process more joyful and sustainable. Ultimately, self-care isn’t just about taking a break—it’s about fostering balance and reigniting the motivation to overcome challenges and create meaningful change.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I create handmade faux stone and floral polymer clay earrings and accessories. Each piece is a celebration of nature’s beauty and individuality, crafted with premium hypoallergenic metals to ensure comfort and quality for everyone. My goal is to inspire people to embrace their boldness and uniqueness—just like the natural world that inspires me.
What excites me most about my work is the creative process and the connection it fosters with others. There’s a certain magic in taking raw materials and transforming them into something that can bring joy, confidence, or even a sense of self-expression to someone else. It’s deeply rewarding to see how my designs resonate with people in such personal ways.
Right now, I’m particularly excited about some new collections I’ve been working on that highlight the intricate textures and colors found in nature’s transitions—think autumn leaves, winter frost, and spring blooms. Additionally, I’m planning to expand my offerings to include more customizable options, so people can have pieces that feel even more personal and meaningful.
For me, this journey is about more than just creating accessories; it’s about sharing a vision of boldness, creativity, and connection. I hope that through my work, others can find a little extra inspiration to embrace their own unique beauty and the world around them.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities or areas of knowledge have been pivotal in shaping my journey: my Master’s degree in User Experience design, my inherent artistic talent, and my determination. My education in design provided me with the ability to understand how people engage with and experience things on both functional and emotional levels. This skill has deeply influenced not only my art but also the way I design my brand and present my work. From creating a booth layout that draws people in to ensuring my branding reflects a cohesive and engaging experience, UX thinking has given me a unique perspective on how to connect with people through my art.
My inherent artistic talent has always been a central part of who I am. It allows me to channel creativity into every piece I create, blending bold aesthetics with intricate details inspired by nature. This artistic intuition works hand-in-hand with my UX background, as I strive to design pieces that not only look beautiful but use color theory to evoke positive emotions in my customers. My work is about more than just ear art; it’s about creating pieces that resonate on a personal level, making each item feel like a unique extension of the wearer’s personality.
Finally, determination has been the backbone of my journey. It’s what has allowed me to push through challenges, refine my craft, and grow my business. Building a creative brand requires persistence and a willingness to learn from setbacks. Whether it’s experimenting with new techniques or improving how I communicate my vision, my determination has kept me focused on continuous improvement.
For those just starting out, remember that there are no shortcuts. It takes consistent effort and showing up every day to make meaningful progress. Trust the process, embrace growth, and put in the time to develop your skills—the journey is worth it.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been in finding a balance between creativity and strategy. As an artist, it’s easy to get lost in the creative process, focusing on the details of each piece, but I’ve learned the importance of pairing that creativity with intentional planning. Whether it’s developing a cohesive collection, refining my branding, or creating a more streamlined process for producing my designs, I’ve grown in my ability to think holistically about my business.
Another area of growth has been in how I connect with my audience. I’ve become more intentional about sharing not just my finished products but the stories and inspirations behind them. This has allowed me to build stronger, more meaningful connections with my customers, who appreciate the thought and heart that goes into each piece. By opening up about my creative journey and process, I’ve found that people resonate even more deeply with my work.
Lastly, I’ve grown in embracing the imperfections of both my art and my journey. I’ve learned that not everything has to be perfect to be impactful. Letting go of perfectionism has allowed me to take risks, try new things, and stay adaptable in a constantly changing market. This mindset has not only fueled my creativity but also allowed me to approach challenges with a greater sense of resilience and openness. The growth I’ve experienced in the past year has truly transformed both my business and my perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thedappledwood.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.dappled.wood/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedappledwood
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blarnett/
Image Credits
Portrait pic – https://www.instagram.com/shealynjaephotography/
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