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In the Spotlight: Faith Marcus Designs

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May 142013

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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: 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: Suzanna McMahan

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Apr 022013

Introducing Ms. Suzanna McMahan! We caught up with her 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?
Having been taught to recycle since I was 5 and to shop antique stores for the best furniture since I was 15, these lessons came to the forefront of my mind when hurricane Katrina hit in 2005 and I had to create a job for myself when I couldn’t go back to the Gulf Coast. Ever since then, I’ve been dedicating my life to stop broken costume jewelry and “old things” from going into the landfill so they can find new life and give meaning to those who love my work.

What inspires you?
My happy childhood, thought-provoking movies, my parents and aunts, old music, history and nature.

What is your favorite product to make?
I have lots! Off the top of my head, I really enjoy taking anything from the past (keyholes, drawer pulls, postcards, monocles, etc.) and making jewelry from those things. Finally, I like to make up a short story about how the piece came to be. Making necklaces from keyholes and belt buckles in one of my favorite things to make.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Sweet, romantic, eco-friendly.

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
You are the boss. The things that need to get done and the goals that need to be made are all decided by you. You are the boss. It’s awesome that you don’t have anyone above you to please, but it’s also a great motivator because you don’t have anyone to blame except yourself.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t. You have to start somewhere!

Any advice for other crafters who are just starting?
1) Find a niche that you don’t see being filled where you live and/or on the Internet. It must be something you enjoy and something that people you know would pay for. For example, I live in the Deep South where lots of people are family-oriented, spiritual and nostalgic. So my line of work fills that niche. There are only one-two others in my area and niche and that’s perfectly find since we live in different areas of the city and I’m the only one that also sells online.
2) It doesn’t happen overnight, so cut yourself some slack every now and then.

Contact information:
Name: Suzanna McMahan
Website/Shop: suzannamcmahan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzanna-McMahan-Upcycled-Vintage-Jewelry/130001610410545
Twitter: twitter.com/suzannamcmahan
Blog: studio-stories.blogspot.com
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/107105755534692072610/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: Secret Garden Notes

In the Spotlight, Interviews 1 Response »

Mar 262013

Today in the Spotlight: Ms. Tonya Boezi of Secret Garden Notes. She loves creating unique and interesting pieces for her customers to enjoy. Tonya has found that creating solid perfumes to go into her work has added a delightful element to the creative process. Her love of experimenting with different fragrance combinations is endless and you never know what fabulous new scent is just around the corner.

The ritual of applying solid perfume is sensory and seductive and in this fast paced hectic world who couldn’t use a little more of that!

Another nice aspect of Tonya’s solid perfume is that it doesn’t overwhelm a room, it is more subtle and requires close contact in order to really experience the true scent.

So if you are looking for a unique and sensual way to have your favorite fragrance available at any time throughout the day then check out Secret Garden Notes, you won’t be disappointed!

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

What’s the story behind your company and what inspires you?
Secret Garden Notes was born out of my love for vintage jewelry and an experience I had at an Estate Sale in Raleigh, NC. At this estate sale I came upon a locket that I found stunning.

Upon further inspection I noticed that the front of the locket was all filigree, which seemed odd as I always thought vintage lockets were for the purpose of storing beloved photographs or possibly a locket of hair.

I learned that back in the Victorian era, when personal hygiene was restricted, this type of locket was worn. It was meant to house a small cushion in the center to which a few drops of perfume would be added, the sweet smelling fragrance was used to mask the odor of a person or their companions. Not a very romantic thought but certainly a unique way of dealing with a not so pleasant situation!

What inspires me is all things vintage, be it jewelry, photographs, clothing, furniture, etc.
My love of vintage has been such a part of who I am, even from a very early age. When I was a child we had a cottage in the 1000 Islands, on the border of N.Y. and Canada.

One of my families favorite past times was to take our boat out to Boldt Castle on Heart Island. Back then Boldt Castle was not restored so anyone could go out and explore the castle and it’s grounds.

