Delicate hands carefully shape a once boring lump of clay into a miniature marshmallow charm. For senior Emma Liu, moments of artistic creation like these are the heart of Studio Raindrops, her handmade business selling phone charms, earrings, clay figurines and more. Born out of a summer project in 2023, Studio Raindrops has since grown into a thriving small business.
Inspired by her father, a part-time self-taught watercolor artist, Liu grew up surrounded by creativity. As Liu began sharing her creations on Instagram, the positive responses encouraged her to take her craft to the next level by launching her business on Etsy. What began as a simple interest in beaded jewelry quickly evolved into crafting intricate phone charms and clay pieces.
“I didn’t have a formal plan,” Liu said. “It was all trial and error, but that made it exciting because I could experiment and learn what worked along the way.”
True to its name, Studio Raindrops reflects a serene, rainy-day vibe. Liu’s signature colors — dusty blues and greens — mirror the calm and nostalgic feeling she associates with rain. Her products often draw inspiration from nature and seasonal themes. The “Studio” in the name, however, pays homage to Studio Ghibli, whose animated films like “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service” were a key part of Liu’s childhood.
“Those films hold such a deep nostalgia for me,” Liu said. “We had a DVD player, and I’d spend hours watching those films.”
One of Liu’s first creations, a keychain she originally made for herself, quickly became a best-seller after she decided to list it online. Its success taught her the value of experimentation and the unpredictable nature of running a creative business.
“I usually start with a color palette or a theme,” Liu said. “I experiment with bead placements and create prototypes until I find a design that feels right.”
Recently, Liu has felt a deeper connection to clay work, describing it as more hands-on and rewarding because she can create each piece entirely from scratch — molding, baking and even finishing it with UV resin.
“Clay allows me to bring a vision to life from start to finish,” Liu said. “Each piece feels uniquely mine, and I love seeing how it all comes together.”
However, running Studio Raindrops hasn’t been without challenges. From navigating shipping errors to adapting unpredictable social media algorithms, Liu has faced her fair share of obstacles. Shipping mishaps, such as packages getting delayed or lost, have taught her how to problem-solve and communicate effectively with customers. Meanwhile, learning the nuances of marketing across different platforms has been a continual process of trial and error.
“One time, a package meant for Riverside, Calif. ended up stuck in New Jersey,” Liu said. “It was stressful because it contained 85 dollars worth of products, but I learned how to file claims, communicate with USPS and keep my customers updated throughout the process.”
One of Liu’s most memorable experiences was participating in her first craft fair: 2024 Lynbrook Instrumental Music Boosters Craft Faire. While preparing for the event was stressful, from designing displays to borrowing materials from family friends, the effort paid off.
“It was amazing to interact with customers face-to-face,” Liu said. “Hearing their feedback and seeing their reactions to my products made all the hard work worth it.”
Despite her busy senior year, Liu manages to balance her business and academics by treating Studio Raindrops as a creative outlet rather than a job.
“It never feels like work,” Liu said. “It’s something I enjoy doing during my free time. It’s fulfilling and gives me something to look forward to.”
Her ability to prioritize school while staying consistent with her business habits, such as regular social media posts, has been key to her success.
“Emma is a very committed person, and she’s motivated not just by results but by her genuine love for her business,” senior Sanya Badhe said. “I’ve seen the hours of work she put in before her business ever blew up, and that commitment is what keeps her going even when it gets hard.”
Liu envisions an exciting future for Studio Raindrops, including participating in more in-person events like craft fairs and farmers’ markets. She also hopes to adopt more environmentally conscious practices by reducing plastic in her packaging. While her college plans may impact the logistics of her business, Liu is determined to continue growing Studio Raindrops wherever life takes her.
“I’ve seen universities with markets for student businesses, and I’d love to explore opportunities like that,” Liu said.
As Studio Raindrops continues to grow, Liu’s dedication to her craft and the joy she brings to others remain at the core of her work. Liu hopes her journey with Studio Raindrops inspires others to pursue their passions fearlessly.
“Just go for it,” Liu said. “Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Share your art, your hobbies and your passions with the world. You’ll find your audience, and you’ll learn so much along the way.”