Growing up, I loved working with different art mediums. From paint, markers, and pencils to eventually clay, art always held a special place in my life. My mom was a huge supporter of my sister and me experimenting with creativity. She loved seeing us express ourselves through art.
I was about eight years old when I first started working with clay. It doesn’t feel like it’s been that long! I initially got into clay because my sister had some she wasn’t using. My mom was hesitant at first, worried about the sharp tools involved. I was also mesmerized by artists at craft fairs creating all sorts of items with polymer clay. After some convincing, my mom finally let me try it- and I haven’t stopped since! I remember wanting to collect every Sculpey color, though my mom wasn’t as easily convinced on that one, haha.
When I started sculpting, I dreamed of one day sharing photos and videos of my creations. If you had told that little girl she’d be able to do that, and even work with her favorite clay brand…I wouldn’t have believed it. Honestly, it still hasn’t fully sunk in!
At first, this was never meant to become a brand or a business. Growing up, I didn’t think that was possible for me. I had faced the sadness of losing some of my vision and other health challenges, and I wasn’t sure where I fit in the world. One day, I decided to share photos and videos of my work online and I loved the response! I came up with my business name, LanaTanaCharms, by combining my name, Lana, with a mix of my dogs’ names, Tallulah and Nala, and “Charms” to represent what I create the most. Finding a community that appreciated my work as much as I did theirs was incredibly rewarding. A few months later, I opened an online shop after receiving requests to sell both premade and custom pieces. It was just as scary as it was exciting. Would anyone buy? Would I make things right? Could I make enough?
Through a lot of hard work and dedication, my business has become successful. I am beyond grateful to be part of a welcoming and supportive online community that appreciates my creations. Alongside my charms, one of my most popular items is micro animals; tiny sculptures smaller than a pencil eraser! In 2022, with the help of my mom, I began making Love Bugs, which have since become my mascot. I sell them, but I have also donated many Love Bugs to kids in hospitals. With my health growing up, I spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals. Being in a position to give back and offer something that can bring light to those dark moments means the world to me, knowing I carry my mom’s love and encouragement with me every step of the way.
After running my business for four years, I decided to pursue another long-held dream: attending mortuary college. I know it’s not a path many would expect, but I’ve always wanted to care for others during their lowest moments. The school was wonderful, and I managed to keep up with my business alongside my studies. However, as time passed, the emotional weight of that work began to wear on me. I realized I needed something to bring me peace, and for me, clay is that peace. After about a year, I decided to focus fully on art. Shortly after leaving school, I received many requests for custom pet designs, of pets still with their owners and those who have passed. I am happier than ever, fulfilled by creating pieces that bring joy to others, and to myself.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing LanaTanaCharms and exploring new creative ideas. I want to keep expanding my custom designs and finding meaningful ways to connect with others through my art. Giving back to the community, especially kids facing tough times, will always be a priority for me. Most of all, I hope to keep nurturing the peace and joy that clay brings me, and to share that feeling with everyone who encounters my work. The journey so far has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see where it leads next.