The story behind Boldt Castle is actually a tragic love story.

Construction began on Boldt Castel in 1900 at the bidding of millionaire hotel magnate George C. Boldt as a tribute to his beloved wife Louise. Boldt Castel was to be their summer dream home. Unfortunately it was not meant to be as Mrs. Boldt passed away just months before completion.

It was so much fun to wander around this abandoned castle dreaming about what it would have looked like had it been completed, what Mr. and Mrs. Boldt may have looked like, what they wore, how the castle would have looked inside if they had ever lived there.

Whenever I see vintage items I always imagine there is a wonderful story behind them and it’s intriguing to dream about their history.

What is your favorite product to make?
My favorite product to make is a toss up between the actual jewelry itself and the solid perfume that I put inside. I can’t imagine making one without the other so to me these two items are wonderfully merged.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
I would describe my style as Timeless Vintage Elegance.

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
The best part of being an entrepreneur is the ability to choose what direction you feel your business should take. No one is dictating to you how you should create your items, how they should be marketed, how they should be priced, etc. All successes, and failures, are yours to own and with that comes the freedom of deciding how best to proceed.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
This is actually my second Etsy business so I really wouldn’t change anything right now. I guess you could say that Secret Garden Notes was born because the first time around I wasn’t creating from my soul. If I could do it differently I would have started creating items that I truly adored versus items that other people loved and suggested I start selling.

Any advice for other crafters who are just starting?
My advice for crafters who are just starting out is to be passionate about what you do, but most importantly, don’t do it for the hope of making big money. There is so much hard work and time that goes into running your own handmade business. If I were to calculate the hours I have put in over the past several years I would be well on my way to retiring early!

This is the type of business you should start if you really enjoy your craft, are a self starter and have perseverance.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
My immediate plans for the future involve a second line I am working on called Outlaw Glam. This line is currently in my Secret Garden Notes shop. If it should expand then I will most likely create another shop solely for that line. Outlaw Glam is a combination of Vintage elegance mixed with a bit of edginess.

Contact Information:
Tonya Boezi
Website: www.etsy.com/shop/secretgardennotes
Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretgardennotes
Twitter: twitter.com/tonyaboezi
Blog: secretgardennotes.blogspot.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: 2 Little P’s

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Mar 182013

Introducing Cathy Prestipino, the artisan behind “2 Little P’s“.

Cathy grew up in coastal Virginia near the Chesapeake Bay. She creates her pieces using Precious Metal Clay. Precious Metal Clay originated in Japan in 1990, and is a crafting medium consisting of very small particles of precious metal mixed with an organic binder and water; made from eco-friendly, reclaimed silver. She uses 99% pure fine silver, sterling silver which is 92.5% pure, as well as copper in her designs. Metal clay is a really cool product. It is pliable so it can be formed or shaped just like any soft clay, either by hand; using cutting tools and molds, or by using different shapes, textures, and colors. She likes it because the possibilities are endless. Once the pieces are dried and sanded, they are fired in a kiln where the binder burns away, leaving beautiful, one-of-a-kind, precious metal behind. The pieces are darkened, or “oxidized,” with patina and polished to a perfect shine.

She started 2 Little P’s in 2009. So happy to say that they are growing by leaps and bounds. She and her family truly feel so blessed and feel it only fitting to pay their blessings forward. 2 Little P’s believes in the spirit of giving and have faith that everyone can make a difference, so they consistently donate a portion of their sales, or select pieces, to various charitable foundations.

She is a proud member of The Artisan Group. You can also find her on Etsy and Artifre – just search “2 Little P’s.”

