“My Economy” tells the story of the new economic normal through the eyes of people trying to make it, because we know the only numbers that really matter are the ones in your economy.
Jennifer Barton, 39, is a creative arts facilitator in Buffalo, New York, where she works with nonprofits and developmentally disabled adults in art.
In November 2020, Barton’s hours were reduced to part time because of the pandemic. It was the first time since high school that she’d worked less than full time, and she considered picking up hours at a local restaurant she’d worked at in the past. Instead, she pursued her goal of starting her own business.
Barton makes coasters of polymer clay. (Courtesy Barton)
“I literally just went to Michaels and Joann and was like, ‘All right, let’s see what I can do,’” she said. “I poured a…
