Most people think crafting is just a hobby. Something you do to pass time, unwind, or entertain the kids. It’s rarely seen as something serious, let alone a real business.
But for Vick Sheila, a single mom of two, crafting didn’t just pass the time. It became a way to heal. Emotionally. Financially. Creatively.
What began as a quiet act of self-care, sculpting little charms late at night while her kids slept, slowly turned into a handmade keepsake business that now brings her income, confidence, and peace.
“I wasn’t burnt out from work. I was burnt out from forgetting who I was,” Vick shares. “And one night, I just picked up clay and started again.”
A Creative Spark That Never Went Out
As a child, Vick was always drawn to her hands. Clay, crafts, and modeling were some of the things that allowed her to create something from nothing. She even joined a pottery class in grade school. But like many of us, life took over and creativity was pushed aside.
Years later, after becoming a mom, life shifted from self-expression to simply surviving day by day.Then she stumbled upon a blog called The Blue Bottle Tree, a hub for clay art enthusiasts. Something inside her was reawakened.
“I remembered how much I loved molding things. I didn’t have the money or space for polymer clay, so I turned to air-dry clay I could make at home.”
Her First Charm Was a Gift. Her Next Ones Were Orders.
Her first creation was a tiny Asian doll charm for her mom on Mother’s Day. Then came personalized birthday gifts for friends, each one filled with nostalgia and thoughtful detail.
She posted them on Facebook. Soon after, friends started asking.
“It wasn’t a business plan. It was just me, making things from the heart. Then people started asking, and it clicked. Maybe this is something worth pursuing.”
Sculpting Through the Struggle
The journey wasn’t smooth. Vick was raising two kids on her own, without steady income or a guide through the world of small business.She endured creative blocks, unstable orders, and the unrelenting pressure of being both a devoted parent and the family’s sole provider.
Her way through was simple. She allowed herself to pause.
“Whenever I lost touch with the clay or felt stuck, I stopped. I watched shows. I played with my kids. I talked to friends. And slowly, the spark would come back.”
This cycle of creating, stepping back, and returning evolved into a rhythm that nurtured her mental well-being and fueled her ambition.
Building a Business in Small Pockets of Time
Vick didn’t have an office, startup capital, or full workdays. She had nap times, late nights, and moments in between responsibilities.
But piece by piece, her brand began to grow. She joined bazaars and conventions to meet customers face-to-face. She listened to feedback, evolved her style, and took pride in each small win.
Her eldest son now sits beside her before bedtime, learning to mold with her tools. Her youngest, still a toddler, quietly observes, possibly another artist in the making.
“This isn’t just business. It’s bonding. It’s therapy. It’s my life, in tiny, colorful pieces.”
The Madiskarte Mindset
Being part of Madiskarte Moms PH gave Vick a sense of belonging and reassurance.
“When I’m overwhelmed, I read stories from other moms and I’m reminded I’m not alone. We’re all just figuring it out, and that gives me strength.”
One of her most effective madiskarte mom moves was joining events and pop-ups where she could speak with buyers directly. These real-world conversations helped her improve and gain the confidence to keep going.
For the Moms Who Think It’s Too Late
To single moms, creative women, or anyone doubting themselves, Vick offers this:
“Take your time. Rest if you need to. But don’t let your ‘what ifs’ win. That little idea in your head might be the start of your breakthrough.”
Her top three madiskarte mom tips:
- Try, even if you are afraid. Your future self will thank you.
- Keep learning. You will be surprised at how much you can still grow.
- Enjoy what you do. That joy is what people will feel in your work.
What’s Next for Vick Sheila?
Vick dreams of opening her own physical store someday. A space where people can experience her art up close and feel the meaning behind each handcrafted piece.
For now, she continues to sell online, join bazaars, and prepare for her products to be featured in local partner stores.
“This is the life I prayed for. Working from home, doing something I love, with my children beside me. That’s the real success.”
Support Vick’s handcrafted keepsakes at Montsan Artisan Shop and discover more inspiring stories like hers at Madiskarte Moms PH.
Because when creativity meets courage, even a handful of clay can shape an entirely new life.
From single mom to creative entrepreneur—Vick Sheila proves that crafting can heal, empower, and provide financial independence. Discover how handmade crafts transformed her life.
Custom Couple Keychains
Personalized and proudly handmade. Vick Sheila turns polymer clay into stories you can carry anywhere.
Isaw-Inspired Earrings
Street food, but make it fashion. These isaw earrings are Vick Sheila’s way of serving creativity with a side of Pinoy pride.
“Matt” Character Keychain
From clay to character. Vick Sheila brings your personality to life with her custom keychains.
Sunny Side Up Earrings
A fun little fry-day pick-me-up. These egg earrings are proof that Vick Sheila’s creativity never sleeps.