Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Whitney Turner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Whitney, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
This took a lot of work for me. A lot of positive self-talk and a lot of words of affirmation. Unlearning what I thought was normal when I was younger. Growing up in multiple predominantly white environments, I felt a lot of intimidation being the only (or one of few) black woman. I had this nagging feeling that I didn’t belong for some reason. I think it’s because we are engrained to think that the white population is the successful bunch. As I went to the University of Michigan, you can imagine me being faced with that same type of adversity. Anytime I was met with that insecurity, I would literally tell myself, “You deserve to be here, Whitney” or “who are you NOT to also have good things and be successful”. It’s helped a lot. I still do it today, whenever I feel that insecurity rising up.
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?
I am an RN care coordinator by day, however, my true passion is creating. It’s so ironic to think about because I never thought of myself as a creative. I’ve always been a left brain person; hence me being a nurse. My mom is a creative and she tried helping me explore different types of creativity growing up. But I just wasn’t interested. Then, in 2022, I had my son and my entire world changed. I was working full time and felt I was giving him my leftovers, which was literally breaking my heart. I decided to go part time at work. I was searching for side hustle to help sustain what our household had lost with me decreasing my work hours. At the same time, I was gifted a pair of clay earrings. I already had multiple pairs of them but this time, I thought to myself “I can make this.” I started watching multiple videos of how to create, different techniques, products, etc. I ordered tools the next day and that is literally how I discovered my love for creating earrings. I became obsessed with the feeling that it gave me. I decided to name my business Clay’d By Whit and launched in August of 2022. When I’m creating, it’s a different type of liberation I haven’t felt as a nurse. It’s the elimination of expectations and pressure in life. There are no set rules. There is such a sense of peace when I am creating, and I can’t stop chasing the feeling. I just recently launched a small collection, just dedicated to me. It’s been a tough year for me, and these are just some products that helped me through my healing. I also was just featured on Tabitha Brown’s, ‘Very Good Mondays’ and I am still on cloud 9! I honestly had started to become a little discouraged in my business because I imagined myself further along at this time of the year. But life happened and I had to give a lot of time and effort that I planned on giving to my business; to healing and being the best Whitney I can be for my family. Being featured on her show was just the motivation I needed to keep going. I am focused on building my community in Clay’d By Whit and creating for those who love bright and a little eccentric jewelry at times.
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?
1) Determination 2) Curiosity
3) Forward thinking
If you want to improve anything you are working on, you have to be willing to learn and continue practicing your craft. Also, stop pressuring yourself to get things right on the first try. Pressure stunts my growth because it causes me to be in my head too much. You first creation will likely be trash and that is expected. It is okay! Little by little it will improve, and you’ll look back on the beginning of your journey in awe of your capabilities.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, always! I am looking for stylists who have clients with a bright personality/who love colors. I would love to get my products into their collections. I want to see my creations on those who have a unique and confident sense of style. I am also looking for style influencers who display the same type of qualities described. You can best connect with me by emailing me at claydbywhit@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/claydbywhit
- Instagram: claydbywhit
- Facebook: Clay’d By Whit
