Today we’d like to introduce you to Davina Rocha.
Hi Davina, 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.
Well, first, I don’t recall if there ever was a time I wanted to be an “entrepreneur” as a kid. Honestly, I was on the opposite end of that spectrum and wanted to be a police officer or judge. I wanted to be a person of authority somewhere within the criminal justice system. So much so, that I even went to college with the intention of my major being criminal law. So being here today and being interviewed for this article, I can’t help but say that I’m a little bit flabbergasted by how life has the tendency to find its way.
I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and grew up in a very large and locally well-known Hispanic family. I always felt like an “outcast” as I was a Christian in a predominantly Catholic environment. I guess you could say I was a little like the “black sheep of the family”, as my beliefs differed from everyone else’s. My childhood isn’t something I speak about much, mainly because it was pretty difficult. Let’s just say one of the main reasons why I wanted to be a law enforcement officer was due to a lot of experiences I had in my very early years. What I do know is that my faith in God has been something that I’ve always held strong to in every year of my life. That being said, it’s something I’ve also been teased and mocked for, even by friends and family. I can even remember a couple of times in middle and high school when I was not invited to social events solely because of my beliefs. Going into my early college years, I struggled a lot with my faith because of personal trials I had endured that really shook me to my core. I internally wrestled with God and rebelled in every way I possibly could. I was a mess. It took a life-altering event to happen that then prompted me to get my “head back on straight” and I was a mother at 19 years old.
In all of God’s grace and mercy, I found myself running back into his arms, begging for a new beginning. Soon after I had my daughter, I moved to San Marcos and began a new life with the father of my child. We got married years later and welcomed more children into our lives. Now fast forward to March of 2020, Covid-19 breaks out like wildfire and turns the entire world upside down. I’m now a new stay-at-home mother of 3 and find myself coming face to face with the ever-so-suffocating darkness of anxiety. Fear was relentless and fed me negative thoughts every chance it got. I constantly worried about our children getting sick, especially our then 5-year-old asthmatic son who has additional needs. Things quickly escalated and I began having panic attacks multiple times a day. I had no idea what was happening to me and there were moments I thought “this is it, this is how I’m going to die.” I endured countless ER visits, multiple doctors, and specialist appointments, until finally, one doctor asked me, “Have you ever had anxiety?” Of course, I quickly rejected it with an annoyed “no.” I thought to myself “it’s not anxiety, I’m not weak.” I was in pure denial, I refused to believe I could be affected by anxiety.” A couple of months passed and I convinced myself I had “everything under control”, even if it was anxiety, I could do this on my own, right? I didn’t need any “help.” I ignored it and “kept on”. (Note: This is something I DO NOT RECOMMEND anyone to do.) We then purchased our first home and soon after found out we were expecting our 4th child. Things went haywire. I was worse off than I was before and quickly found myself in a pit of panic and anxiety I felt I couldn’t get out of. Finally, I decided to get help. I was sick of being exhausted and was absolutely at the lowest of lows. I went to the doctor, began medications, connected with a faith-based counselor, and began putting in the work. I began learning the necessities of self-care. It was here that my counselor suggested I find a therapeutic hobby to help keep my mind focused on productive things instead of entertaining negative thoughts. And in my searching, I immediately found myself drawn to working with clay. There was something very spiritual to me about working with clay, as I remembered an old gospel hymn I would sing in church that says, “Take my heart O God, make it ever true. Take my heart O God, may I be like you. You are the potter, I am the clay, mold me and make me, this is what I pray.” I felt focused. I felt like I could breathe again, I’d begin by making clay earrings and gifting them to my daughters, family, and friends. Quickly others began to notice and asked if they could purchase some of their own. After the birth of our youngest son, things began to gain momentum, and thus the birth of Clay and Noble.
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?
There have definitely been some challenges along the way. For the most part, people have been supportive, but I have unfortunately had some encounters in which people will make ill comments and even some who have openly expressed how they detest this small business simply because of what it stands for and the fact that it’s faith-based. It can be a bit hurtful at times but then again I’ve always been taught to respond to hate with love, so that’s exactly how I plan on responding to those situations.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve recently learned that I’ve become known as the “clay earrings lady” and although I find this amusing, I equally find this flattering. There’s nothing more pleasing and personally fulfilling than knowing others enjoy your work. I know I’m not the best in the field but it’s humbling to know that my work is climbing its way up that recognition ladder.
I believe what sets Clay + Noble apart from others is what it stands for. Clay and Noble is faith-based and firmly stands on the mission of encouraging and empowering women by sharing the love and gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to be able to encourage women of all ages and backgrounds by reminding them that they are strong, beautiful, and capable of overcoming anything, Most importantly I want them to know that they are NOT alone in this journey called life. My heart-filled desire is for this generation and future generations of women to be unashamed of their faith. My hope is that no girl, or child for that matter, ever feel embarrassed or has to face exclusion simply for just believing in God.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Absolutely, I’ve learned the importance of community. I hold close to my heart the saying, “your people matter” because I’ve seen the impact this can have on someone on a personal level. There is no stronger influence in someone’s life than a solid group of people in your corner who will be there for you in every season of life.
I’ve also learned the significance of your personal mental health. No one should ever allow any kind of “stigma” to prevent them from seeking help.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.clayandnoble.com
- Instagram: @clayandnoble
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/clayandnoble
