Interviews » Craftsyble

In the Spotlight: Hena Tayeb Photography

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Jun 062013

Hena Tayeb is a Chicago born Pakistani photographer living in New Jersey. Hena loves to find unusual abstracts and angles allowing the ordinary to appear extraordinary. She zooms in and brings light to the details of things around her. Creating abstracts and bringing attention to textures and patterns. She and her husband, along with their almost three year old boy love to travel enabling her to capture their adventures in bold, high contrast, dramatic photographs.

We caught up with Hena and asked her a few questions so you get to know her better. Here is what she said:

What’s the story behind your company?
Photography was my minor in college.. I was set out to be a copy writer but after a few semesters of photography I couldn’t imagine not doing it. I got married right out of college and moved to a different continent… my birth country. And while I was at home figuring out what to do with myself I uploaded some of my work online and people actually liked it. All the positive comments I got gave me the idea to start selling my work and start what is now Hena Tayeb Photography.

What inspires you?
Everything. I love to find unusual abstracts and angles allowing the ordinary to appear extraordinary. I zoom in and bring light to the details of things around me. Creating abstracts and bringing attention to textures and patterns. My passion for travel enables me to capture my adventures in bold, high contrast, dramatic photographs.

What is your favorite photograph?
That is a difficult one.. each photograph comes with a story with a memory attached. I love the photographs of hands because they were taken in college. I love ‘Sitting Blue’ taken inside a steam train. I love the photographs of lights and chandeliers..

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Dramatic. Architectural. Travel.

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
The best part about being an entrepreneur is the independence and freedom, being able to follow your heart and vision. Not having to compromise. And as a mom it helps to be able to set my own schedule and have flexibility.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have begun with more confidence. I would have started with Etsy earlier. That was when I really started to make sales and gave me that confidence. It was also then that photography went from being a hobby to my occupation.

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
For entrepreneurs just starting out I’d say be patient. Don’t expect to get a sale the very first day. Keep record of money going in an out.. it seems tedious in the beginning since money seems to be going out more often that coming in but it will be a great help in the future. Social media is your friend… use it to get the word out.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
More photographs to edit. More travel in the summer meaning more photographs.

Contact information:
Name: Hena Tayeb
Website/Shop: http://www.henatayebphotography.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/henatayebphotography
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/henatayeb
Blog: http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com

In the Spotlight: Funky Planet

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May 222013

Today, in the Spotlight, we have Ms. Adrienne Evans, the talented artisan behind Funky Planet. Funky Planet offers a variety of unique handmade items at very reasonable price. They have a wide range of glass and ceramic autism awareness items. Every single item is hand crafted in the United States.

We caught up with Adrienne and asked her a few questions so you get to know her better.

What’s the story behind your company?
When my seven year old son Jack was diagnosed with a developmental disability I realized that it was no longer feasible to work outside the home because our days were filled with medical and therapy appointments. At the same time, we really needed a second income to pay for all of those services so I started a web store selling glass jewelery that I made in my home studio. After about a year, I started making Fragile X Syndrome awareness jewelery to raise money for Fragile X research. Because many children that have Fragile X also have Autism, I started making Autism awareness Jewelery as well. This has given me a great platform to not only raise awareness but has also provided an opportunity to help raise money for organizations involved in the Autism and Fragile X community.

What inspires you?
Nature is very inspirational. There is just something beautiful about organic things, the colors, shapes, textures. A lot of the pieces I have made are inspired by nature, trees, leaves, bugs, flowers etc.

What is your favorite product to make?
The awareness jewelery is with out a doubt my favorite. I get to be creative and provide a very important service at the same time effectively combining my two passions.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Fun Funky and Eclectic

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
The freedom. I can work eighty hours one week and two the next, that flexibility makes things much easier.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
I would be more confident and more prepared. I had no idea thousands of people would buy my creations so, in the beginning, I spent a lot of late nights in the studio frantically trying fill orders.

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
I would say if you love it then you should do it. There is nothing better then having a job that you really enjoy.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I am in the process of developing an art program for adults with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. Art can have a huge impact on your quality of life so I am determined to provide that opportunity for as many people as I can.

Contact information:
Name: Adrienne Evans
Website/Shop: www.funkyplanet.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Funky-Planet/351636697155

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Faith Marcus Designs

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May 142013

Today in the spotlight we have Ms. Faith Marcus, the talented artisan behind Faith Marcus Designs.

