Today we’d like to introduce you to Annalisa Moreno.
Annalisa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Never in a million years did I think I would actually be sharing about MY business and how I got started! First off, I am Annalisa Moreno. Owner of Made With Love, AM, a Christian owned jewelry business devoted to sharing the love of God with others through my personal testimony and creative gifting.
To be honest, Made With Love, AM is the untold story of my past and now present. Throughout my life, everyone around me received the put together version of myself, but never got a glimpse into the struggles I truly faced.
At 20 years old, I was excelling in academics, but dying emotionally. I dealt with rejection, low self-esteem, abuse, a broken heart, and so much more. I felt that I would never be worthy or enough for any type of real love. I got to a point where I contemplated if I could keep going past all the hurt and doubt I was feeling.
When I first started spending time with God, I wrote to Him in the form of letters. Writing was the only thing I knew how to do. I just knew I needed something more at this low point in my life. So, I picked up a journal and started pouring my hurts and feelings out to the Lord. It was the best decision I could have made for my broken self at the time. It was that small ounce of hope that I needed. Little did I know, it would lead to an out pour of endless love.
Throughout my 20’s, I’ve written countless blogs about beauty, fashion, and life. The one thing I didn’t share was my own story of struggle. It wasn’t until Fall of 2018 that I felt that I was supposed to take the pretty blogger mask off and share the pain that I experienced.
Therefore, Made With Love, AM, was born!
What was once a hobby became a mission. I hand make polymer clay earrings out of my home studio in McKinney, Texas. My mission is to help others who once felt as broken and unworthy, as I did, come to know wholeheartedly the love God has for us all.
I always thought, because I made some bad choices in my past, I was unworthy of His love. That’s a lie. Nothing you can do or say will ever make God stop loving you.
Just as I sculpt each piece by hand, taking it from a solid chunk of lifeless clay to a beautiful creation, God did the same with me. I was once this lifeless young woman, but with God’s hands over my life, His unfailing love, and grace, I’ve been sculpted into His perfect creation.
Therefore, “Made With Love, AM” is for the girl who thinks God can’t love her past her shame. It is for the girl who is pursuing her walk with the Lord, wholeheartedly. It is for the girl who doesn’t believe she’s enough. Is for the girl who is walking through victory after victory. It is for the girl who doesn’t see her true beauty. It is for the girl who has experienced heartbreak and hurt. Truth is, “Made With Love, AM” is for ALL of us. This world is a tough place and I once thought I had to walk it alone. I’m here to tell you, you don’t. We run this race together!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the most part, starting a business hasn’t been as hard as I imagined it to be. I am very fortunate to have amazing parents, friends and mentors in my life championing me on when it does get a little tough. I did not get a business degree so, when it comes to the business side of things, it’s been difficult but not impossible! Google is a great resource! Haha. I think one of the hardest things has been, being a one woman show. I have a lot of help, but when it comes down to creating, finances, branding, marketing, social media, all of those hats fall on me. Would I change it? NEVER! I am so honored to be building a business and community that empowers and loves above all else!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
As I previously mentioned, I hand make polymer clay earrings from my home studio in McKinney, Texas. I’ve always loved statement earrings and have always been creative- so it was not surprising that I would start a business of this type.
I specialize in statement earrings that are lightweight for the everyday girl. I truly believe Made With Love, AM has something for everyone! The process to make one pair of earrings are long and hard but, SO WORTH IT.
Each earring undergoes 9+ steps. I roll out a slab of clay, design the slab, cut the slab, bake the pieces, and then sand the pieces. Then, I wash each piece, drill holes, glaze them if needed, assemble each set, and then package. Like I said, a long process!
What I love most about this process is that it’s impossible for any earrings to be identical. There is such beauty in that! We are all uniquely designed by God and I love that my pieces get to exemplify that as well.
What sets me apart from others? I believe it’s the community that supports Made With Love, AM. I have incredible customers, who are truly friends, who see the beauty in what I am called to do and what I create. They are encouraging, empowering, and so supportive! I pray that Made With Love, AM is known for loving and empowering women to be all that God has called them to be.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
So many people in my life deserve credit! My mother is truly my biggest supporter! She has championed me on in so many ways. From helping me at markets to always making sure I have what I need to run the business successfully- she’s incredible.
Also, my friends and church family! When I first decided to go for it and start Made With Love, AM- I ran the idea of sharing my story in this way among some of my mentors. I received so much love and support, more than I could have asked for. From people willing to help me with logo design, modeling earrings, to market set up and tear down photography, and so much more- I’m so grateful! It’s truly such a blessing to have a community of people contending for you in the best of ways!
Also, my family in general. The support is unreal and I am so thankful for them!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/MadeWithLoveAM
- Email: madewithloveannalisa@gmail.com
- Instagram: @madewithloveam
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madewithloveannalisa
Image Credit:
Kiana Lormand
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