Meet the Mermaids: Clayr
Clayr-Bear is truly the mermaid that does it all! Whether she’s recycling and collecting oyster shells at the port, hand-painting and decoupaging shells, or helping customers at our stores, this girl takes each task head on! Aside from being involved in the entire process of creating our beautiful products, Clayr works as our sustainability coordinator, assisting in our oyster recycling and composting efforts.
Where are you from?
I was born in Minnesota, but did not live there very long. I have spent the past 13 years between North & South Carolina, and am very happy to call them my home
What are you passionate about?
I am extremely passionate about sustainability, both in the workplace and at home. I love repurposing, thrifting, composting, and gardening. I am also very into animals and nature, and am specifically enthralled by marine life and the beach!
How do you practice sustainability in your personal life?
My favorite way to practice sustainability in my own life is through composting. There is so much to learn about how different wastes have to be processed! It encourages me to live and eat healthier, and I hope to have multiple composting piles at home one day, just like I do at work! I also love thrifting and shopping at farmers and artisan markets, rather than buying mass produced or brand new. Most of my favorite furniture pieces, clothing items, and household or kitchen basics that I own are thrift finds from all over the country. In my day to day life, my favorite sustainable switches are my reusable bottles and cotton face wipes.
How did you find your way into the G&G family?
My family and I were window shopping downtown charleston, when we spotted this lovely looking porch on the second floor of 478 King street and just had to check it out. We were delighted to find the Grit & Grace boutique and studio, and immediately asked if they were hiring
What are you most proud of recently?
Recently, I am most proud of beginning data analysis on my thesis research. I study Marine Biology at the College of Charleston and am excited to be wrapping up my project on eDNA in Charleston’s waters and stranded dolphins this Christmas.
What roles have you done at G&G and how has that evolved over time?
I was hired as a warehouse and studio associate. Immediately I loved collecting and spending time at our open air warehouse, and I saw ways we could improve our production process and outreach efforts to match our passion for the environment. As I became the warehouse manager, I implemented sustainable material switches, expanded our oyster recycling program, and represented Grit & Grace at DNR Litter pickups. I began regularly discussing the future of Grit & Grace in terms of sustainability with our owner and founder, Rachel Gordon. Together we brainstormed a host of eco friendly dreams for Grit & Grace that I could bring to life as our sustainability coordinator. Since stepping into this role, I still oversee all warehouse and oyster recycling action, but have also had the opportunity to implement a composting program for Grit & Grace, host and teach sustainability lessons, and refurbish our beloved porch garden as well as minimize, recycle, and repurpose our material wastes across departments. I am constantly brainstorming new avenues for Grit & Grace to tackle sustainability and give back to the environment and am so excited to continue growing in this role!
The Grit & Grace team has loved having Clayr on our team the past 4 years! Her impeccable work and remarkable contributions have made her an invaluable asset to our family. Cheers! to another trip around the sun!
Visit our King Street Flagship to shop for more original artwork lovingly created by the Grit & Grace team members, and don't forget Father's Day is right around the corner.
Schedule a FaceTime appointment with a personal shopper to customize gift baskets for the dads in your life, and be sure to peruse the freshly updated New Arrivals section of our online store!
One Love & Blessings,