Cousin Adam, Co-owner of Clara's Creamery

“I want to show you something. But don’t tell anyone.”

It was 1996 and I was spending the summer in Illinois with my uncle, aunt, and their three kids, including 11 year old Adam. I’m ten years older but we have always had a special connection. It is quite possible that Adam has a special connection with most people! He is a wonderful human!

I have relished every opportunity we have ever had to be together. As a preschooler Adam lived for about 2 years on my dead-end, dirt road, in the house that our Gram grew up in. I used to babysit all 3 cousins and I adored them, (and still do!). When we do get to spend time with each other we relate easily, but I suspect that the credit goes to Adam for that. Adam is passionate, intentional, funny and kind. Spending a spring break with his family, Maine Sjoberg family gatherings, holidays, texts, and even letters have allowed us to stay connected even though we have not lived close to each other.

When I started making goat milk soap I sent some to Adam. As a matter of fact I sent soap to most of my cousins and my whole family has been incredibly supportive of my business. Adam loved the soap and surprised me by suggesting that we collaborate and build a business! He ended up flying from L.A. to Maine just to photograph my soap, film the process, create a website, and work in person with me on branding, pricing, copy, and more. Whenever I share this story with other crafters they usually say, “I wish I had a cousin Adam!” Adam generously shared his skills, expertise and opinions and continued to provide support long after the website was created.

Occasionally at a craft show I am complimented on my branding. That is all Adam! I love our soap label and Adam designed it with an apothecary-type appearance. This took some work. We both were committed to a paper label. I had been using jute and a brown paper circle. Our first try, which we actually ordered, was discarded, and I’m glad because the end result is a label that represents the Clara’s Creamery brand excellently.

Adam’s ability to infuse my business with excellence is not a surprise to me. His giftedness has been apparent since he was a boy, and yes, including when he was 11 years old, in 1996.

“What do you want to show me?”

Adam led me into his large closet and there was a carefully crafted torso on a shelf. Using socks and scrap material he had created all the internal organs masterfully. It was art! And Science. It showed not only artistic ability but a creative way of thinking that was far beyond what most of us are capable of. I would guess that perhaps he felt unsure. He is now, as a 35 year old man, incredibly strong and a CrossFit inspiration. But as a 4th grader, perhaps it was apparent to him that most boys were not building torsos in their closets. Perhaps it caused him to be hesitant and shy about his thoughts, his art, and his way of thinking. He was vulnerable to me, he allowed me in, and I am thankful.

The picture I chose for this blog post was taken that same summer. In my scrapbook it says, “Adam and I at our own special spot.” I do remember frequently biking to Lake Michigan but I don’t recall any details about it being a special spot! Doesn’t matter. Adam, thank you for all you have done for Clara’s Creamery. You are extraordinary.

[Adam Sjoberg has an impressive resume, including commercial projects for Bono’s RED campaign, Troy Polamalu, Starbucks, Warby Parker and more. His credits also include the documentaries I am Sun Mu and Shake the Dust.]