Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Solis.
Hi Taylor, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started making polymer clay earrings in Spring 2017. My son August was less than a year old then, and my husband and I needed extra income. But we couldn’t afford daycare, so I would craft at home while August slept, and then I would sell at small markets in New Braunfels and San Marcos.
By summer of 2019, I was working markets every weekend, from San Antonio to Austin, and often during the week, too. When Covid hit and all the markets closed, I was terrified that it would destroy my business. So I focused on my brand, started experimenting more with designs, and August Rivers began to grow. By the summer of 2020, my business had taken off, and I was able to bring in my dear friend Drea to help design and create jewelry and apparel. It has not been easy to get to where we are, and we are so very grateful for everyone that supports us.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest struggle in the beginning was time and money – recently, we have had a hard time with our parents’ health. When we started, I was taking care of a newborn full-time, and I would often stay up till the wee hours of the morning making earrings while August slept. My husband Mark would watch August on the weekends while I did shows, and for years we really didn’t have any personal time at all. But we needed the money. Mark is a teacher, and it’s great to have his steady income, but it’s not enough to support a family on its own. Before I got pregnant, I had really only worked in coffee shops and as a receptionist, and I did not want to go back to that if I didn’t have to. But we worked hard, invested in the business, and it eventually paid off. This past year has been very tough for other reasons. My mother has been fighting terminal cancer all year, Drea’s uncle passed away in October, and Mark’s father died suddenly on Christmas morning. It has been difficult to stay creative, focused, and driven, but we all support each other and try to keep the vibe optimistic.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am always exploring different mediums for making art, but August Rivers is truly focused on polymer clay earrings. I started working with clay back in 2017. At first, I was just experimenting with shapes and tools. Eventually, I started finding the cutters and clay that fit me, and I started to create a style that I really loved. Around the summer of 2019, I started focusing more on creating 60’s and 70’s inspired designs, things like hippy busses, roller skates, and peace signs. The 60’s and 70’s styles have always resonated with me. I am constantly drafting to come up with new earring designs and dabbling here and there into new crafts. Lately, I have been tufting for fun, and the pieces are coming out great!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
So my favorite poet of all times is Dorothea Lasky, and I was so flattered when she purchased a pair of earrings from me last year!! I absolutely love her poetry, and I keep a copy of her book Rome by my bedside. While we work, Drea and I tend to listen to a lot of chill 70’s music to get us through the day.
Contact Info:
- Email: augustriverstx@gmail.com
- Website: augustriverstx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/augustrivers/?hl=en
