How a Lump of Clay Changed Everything: The Butterfly Effect Behind Heart n Soul Studios

They say the butterfly effect 🦋 is wild—how one tiny moment can shape your entire future. For me, it started with a therapy session, a little boy, and a lump of polymer clay.

Eleven years ago, I never imagined I’d become a full-time polymer clay artist, traveling from fair to faire with glowing fairy bottles, whimsical gnomes, dragons, unicorns, and jars brimming with enchantment. Back then, I was simply a mom trying to support her son.

Anthony had recently been diagnosed on the spectrum, and during one of his therapy sessions, his therapist introduced polymer clay as a sensory tool. I was there—watching, helping, learning—and something sparked. I’d always been an artist, but I had never worked with polymer clay before. The moment I touched it, I was hooked.

Anthony asked me to make him an elephant.🐘 I did. Then we picked up a DIY dragon kit, and that simple project became the beginning of something so much bigger.

Little dragons were the first things I made that made me think, “I want to share this with others.” They were tiny, full of character, and full of love. That’s where the seeds of Heart n Soul Studios were planted.

Polymer clay wasn’t just fun—it was healing. For Anthony, it was a calming, creative outlet. 🎨 For me, it opened the door to a new artistic chapter I never saw coming. That little moment created a ripple effect that changed our lives.

Today, Anthony loves watching me grow and is proud to help—whether it’s setting up our booth, filming silly reels, or giving me feedback on new creations. Heart n Soul Studios has truly become a family adventure.

And what I make now? It’s evolved from those early animals into heartfelt, intention-filled art. Everything I create is meant to help others on their journey—to bring love, 💚 happiness, and a little bit of magic into their day.

When someone holds one of my creations, I hope they don’t just see a gnome or a dragon—I hope they feel the magic.💫

That’s the butterfly effect.
And I wouldn’t change a single flutter. 🦋

Xoxox 

Maria