Ever Clay, a local business founded by UTEP kinesiology student, Genesis Valdez, has found a niche in El Paso’s homemade community. The company launched online on August 2020, focuses on polymer clay earrings and accessories.  

Initially, Valdez didn’t start working with polymer clay with a business in mind. It started as a quarantine hobby that grew in popularity when family and friends began liking her products. Valdez then decided to share her new hobby with the rest of the community.  

“I did my first pair, and it was actually a gift for my godmother, and I really liked the outcome,” Valdez said. “Because we were in the pandemic, a lot of people were doing online shopping, so I incorporated the website to my business. I think that’s something that helped me get on the right track.”  

According to Valdez, it was thanks to her website and social media accounts that her business blossomed in just five months and has continued to grow ever since. Valdez’s best-selling accessories are the stud packs, but she has plans to expand the products she has available for sale. 

“I had a few customers ask for keychains and I did it for them. It’s a trial-and-error method,” Valdez said.  

Valdez currently takes orders from both El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, but she would like to expand her audience and incorporate more than just earrings in the future.  

“I don’t see it as a job; it’s my hobby. I do see it as a long-term thing because it has been well received within my community,” Valdez said. “It gives me that motivation to keep going and to keep creating. Right now, my goal for this year, I would like to put my pieces out there, maybe to open a small boutique.”  

Valdez participated at the 1st Ave. Artisan Market, showcasing her accessories and selling her products in downtown El Paso. She loved the experience of meeting her followers and business supporters, she hopes to continue participating and meeting other local vendors and small businesses.  

“Throughout this journey I’ve made good friends from other vendors and artists that have their small business. I love it. This year I did my first market already, with the Upper Valley Market. It was a different experience because it was an outdoor Market,” she said.  

Valdez currently has new designs up on her website celebrating spring and Women’s History Month. Everything is handmade and she also offers custom made orders. You can contact Ever Clay via Instagram at @ever.clay. 

Noelia Gonzalez may be reached at p[email protected] @OfficialNoeliaG on Twitter.