In an inspiring entrepreneurial narrative, Belizean creative Landee Longsworth has transformed pandemic isolation into a thriving jewelry business and community movement. The founder of Sol Handmade Clay Jewelry recently shared her five-year journey with reporter Sabreena Daly, revealing how a leap of faith during COVID-19 quarantine evolved into a meaningful enterprise.
Longsworth’s brand name ‘Sol’—Spanish for sun—draws inspiration from her mother’s affectionate nickname ‘Sunshine.’ What began as experimental curiosity with polymer clay has grown into a distinctive jewelry line featuring intricate designs inspired by Belizean flora and fauna, including Scarlet Macaws, hibiscus varieties, and Monstera Leaves.
The entrepreneurial path required significant courage, with Longsworth initially balancing her creative venture alongside full-time employment before committing fully to her business ambitions. She credits her mother Denise as her foundational support system, noting how she dedicated weekends to assisting with pop-up events despite maintaining her own professional responsibilities.
Beyond creating wearable art, Longsworth has cultivated what she affectionately calls her ‘solshines’—a community of supporters who have become integral participants in her journey. This connection has inspired her latest initiative, ‘Clay and Connection,’ which brings creative workshops directly to customers’ chosen venues, fostering hands-on artistic experiences.
Reflecting on her unexpected entrepreneurial evolution, Longsworth acknowledges the challenges of self-teaching business fundamentals like accounting and taxation. Despite the obstacles, she expresses profound gratitude for the growth achieved and wishes she had trusted her capabilities sooner. Her story stands as testament to how passion, family support, and community building can transform creative curiosity into sustainable enterprise.