We recently connected with Shanna Salt and have shared our conversation below.
Shanna, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I would say my optimism comes from my supportive family. I am so lucky to have parents that are always there to root me on. My grandma is also one of my biggest fans.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Shanna and I make colorful acrylic earrings and accessories. My designs are inspired by my love of all things retro/vintage and nostalgic. I love to make flowers and other groovy shapes. I am autistic and queer and being inclusive is very important to me. I want my earrings to make the wearer feel a little bit of extra joy when they put them on. My pride collection that comes out in May is always my favourite to work on and I donate a portion of the profits to an LGBTQ charity.
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?
For one thing…being able to adapt and change. I worked with polymer clay for 2.5 years until I developed terrible dermatitis on my fingers. They were itchy, cracked and bleeding and it made it very difficult to create. I foolishly pushed through the pain and kept working like that for months. One day I had break down moment and realized I needed to pivot as I could not keep working like that. I made the hard decision to close my shop for a few months, purchased an expensive laser machine taught myself how to use it. It was so scary to make a big change like that when I already felt so established but I have no regrets now. My hands are 100% back to normal after switching to acrylic and I have really found my stride.
Social media has also been a game changer. I used to never show my face and only show my products. About a year ago I decided to start showing up more as my authentic self. It has done wonders for building a community. It isn’t for everyone but it does get easier the more you do it.
Fake it till ya make it….Do I know what I am doing half the time? Heck no! But I have learned so many lessons and skills just by trial and error. If you wait to be absolutely perfect at something, there’s a good chance you will never start.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Imposter syndrome is something I deal with almost on daily basis. I once asked my brother who is also an artist for a living about it and he said that it never really goes away. I struggle with even calling myself an artist sometimes! It is so silly and really just my own brain working against me. Its also tricky in this day and age to not base your worth on social media engagement. Sometimes you can make something that you are so excited about but no one really sees it and then you question if it’s any good. I am really trying my best to accept my success and that I deserve all of the amazing things that have come from my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thekitschycactus.com
- Instagram: thekitschycactus
- Youtube: thekitschycactus
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