Starting Fresh: From Corporate to Clay (and Whatever Comes Next)

In November of 2024, I was let go from my corporate career. After 20 years in that world, this unexpected change has me thinking a lot about my life and the choices that brought me here.

Where I Started

I grew up in a country with limited options. A third world country where you don't have the freedom to become what you dream of as a child. Even thinking back now, I have no clear memories of anything I was really passionate about. We were always pushed toward something that would create stability or higher income because options were limited. Physical safety was the biggest driving factor, and that came at a cost. The cost of choosing a higher-paying career, which ultimately meant corporate in the private sector and something in technology. That was the up-and-coming thing during my youth.

I do remember playing in the lounge as a kid with stationary, always surrounded by books, paper, pens, pencils and colour.

The Shift

Eventually my husband and I immigrated to try and find a better life for ourselves. After years of still grinding the 9 to 5, I now find myself in a very privileged situation. Without a career, but also with the realisation that I don't have to pursue the corporate route anymore. The basics of life that drove my original career choice aren't the biggest factor now. I have this open landscape in front of me to make the choice of what I really want to do. Exciting but scary as heck!

Finding My Way

During the last four years, I discovered that I love working with clay. So I started a small business making charms from polymer clay. Small trinkets that can bring some joy and happiness. I called it Spellbound Books and Charms, thinking I'd craft something small and easy to recreate and start from there.

But I've always been afraid to put myself out there, to put my name to something, to make it personal. And then I realised that it doesn't feel authentic, because it's not.

Starting Over (Again)

I want to create something relatable, something that is authentically me. To do that, I have to put myself into it from the beginning. So I closed that small business and I'm starting fresh with Maxxy Makes.

Now I can jump into everything that gives me joy and spread that joy to others. Maxxy makes journals, or Maxxy makes a trinket jar, or perhaps even Maxxy makes a sculpture! Who knows what Maxxy will make next.

It's scary even in your 40s to put yourself out there. You open yourself up to unsolicited advice and criticism, but also to connection. Just like in everyday life, not everyone you meet will resonate with you, and that's okay.

So join me on this journey of self-discovery and finding joy in the small things. I hope you'll enjoy what I create and perhaps something will resonate with you.