Faith was our Guest Blogger last year when she shared her knowledge in “A Guide to Pinterest – Tips on How to Become very Pinteresting“, a post that has been very popular on our website.

We caught up with Faith and asked her a few questions so you get to know her better. Here is what she said.

What’s the story behind your company?
The essence of Faith Marcus Designs is to inspire and empower woman to embrace their inner beauty. Combining classic designs with semi-precious gemstones, chosen for their organic beauty and healing properties, and pairing them with fine metals (sterling silver and gold filled or 14k gold), resulting in individual works of art with heart. There is always a meaning or story behind each and every piece, hence my tagline “Earth’s Esoteric Energy”. My process begins with the gemstones, they are my muse. Once I procure small lots of stones, and am guided via my intuitive process, a new collection will emerge.

What inspires you?
The list is long, but topping it off is Mother Nature. Nature is really the one true artist/architect in existence. I am also inspired by photography, exotic destinations (such as India and Morocco), and my metaphysical pursuits and practice. I am often moved by poetry and music. Sometimes a collection will just emerge from a mood, or life event! I rarely look at magazines or trends. I am often surprised (and delighted) to find that in trusting my inner guidance and intuition I am generally in synch with what is “happening”, while maintaining my own identity.

What is your favorite product to make?
My favorite item to make would be a gemstone bracelet, combined with metals and charms.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Eclectic, bohemian, sophisticated.

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
The best part is expressing my creativity and having other people enjoy and appreciate it, and the freedom to call my own shots.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
Putting systems in place from the beginning. It’s challenging to get organized after the fact! I know as a creative person, it’s sometimes difficult to balance the art and the business end.

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
Be true. Be authentic. Find your own style and stick with it. Learn from others, but don’t follow the crowd, or attempt to ride on the coat tails of someone else’s design or success. You need to stand out and be noticed for who you are. Don’t be afraid to take risks, or to make mistakes, it’s all part of the learning and creative process, Learn to ride the waves, and don’t let fear or discouragement keep you from realizing your dreams. Make sure while you are expressing your creativity, that you have spent some time learning some business basics, communication skills and customer service. You must be your own brand ambassador!

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
My logo was designed with future plans to incorporate it into my line as a jewelry component. I am also looking to offer more limited edition collections.

Contact information:
Faith Marcus
Website/Shop: www.faithmarcusdesigns.com
Facebook : www.facebook.com/faithmarcusdesigns
Twitter: @Fmdesigns
Blog: www.faithmarcusdesigns.com/blog

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Soul Fire Jewellery

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Apr 262013

Today’s interview is with Ms. Hannah Hossack-Lodge, the talented artisan behind Soul Fire Jewellery. Hannah is a contemporary jewellery designer/maker working predominantly in sterling silver, incorporating brightly coloured gemstones to create bold, unusual yet very elegant pieces of jewellery inspired by nature and the elements.

She studied HND jewellery and silversmithing at Birmingham’s world renowned school of jewellery and now has a little workshop set up in her living room where she creates all her work.

We caught up with Hannah and asked her a few questions so you get to know her better. Here is what she said:

What’s the story behind your company?
I come from a very artistic family – jewellers, ceramicists, painters, moisaicists, cartoonists and cake decorators! So I grew up surrounded by arts and crafts and have always enjoyed being creative. I initially pursued a career in languages (Spanish and Italian) but decided that it wasn’t for me so did an HND in Jewellery and Silversmithing instead. Soul Fire Jewellery was created because I wanted to have the freedom to make my own designs and express my own style.

What inspires you?
I take most of my inspiration from nature and the elements but I am also influenced by fairytales and fantasy stories.

What is your favorite product to make?
I love making bold pendants because they are my favourite type of jewellery to wear!

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Elegant. Bold. Stylish

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
The freedom to be flexible and work the hours that suit you and to be able to express your own style.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
Simply to increase sales and expand my customer base, as well as increasing my product range and making lots more lovely things!

Contact information:
Name: Hannah Hossack-Lodge
Website/Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/SoulFireJewellery
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SoulFireJewellery

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Emily Majzer

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Apr 232013

Today’s guest: Ms. Emily Majzer! She makes Handmade Jewelry & Leather Goods from Materials of Natural Origin. Emily upcycles most of her products out of other already manufactured goods. Re-purposing old clothes, jewelry, bags, etc. into something new, unique and creative!

