We’re so excited to introduce you to Adriana, a talented maker whose polymer clay earrings are both stunning visually, and funding a beautiful mission! Solo Tierra’s earrings and barrettes are a fun way to accessorize any outfit, and we can’t wait to share Adriana’s story and mission with you today!
Hi Adriana! Thanks for sharing your story with us today! Can you please tell us a little about yourself?
I’ve always had an interest in the fashion industry! I remember early on in my childhood constantly running through my closet in my head, planning future outfits for no special occasion, just because. Evidently, I pursued a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing at Texas Woman’s University which led me to my corporate dream job. During college, I got involved in an organization, FOCUS (Fellowship of Christian University Students) where I became a follower of Christ! My faith has been pivotal, transformative, life-changing and for a lack of a better word, revolutionary. Three years into my dream career I got a nudge from God to pursue college ministry with FOCUS. Without a doubt pursuing college ministry as a full-time job has been one of the most enriching experiences and believe it or not it’s what led me to start Solo Tierra.
To give you some scoop into my world – on a weekly basis you will find me driving on my Subaru from Garland to Plano to McKinney to Richardson either working at a coffee shop, talking to college students about Jesus, leading small groups, meeting with leaders in our church, face timing my sweet parents, baking for someone, getting some quality time with friends, watching Law & Order SVU with my roomie Chiazo.…the list goes on. If I had to pick my favorite time of the week in a school year, I’d say Sundays at 4pm, Deep Dive, where we have our College students gather together to dive deep into scripture and/or a specific topic, afterwards we hang out and build friendships over volleyball, spikeball or some board games.
Sounds like an amazing career, and we love that you’ve followed your faith and passion to create Solo Tierra! What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“We rarely grow when we’re comfortable”
We humans naturally gravitate towards comfort but in order for us to grow or improve, we have to intentionally create discomfort or lean into that discomfort. I’ve found this to be true for myself and those that I look up to. Choosing to pursue missionary work didn’t sound appealing and nonetheless comfortable but the total opposite yet as I mentioned it’s been one of the most enriching experiences. Choosing to launch a small business sounded appealing but not at all comfortable yet it has been one of the most unique and refreshing experiences. So think about the things that came hard to you. Maybe there was a subject in grade school that came hard to you, or the thought of having a hard conversation with someone you care about, a life decision, something through this pandemic, fitness, and yet despite the discomfort you leaned on it and in exchange there was growth.
Yes! Making peace with discomfort often leads to growth! Tell us about Solo Tierra! What do you make and how long have you been doing it?
I am a Latina and before launching as a small business I wanted to make sure to incorporate my native tongue as well as the natural minerals and organic shapes in my pieces, and Solo Tierra (Only Earth) came about! Like I mentioned before, college ministry is what led me to this small, part-time, business, along with some encouragement from my creative mother. In order for me to pursue missionary work, I had to raise my support. In one of my creative/craft swings, I decided to explore polymer clay. I was far from my fundraising goal and thought, What if I make earrings and sell them to make up my deficit? With the encouragement of my church community and my biggest fan, my mother, here I am 2 years later continuing to explore my creativity through earrings and barretts with polymer clay and photo shoots with friends modeling my earrings!
What a fun way to explore your creativity and fund your missionary work! Why did you get involved with MMC?
Someone once told me they could see Solo Tierra fitting very well at Mosaic and at the time I just thought of it as a kind compliment. On another occasion I remember walking around Bishop Arts and thinking what if I just stop by Mosaic and maybe ask what it would look like to get involved. I remember walking in and starting to doubt myself haha! “We rarely grow when we’re comfortable” came to my mind, so I mustered the courage and approached one of the managers and as they say the rest is history!
We’re so glad you stopped in! What is the most memorable response you’ve had to your work?
“I love that when I purchase a pair of your earrings I am doing two things, supporting a missionary and adding a unique piece to my wardrobe, a win win!”
We love that win-win! Aside from visiting MMC, what’s your favorite thing to do in Bishop Arts District?
Well, this is a hard one because I am quite obsessed with Bishop Arts! Because of my job, I am always exploring new coffee shops and so far my two favorite ones in Bishop Arts are La Reunion and The Wild Detectives! However, if I am trying to grab a bite my go-to is Tejas! Now if you are trying to browse, find a unique gift, or treat yourself you must check out this store called Mosaic Makers Collective!
We can never turn down a good coffee either! Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today! We’re so glad to have you as a maker at Mosaic Makers Collective!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop Solo Tierra? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Meet more of our Mosaic Makers on the Blog