Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaclyn Lawless.
Hi Jaclyn, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Jaclyn Lawless, a native Texan, a counselor, an artist, a wife, and a mom to three sweet little ones! I created Lawless Craft in the spring of 2020. When the pandemic hit Texas, my family of 5 was locked down indefinitely. Feeling cooped up and anxious, I started making small batches of soap and candles to enjoy at home, mostly to keep myself busy. I shared my products with family and friends, and eventually got into working with other materials like clay, concrete, and macrame. By summer, I turned those little hobbies into a business and created an LLC. Around that time, I launched an Etsy shop and have since shipped thousands of products all over the country! I have also participated in local market events in DFW and offered my products at a few boutique shops, including Mosaic Makers Collective. It’s been quite an adventure! More than anything, I’m proud to donate a significant amount of proceeds to local nonprofits. I also offer discounts to educators and frontline workers. I believe that we should all use our skills and talents to impact our communities!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
When I started my Etsy shop, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I simply enjoyed working with my hands, was proud of what I could create, and wanted to share my products online. I was naive to the ins and outs of running an actual business. I’m a stay-at-home mom with a counseling degree. I didn’t study business, accounting, marketing, or anything useful to my role as a small business owner. I taught myself how to work with clay and macrame, and I grew to love it. I didn’t realize that I’d eventually need to learn about everything from tax law and social media marketing to product photography and wholesale production. People often romanticize the life of an artist or a creative business owner, but there’s a lot of hustle behind the scenes. Lawless Craft is still a one-woman show and I’m challenged every step of the way, but I feel very fulfilled and proud of what I’m creating.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Lawless Craft offers a wide range of slow-made products, crafted in small batches with my own hands, from a closet that my husband and I recently converted into a small studio space. I produce a limited collection of clay jewelry, hand-poured soap, concrete pottery, and macrame pieces. Each item is quality made with tons of love and attention to detail. I recently started a little something called Craft for a Cause, an initiative that helps raise funds and awareness for causes such as local adoptions, or a friend’s fight against cancer. I’m happy to donate a portion of my sales to support my community.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
It’s a difficult season for makers and small business owners, especially those just starting out. We’re not only dealing with a pandemic but shipping delays and supply chain disruptions. Did you know what there was a drastic shortage of polymer clay in 2020? I sure picked an interesting time to chase this dream and start a business! This whole process has given me so much love and generosity for other makers and local business owners. Shopping small makes such a huge impact. I’ve been at this a while, and I still do a little happy dance every time I make a sale! I want to give that same joy and support to other Etsy sellers and market vendors. We depend on each other!
Contact Info:
- Email: lawlesscraftgoods@gmail.com
- Website: https://lawlesscraft.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawlesscraft/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawlesscraftgoods
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/lawlesscraftgoods/