We interviewed Emily so you get to know her better.

What’s the story behind your company?
I Strive to Inspire & Benefit Through My Hard Work, Focused Energy & Creative Abilities. EmilyMajzer.com is a collection of my journey through a creative world of crafts, talents and inspirations.

What inspires you?
Native American & South American culture. The wonderful textile patterns, bone carved jewelry, peyote stitch, natural gemstones. As well as the ability to ‘upcycle’ (taking an already manufactured product & turning it into something unique & different).

What is your favorite product to make?
Leather Bags

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Natural Tribal Goddess

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
Being able to let your creative mind wander to new places.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing. I’ve come a long way in different medians of jewelry making & sewing. My style and abilities have grown & help make a part of what Emily Majzer represents today.

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
Never Stop Creating.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
Looking forward to vending at a few festivals this summer & spreading the word about http://www.emilymajzer.com

Contact information:
Name: Emily Majzer
Website/Shop: http://www.emilymajzer.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emajzer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hippieMLE
Blog:http://www.emilymajzer.com/home/category/blog/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100992606497447310166/posts

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Rito Originals

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Apr 162013

Today, we are talking to Mrs. Amber Shafer, the talented artisan behind Rito Originals. She is mostly self-taught but her other backgrounds in art help her significantly. She learns her skill though reading different books and articles, watching various videos, simply studying a piece of jewelry, and even random experimentation within her medium. We caught up with Amber and asked her a few questions so you get to know her better.

Here is what she said:

What’s the story behind your company?
I have been making jewelry longer than I can remember. Throughout my life it has progressed from one medium to the next. Shortly after my daughter was born I became a stay-at-home mommy and without the freedom I had previously I was searching to some kind of creative outlet. My husband is the one who actually pushed me start collecting the supplies I needed for silversmithing. I had wanted to for a long time but had put it on the back burner. Luckily I gave in and never looked back! I started learning more and more and soon found myself wanting to share what I did with others. I found Etsy and the rest was basically history.

What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from many things around me. Some are more common, such as inspirations from nature, and others are more random and just come to me randomly. I always keep my sketch book handy for those spur of the moment ideas. I also draws inspiration from modern and contemporary sources but also some from more classical styles.

What is your favorite product to make?
I love making all my pieces but right now my favorite are my Caterpillar Leaf Earrings. They are my style wrapped up into one piece.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Three words is tough but I would say……Modern Contemporary Classics.

In you opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
For me it is being able to run my business from my home and have the freedom I need to still be at home with my daughter and raise her myself. That is very important to me. It also still gives me that creative outlet that I was looking for. It’s the best of both worlds!

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
If I could start over, I would have started sooner and not let anything hold me back! I would have dived right in a whole lot sooner.

Any advice for other crafters who are just starting?
If you love what you do enough, then keep at it! Don’t let fear of the unknown stop or delay you doing something that you absolutely love. Do a little research to ease you mind and go for it.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I have quite a few new designs waiting to be made up and put in my shop. I’m pretty excited about that. I’m also hoping to get things ready to possible do a booth at a craft show sometime this year.

Contact information:
Name: Amber Shafer
Website/Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ritooriginals
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RitoOriginals
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RitoOriginals

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Happy Moose Garden Art

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Apr 112013

Today in the Spotlight: the talented artisan behind Happy Moose Garden Art!

What’s the story behind your company?
I’d spend my entire adult life in the corporate world behind a desk (mainly in the software business) and while I didn’t hate my job, I always felt that something was missing…like there was something I wasn’t tapping into. As someone who has a hard time sitting still (always) I jumped up from my porch swing one weekend and grabbed one of my old clay flower pots and literally slapped a few coats of paint on it…swirling in some large flower designs for effect. I took it to my office the following week and placed it on my desk, and literally every person that came in that day commented on it, and asked if I’d ‘make one’ for them. The excitement came in waves and the ideas were just uncontainable for a spaz like me. I took some business classes, soaked up everything I could from a close artistic friend/neighbor and at her suggestion I opened an Etsy Shop.

Since then my work has appeared in the 2012 Oscars Celebrity Swag Bags, and I work to fulfill children’s party orders, garden parties, teas, Christenings, Bar/Batmitzvas, baby and wedding showers…you name it. I expanded into the name/wall letters as well, and now those have taken off. It’s thrilling!