What’s the story behind your company?
I am a full-time working mother of two who started 2 Little P’s with the hopes of being able to stay home with my children. The mission of 2 Little P’s is to create beautiful, eco-friendly, handcrafted, artisan jewelry that brings joy to those who wear it! I create unique, sometimes sea-inspired, boutique jewelry; each piece carefully handcrafted. Operating a small business is challenging. I work full time and currently operate this business ‘after hours,’ so to speak. It is always on my mind. I keep a notebook with me and jot down marketing ideas, product ideas, etc. And, of course, there is never enough time in the day to do everything I’d like to do! I am a one woman show (although my husband is now in charge of shipping)! I am a self-taught jewelry artist with an MBA who has a passion for creating beautiful things! I read and study incessantly in an effort to learn more each day. I design all of my promotional materials, my website, jewelry, etc. Women of all ages wear my unique, eco-friendly handcrafted jewelry.

I currently participate in local art shows and was recently asked to display my work in a local art gallery. I am enjoying just doing my own thing. The world is BIG and there are lots of talented people out there! I find that I truly appreciate good craftsmanship. I will always be learning and growing in my craft. I truly love and appreciate people who create. Everyone has their own spin on things which is what makes art so cool. Enjoy it. Create. Learn, grow, and appreciate it. Just go with it! It’s good for the soul.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by many things ~ God, my family (my children), nature…

What is your favorite product to make?
I like to make custom pieces. I have made jewelry for women who have lost children, cancer survivors, new mothers, grandmothers, business owners (logos on jewelry); I am so fortunate to be given glimpses into people’s lives. People share intimate details of their lives with me and I feel so humbled to be given an opportunity to make something that is meaningful for them.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Artsy, eclectic, unique.

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
I am afforded the opportunity to make my own decisions.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing! I just like to dive in and go for it! I get ideas and run with them but perhaps I would be a bit more organized!

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
Live your dream! And Network! Network! Network! I am fortunate to be a member of The Artisan Group. I learn so much from the talented members of this awesome group.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I am working on learning some new techniques. I love to learn so I am always trying new things.

Contact information:
Name: Catherine Prestipino
Website/Shop: www.2littlePs.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/2littlePs
Twitter: https://twitter.com/2littlePs
Blog: http://www.2littleps.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: Heidi Urbanski Jewelry

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Mar 152013

In the spotlight today: Heidi Urbanski! She started her adventure in glass in 2006. Ever since then she has been growing as an artist, eventually finding her love of jewelry design. Heidi uses the copper foil technique of stained glass to create her pieces. Heidi resides in State College, PA and sells her jewelry on Etsy and in retail stores through out the United States.

What’s the story behind Heidi Urbanski Jewelry?
My mom was a fabulous stained glass artist and jewelry designer. She made huge custom windows and I can remember watching her work in her studio when I was growing up. She passed away in 1996 and is my muse and my children’s guardian angel. I kept all of her supplies and it took me about 10 years before I could look at them without crying. I am self taught. The first thing I made was a hideous flower. I started out making Angel suncatchers and slowly began my adventure in jewelry design.

What inspires you?
My materials inspire me. I have a tendency to stare at all my stuff until an idea forms. I enjoy mixing metals and putting things you wouldn’t normally see together in a creation.

What is your favorite product to make?
Bling rings! I love making big funky rings!

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Funky. Eclectic. Interesting. I was going to say awesome but I think I will let the readers decide that one. It is hard to describe my style! People either love it or don’t care for it.

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
Making my own hours. I have 2 children so I create between loads of laundry and doing dishes and being a chauffeur and grocery shopping.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
I think I would have put more thought into my brand. Your brand is everything! The colors, the font, the name…. all very very important!

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
Don’t quit. Your market and niche are out there, you just have to find it. Don’t give up! I spend about 70 percent of my time pimping my stuff, and 30 percent making it.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I am a member of The Artisan Group and look forward to promoting my jewelry with them…Who knows where it will take me! One of my necklaces was chosen to be worn on an upcoming episode of The Vampire Diaries! I am very excited and thankful for that opportunity. For the future I just plan on creating new designs and growing as an artist. In this business, you have to grow and evolve or you will be left behind.

Contact information:
Name: Heidi Urbanski
Website/Shop: http://hurbanski.etsy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/heidiurbanskijewelry
Twitter: www.twitter.com/hurbanski

*** 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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