Image Claire Diaz
By Ruby Staley

We know isolation can get a little lonely.

In honour of staying home, we’ve decided to take some time to chat (via the internet) to some of our favourite creatives to find out how they are dealing with this very new and strange state of being.

For those who know Claire Diaz, her obsession with all things creative, colourful and cute is obvious. This is why her side hustle of hand making beaded bags and accessories for @little.miss.diaz, comes as no surprise.

Quickly finding praise and small success from her creations, Claire took the time and space social isolation offered her to hone her craft.

I chatted to Claire online while pandemic restrictions remained about her creative process and flow and just how long it takes to create one of her masterpieces.

How did you get into creating your beautiful beaded bags and accessories?
Isolation and my busting inner creativity! As soon as lockdown started, I knew it would finally be the time I could bunker down and really take this project somewhere. The idea of beading actually comes from my past - I went to high school in Hong Kong, and growing up there I always used to see amazing little beaded creations being sold in the streets. My dad is still living over in Hong Kong, and I’m really lucky he supported this wild idea of creating a business out of beads because he became my supply guy!

How long does it take you to design and hand make one of your beaded bags? It looks like it would require a great deal of skill and patience.
Patience is definitely the key! One 16x16cm mini handbag takes about 9 hours to finish up. 9 hours of love in each bag! Patience is not usually one of the attributes I’d associate with myself; I’m very excitable and I like to get things moving. It’s funny though because as life slowed right down in isolation, so did I, and I’ve been so content with just sitting and beading for hours.

Has the pandemic made it easier or harder to sell and market your products?
Well I don’t quite have a comparison of sales from pre isolation to now because that is HOW new all of this is! I will say though; this wouldn’t have been remotely possible, maybe even a few years ago, because online shopping and businesses promoting on social media have totally taken off. It makes it possible to market and sell things completely online now. I think there’s an interesting consumer movement during this pandemic because people are having to make much more financially conscious decisions with shopping, yet they’re also really gravitating towards products that just make them feel good and happy in this dark time.

Walk us through your daily routine in social isolation and how it’s changed.
It really does vary day to day! The reality is some days I feel amazing and other days I struggle. Creativity, motivation, gratitude and happiness all come on good days - where it’ll look like this:
·       Wake up bright and early for an online yoga class
·       Get straight into beading or creating fun content for Little Miss Diaz IG
·       Run all the essential errands (mainly post office!)
·       Afternoon walk or roller skate
·       Video chat all the girls, with a wine

It’s only natural though that we have down days sometimes, especially during all this. On those days it’s so important, and SO FINE, to just slow down and take care of yourself in whatever way you need. A ‘slow day’ will include sleeping in, watching my favourite movies or binging a TV series, indulging in warm comfort foods, meditating and just resting.

I really like to just keep reminding people close to me that whatever way you are coping with this and taking on today; it’s acceptable and it’s okay. Daily routine or not, just do your best.

How have you been staying sane during isolation?
Staying creative! I’ve been so absorbed in the work and excited about this whole project that it’s made time absolutely fly by. The actual beading process is incredibly therapeutic, I can sit for hours doing it. Of course, nothing keeps me saner than getting the blood pumping; long walks and yoga are my saviours.

What does your ideal WFH outfit look like?
Anything comfy! Soft and stretchy clothes, oversized t-shirts, big fluffy jumpers (because, Melbourne, you’re bloody cold). I am definitely one of those people who get really excited about dressing up just to go to the shops haha- add a bit of jewellery, something colourful, some cute flares.

Isolation recommendations; what have you been reading, watching, listening to, eating?
LISTEN: “Girlboss” podcasts! They have been so inspiring and uplifting. My favourite artist that has been on repeat: Joy Crooks- voice of an angel, so much attitude and realness in her lyrics. Also, the “COLORS” channel on YouTube - so many incredible performances to watch and listen to on there.

READ: I just finished Find Me, it’s the sequel novel to Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman - definitely a slower paced read but it’s incredibly beautiful. Just started Normal People – thought I’d jump on that wagon!

EAT: Let’s just say iso has been a time for never ending opportunities with the toastie maker.

WATCH: Some absolute favourites I’ve re-watched: The Big Lebowski, Almost Famous, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Also Dead to Me on Netflix is such a funny and gripping show you have to watch!

What’s something you’ve learned during this time?
WOW, to be honest, it’s such a long list…which I guess is a great thing! Iso has made me surprisingly productive and incredibly eager to learn more. There’s a long list of practical skills I could talk about (Yes, most revolve around beading!)- but I think the most valuable thing I’ve learned came from the Girlboss Podcast that I recommended!. Some of you may be familiar with ‘imposter syndrome’: it’s this idea that you constantly feel you aren’t skilled enough, aren’t knowledgeable enough, or aren’t worthy enough to be in the position you are in, either at work or in your personal life. Almost every successful female “boss” being interviewed on the podcast says that even now they feel like ‘imposters’! How wild is that! They all say the same thing though, that it takes great courage to start something new, to put yourself out there, and to share your voice. They say you need to overcome these doubts you have, just go for it, and believe that you deserve to be in the position you are.

I think hearing this was the catalyst for my decision to put my creations out there. I had many doubts like “I’m not skilled enough in design” and “I’m not knowledgeable enough about business”. As soon as you realise it’s only you who’s holding you back, amazing things start happening. And I’ll tell you, amazing things are happening for me!

Check out Claire’s beautiful beaded bags on Instagram @little.miss.diaz and DM her to grab one of your own.

The Isolation Diaries: Claire Diaz