We were lucky to catch up with Nora Roberts recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nora, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something I’ve been dealing with since day one. I started making jewelry under the name OklayNoralee almost 4 years ago and there are still days I have moments of self doubt. It took me years into this journey to even allow anyone (let alone myself) to reference me as an “artist.” It’s been an uphill battle for me to take myself seriously to any degree, and while I think self-doubt or imposter syndrome never truly go away, I do think I’ve traveled over the hill at least.
Here are some things that have helped me on this journey to self appreciation. I think the first biggest thing was looking at my repeat customers list. I always treated every customer as if I was just “lucky” they “randomly” found me – but sitting down and looking at how many of them were actual repeat customers really helped ease my mind. The idea that people would buy things I make, wear said things, and then come back and buy MORE things was a huge relief and helped ease me into thinking “okay, I really am doing this.”
Next, I started doing more in person artisan market events over the past year and there have been several times I’ve almost sold completely out. No one would guess (besides the witnesses – my cats and husband) that just 24 hours before I am sitting on my living room floor panicking that I’ve made entirely too much. With each market, I can feel myself gaining confidence in not only my items but my skills, my pricing, and my time.
The last thing I’ll mention that’s helped my anxiety around my craft is that I’ve learned to trust myself more. I used to be someone that needed constant input on what I was making. I’d bother everyone around me (my husband, my sister, friends) with photos mid creating — wanting to know if this chain looks good like this, or does this stone look better here, or does this clay color match this clay, etc. While I do still sometimes have a fresh set of eyes check out my work, I’ve found myself more and more asking myself, “well, do I like it?” I’ve stopped trying to look at every piece from an outside perspective, and it’s helped me get back to having more fun again when creating.
Imposter syndrome is hard. Especially with social media being a main source for getting creative work out to people. It’s really easy to fall into a 3hr loop of watching other creators online, scrolling through TikTok or Reels endlessly, and start to think, “well, I don’t look like that, my space doesn’t look like that, my pieces don’t look like that.” But I’ve realized that putting other’s work ahead of mine because my brain is somehow convinced my work is less than because they don’t look the same is wild. There’s more than enough space to appreciate other creators without downplaying yourself or using it as a way to think you’re not a “real” artist. The best part about viewing other people’s work is that it’s different. Different isn’t bad, it’s actually kind of cool.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hi! I’m Nora and I run my online jewelry shop OklayNoralee. When I started out, I made polymer clay jewelry exclusively, but I’ve since branched out to other mediums and I just can’t stop now. I primarily make jewelry but in the past couple years I’ve expanded into some home decor items as well. I also run a monthly subscription service through Patreon called the Okay Clay Club, where I send monthly items to your doorstep. July marks the one year anniversary of me starting my subscription box and it’s been so much fun. In my personal life, I work at a jewelers where I mainly work on the waxes for casting! I am forever thankful for this job because it has helped me so much in bettering my skills personally and helping me value my time better. I’ve come such a long way with my jewelry and I really appreciate all the people and opportunities that have brought me this far along.
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?
I’d always been an “arts and crafts” style kid, so I think that’s a big reason why I was able to jump into creating. I also have a solid amount of patience, and I think across the board that is the biggest skill someone needs for any kind of creating. Also a good willingness to try something multiple times is a necessity. If I’d quit the first time I over-baked a whole tray of earrings I’d spent 6 hours on, then I wouldn’t be where I am now. Starting over sucks but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world, so I really recommend searching yourself for that patience and determination.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
There have been a few people who’ve helped me most. My family has given me endless support. My mom and Dad share my shop all the time, and come out to in person markets frequently. My sister helps me run my booths at most of my markets. I think my mom owns probably one of every style of earring I’ve ever made at this point. She could open her own OklayNoralee shop with what she has.
My fiance indulges all of my creative pursuits. Last Christmas, he got me everything I needed to start rug tufting. For our anniversary this year he got me a ring bending kit. He’s my absolute best friend and biggest cheerleader.
And my friend, Sal, who has been a jeweler for longer than I’ve been alive, and answers all of my questions about equipment and how-to’s. He’s changed my life in many ways and has helped me grow my skills so much.
I’m eternally grateful for all of them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OklayNoralee?
- Instagram: oklaynoralee
- Twitter: theokayclayclub
- Other: Join the club! https://www.patreon.com/okayclayclub
