Bethany Tesarck was faced with the unexpected in March 2020, when live theatre shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic—so she channeled her creative energy into building a handmade jewelry line. With a vision to create pieces for the inner goddess and the drive to use her consciously made pieces to make an impact, she created BT Clay Design Co.
Tesarck launched BT Clay Design Co. in June 2020, during the Black Lives Matter movement, after searching for a way to collect and donate to organizations that would be able to make an impact on the movement. She was inspired by friends who were making tie-dye clothing and selling clothes to donate the proceeds, and wanted to be able to contribute in her own way. Tesarck did some research and decided on handmade clay jewelry, so she got some polymer clay and got rolling.
BT Clay Design Co. started with small-batch, slow-baked handmade earrings and has recently expanded into homeware. Each piece is consciously made, and 15% of all proceeds are donated to Integrate NYC, a youth-led organization that advocates for equity and justice in New York City public schools.
“I just recently went through a rebrand and I have definitely found my voice in the company and the fact that I can still exercise my creative mind while also donating, gives me so much joy and makes this hard time just a bit easier,” Tesarck said.
Tesarck was just weeks away from opening Diana on Broadway when COVID-19 suddenly put their previews on pause. After being in the mindset to debut a new musical to Broadway, she then was challenged to adapt to the changing conditions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were nine previews in, and at that point getting the news we were going to take four weeks off was a relief,” Tesarck said. “When you are in the preview process of a new musical it is intense, so a break seemed like the perfect vacation. Now almost a year later without being able to do what I love, in a show I am proud of, it feels heavy to say the least.”
In the meantime, she has loved being able to channel her creative energy into her small business. As the brains behind the business, Tesarck is able to create jewelry pieces and collections and home pieces, as well as curate an aesthetic for her brand that she is proud of.
“In my industry, as a Broadway performer, we are reliant on someone’s yes—always waiting for someone else to tell you when to create.” Tesarck said. “With this business, I am in charge of when I get to create. I make my own schedule, I create what I like, it’s truly an expression of me.”
Tesarck is hopeful for Broadway’s return and a time when she can be back on stage with her castmates. With an exciting year coming up for Diana, from the filmed version of the show premiering on Netflix this year, to (hopefully) their official Opening Night, there is a lot for Tesarck to celebrate this year.
“The thing I am most excited for when Broadway comes back is getting to be around my cast again,” Tesarck said. “There is nothing like the magic and energy that is amongst those people when you are on stage together. Not only are they beautiful human beings but also stupidly talented so it is an honor to share the stage with them.”
To find your new favorite piece, check out BT Clay Design Co. online or on Instagram @BT_ClayDesigns, Facebook @btclaydesigns, and Pinterest @btclaydesigns.
The Broadway Edit 