Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kaia Pepple. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kaia , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Well it’s kind of a funny story. Christmas of 2022 I wanted to make my mom a homemade gift and thought she loves earrings. She had mentioned this artist of the name k2.clay (Katie Rose) she had seen online and loved her pottery. So my bright idea was to make her earrings that resembled Katie Rose’s pottery that she makes. I’d never worked with clay nor have I ever sculpted anything in my life. I’ve tried many mediums, but never clay. Took a shot at it and I think they came out really well! From there I had clay leftover and started making myself earrings and then family and friends wanted to know where they could buy my pieces. I’ve been making earrings ever since; learning about what clay works best for me, tools that I can use and the best quality product I can produce for my customers.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hi! My name is Kaia and I’m a 22 year-old artist who is trying to find herself in life. I have been drawing/ coloring for a long as I can remember. I remember as a kid in elementary school wanting to be an artist when I grew up whether I had a big girl job or not, I knew it was something I was passionate about. My art teacher through elementary told me how special a left handed artist was and that statement has never left my mind. I started painting on wood slices for Christmas ornaments back in 2020. That kept me going through the upside down world we had endured. Since then I’ve kept up with that the last few years and love painting special moments for family, friends and many people who don’t know me but love my work!
When I started kais.clay I never thought it would take off like it did. I thought I’d make a couple pairs of earrings and that would be it, but that is not the case! I take custom orders and often make what I want and customers eat it up! I have a small setup at a local greenhouse that has supported me and loved my art so much as to keep it in their flower shop.
For my earrings I now use polymer clay. It is way more durable and comes in a variety of colors and textures. I started using air dry clay, but soon found out that’s a big no no. Having to make a fast decision I tried and tested polymer clay and instantly fell in love.
Usually I make what I want to create, but I welcome people to reach out to me with any ideas they’d maybe want me to create into earrings. My hope is to expand and do charm necklaces and maybe rings at some point too!
There is an upcoming event that I was invited to that is in Hoagland, Indiana. On May 4, 2024 I will be attending Celestial Fest at Ambrosia Orchard. There are more details to come, but there will be 8 local bands, a pop-up market with local artists, food trucks and more. It should be a really good time. This will be my third appearance in public that I will have a set up with my jewelry!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For me having a background of working hands on has been a skill that has helped me with my journey. Creating is a skill that not everyone has and I feel that even if you don’t, that you can still learn! It’s never too late to learn a skill that’ll help you succeed. Another thing Id recommend if ever wanting to start trying clay or art in general is watch video/tutorials. In this day and age that is such a great source of information especially if you have question about a product or technique you want to try.
I think finding a community of people who share the same interest or passion also is a key factor too. I’ve asked questions and learned things that I’ve turned into skills that have truly made my art better as time has gone on. It’s helped me figure out my style and interests in what I want to make as an artist.
If you’re thinking of trying sculpting or jewelry or art in general, do it! Your art won’t be perfect, no art is ever perfect, that’s the beauty of it. You made it with your person and that’s what makes it unique.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents have been my rock. They’ve given me all the right tools that I as an individual and daughter could use. I have a freedom that not a lot of people have and I am so forever grateful I am where I am today because of them and their constant support. My mom loves to wear my earrings and she always gets compliments and always says my daughter made them, which is so special to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kaisclay
- Facebook: kaisclay
Image Credits
all photos are mine and I own the rights to them