What inspires you?
Honestly….SO much. Colors…magazines…it could be a children’s bedding ad, a bloom in my garden, a blouse I see someone wearing. I keep my eyes open all the time, and always keep a notebook and pencil with me…even by my bedside.

What is your favorite product to make?
My ‘mini’ flower pots are the perfect size for favors, and weddings are the heart of my business. More than anything, I love working with brides (even picky ones) to make sure their table is graced with the most fabulous guest favors ever.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Fun, funky, eclectic (I attach old vintage jewelry to my pieces now )

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
Being my own boss, not sitting in traffic everyday, making my own mistakes and learning from them, working in a studio I designed myself, listening to inspiring music and working into the night if I feel like it…sorry…you were looking for ‘one’ best part I bet )

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
I’d have done this much earlier in my life, however, I believe all things happen in God’s time, and for a reason…there was a ‘build up’ to this and the things I learned in the corporate world definitely come into play even in this more right-brained world. In essence, I think I’d not change a thing.

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
Oh yes. Never ever stop dreaming, and take that first step to put your dream into action. That dream is in your head for a reason, and while it isn’t going to be an overnight fairy tale (it’s a LOT of hard work) it is worth every single effort you make to step up and do it.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I’m at the point now where I need help getting orders out, however, I don’t know if I see a storefront in my future. I love working in the studio, and I have the energy to put in the hours. I’d love to go on site with clients and paint some larger pieces to make their gardens more gorgeous…some commission work. Eventually I’d love to sell some of my designs. I’d also love to teach others how to do this…it’s too much fun not to share.

Contact information:
Name: Joanne Culbreth
Website/Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HappyMooseGardenArt and http://happymoosegardenart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happymoosegardenart
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoanneCulbreth
Blog: http://blog.happymoosegardenart.com/

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Votum Jewellery

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Apr 082013

Today in the Spotlight: the talented artisans behind Votum Jewellery!

Votum, Latin for “offerings”, is the design collaboration of jeweller, Bridget Catchpole, and administrator, Michelle Nelson. They make anatomical hearts and bones jewellery to reflect the incredible structure and beauty inside them.

What’s the story behind your company?
Votum Jewellery began with a little block of wax. When Bridget started carving the designs for Votum, her first piece was the femur bone in memory of her father who had very bad hips. He had no less than four hip replacements, so you could imagine his gait! But he was a true Englishman and loved to hike. He believed walking would keep his hips from seizing and true to his nature, he never gave up. His show of determination was admirable and when Votum Jewellery started as a business, we chose to carry a similar intention to not give up, to endure even when the going gets rough. So that’s what Votum is: jewellery imbued with offerings of gratitude, protection, and hope.

What inspires you?
With information so readily available at the touch of a keyboard, it’s very accessible to find inspiration using the internet. With Bridget, you name it and she will find inspiration in it. Currently a huge fan of Pinterest, she loves to discover, share, and pin other artists’ work for inspiration and dissemination. Michelle is more inclined to take a hike for inspiration and you would likely find her wilderness tripping somewhere in beautiful British Columbia.

What is your favorite product to make?
Every Votum piece has its own meaning, but Bridget loves to make the Laughing Heart pendant. It represents everything about Votum Jewellery and is made to order because this piece is constructed using more labour intensive techniques. Bridget thinks like a sculptural artist and designs her work so that it can be seen from all angles. The front and back of the heart are made separately and then soldered together for a seamless fit. When finished, the Laughing Heart pendant is fearless and elegant. Clients who wear it tell us they often hold it because it fits so nicely in the palm of the hand.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
We heart anatomy!

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
Maintaining creative integrity is the keystone to all our business decisions and it’s the best thing for Votum Jewellery. It gives us the freedom to design and handcraft work that captures our imagination.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
It’s true that hindsight is 20/20! But the truth is, Votum would not be what it is today without these past challenges. It’s come to define what we are now.

Any advice for other crafters who are just starting?
Starting a business partnership is a shared enterprise so knowing how to communicate effectively and professionally is the difference between having a good or bad day. Jewellers are notoriously thrifty, so be sure to have a good reason for any extraneous expenses!

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
Yes! Keep up-to-date and check our Votum Jewellery website, “Like” us on Facebook, or visit our Etsy Store to see new additions.

Contact information:
Name: Bridget Catchpole and Michelle Nelson
Website/Shop: http://www.votumjewellery.com or http://www.etsy.com/shop/Votum
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VotumJewellery

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

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