Meet Mae Lorenzo | Clay Artist and Small Business Owner, Fresh Wind Clay

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mae Lorenzo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mae, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for Fresh Wind Clay took its first breath of life after I was inspired by a worship song of the same name, “Fresh Wind.” The song speaks about asking for a “fresh wind” to strengthen and move the Spirit within, and at that time I was in an unmotivated, dry well for about six months. Although I was happy and comfortable in a successful career of 10 years, climbing the corporate ladder in an industry I enjoyed, something still felt like it was “missing.” There was a need and dream in me that felt unfulfilled.

Also at that time, I had no background in entrepreneurship, nor did I have a background in jewelry or clay-making. I had no desire to — or belief that I could — run my own business. It was odd, because I am a spontaneous, literally-hanging-off-cliffs adventurer and risk-taker by nature, but the idea of taking risks as an entrepreneur always seemed too intimidating compared to a stable 9-to-5.

That song moved me to tears when I realized I had hit a wall of apathetic complacency. So, “Fresh Wind Clay” was the leap of faith I desperately needed to breeze creativity over my life. I had been praying and asking God for a new outlet, a new way to express myself, a new way to live, and a new way to hear Him.

One night at 3 a.m., after falling asleep listening to the song “Fresh Wind,” I woke up and heard God tell me, “Earrings.” That was it. Just “earrings.” After that, in spite of my lack of experience in so many areas, I just started metaphorically walking without a map and figured out everything on the go. I ordered materials that same night, sought counsel from a friend who was professionally knowledgeable in the legalities of a small business, and the rest is history.

Today, I actually still work full-time in digital marketing, paid media, and audience analytics, but I have the freedom and pursuit of chasing another dream in a more tactile, artistic, expressive way. I can capture life’s simple joys and handcraft them into tangible, delightful, whimsical, colorful, charming pieces that can bring brightness to each person’s unique, authentic personality.

I find it beautiful that in a time where I was so uninspired and felt like I couldn’t “hear” God, He asked me to make “earrings” — so close to the ear, where I can now hear Him and be inspired to create trinkets that bring joy to me and to the people I meet. The even more beautiful part is that it’s not just about the final product, but the stories I’ve heard from meeting people who’ve come by to shop, and the connections and friendships I’ve made throughout this entire process.

A new part of me has been unlocked. The adventurer in me, which originally saw entrepreneurship as off-limits or even scary, had finally been unleashed and had a new playground of risk-taking and growing. Fresh Wind Clay symbolizes a new level of faith. It is demanding working full-time as a digital marketer by day and clay creator by night, but it is fulfilling and empowering. I have newfound freedom, inspiration, drive, and passion. I have a new way to bring joy to others, and it’s humbling to see them share that joy back. I’m so grateful. I am proud to be a solopreneur!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I like to say Fresh Wind Clay is all about “little pieces for the little moments.” Through Fresh Wind Clay, I handcraft and slow-make clay earrings and trinkets that are unique in character, just from the nature of handmaking…the same way we’ve all been created uniquely!

In terms of the lessons I’ve learned, I would say this to anyone interested in starting their own business:

1. Make your faith bigger than your fear. Force yourself to face what your biggest apprehension is with starting your business. When you retrain your brain to see potential failures as learning opportunities, dead-ends turn into highways.

2. Planning is key, but perfection isn’t the goal. Aim for making wise decisions, but don’t let perfection become a road block. Do your research (Are your legal/financial structures in order, what is your operation plan, how scalable are your ideas), but adapt as needed. This helps you move with momentum, yet with controlled direction.

3. Uplift others. We all have a mentor or friends we can thank who’ve supported us on new endeavors. While we should discern and carefully select who we open up to, at the end of the day, entrepreneurship is a path of collaboration — and when done right — allows for everyone to succeed. If you’ve been guided by someone else’s helpful hand, don’t forget to extend yours and help another rise.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Coral Gables is a beautiful, lush, green oasis of a gem filled with historic landmarks and public art…and it’s all super walkable! Come hang out with me. Let’s…

Say cheers over brunch and sip on the most decadent coffee at Cafe Demetrio!

Stroll on over to Giralda Ave and get artsy at Candle Land, where we can enjoy a cute, creative experience customizing our own fresh scents. (I can smell the Hibiscus Palm and Eucalyptus Mint already!)

To match our cute crafts, we should deck out in equally cute outfits…STEM Boutique and ZOEY REVA are calling our names!

If you’re feeling a little bubbly, we can take a bubble tea break at Say Tea and Smile. (Trendy aesthetics plus refreshing flavors? It’s the perfect Instagram spot!) Or if you’re craving smoothies, Banana Berry is just as chic and a-peel-ing.

For dinner, I promise you’ll have a good “Thai”me at Khaosan Road! (My go-to is a bowl of Yellow Curry and a tall glass of Thai tea.)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, as cheesy as it sounds, God. First and always.

Secondly, my husband for being a foundation of support. You can only take a leap of faith and dream big when you have a strong support to leap off of.

And my friends and small business community who bring joy to the day-by-day and who help keep the momentum going!

Website: https://freshwindclay.com/

Instagram: @freshwindclay

Image Credits
Personal/Headshot photos, please credit: Karla Moreno Photography, @klickwithk | Additional photos/product shots: Mae Velasco, @freshwindclay