How did you get started making jewelry and learning about metalworking? I love hearing about how a brand gets started, and I remember when we first spoke that I found your story to be super relatable.
It all started when the "gold" paint began to wear off of an H&M necklace that I loved. I looked into having a solid version custom made but the quotes were way way out of my reach. I started to look at the construction of the necklace and began to wonder if I could just make it myself. I decided to give it a go and checked out some library books, a few hand tools, and some cheap base metal.
What does your design process look like?
I always start in the sketchbook. I find technical drawing oddly soothing. From there I move to either wax or metal depending on the design. I really love working in wax. My background is in sculpture, so hand-carving wax really brings me back to that love of modeling.
I love the geometric, art deco look of your bottle openers. It is so unique. How do you come up with the designs for your work?
I've always been drawn to shapes and patterns. I briefly thought abut becoming a textile designer, so I will often notice a little section of a print or fabric that will have a shape or a repeating pattern that just calls to me. I love to take these classic and iconic shapes that catch my eye and reinterpret them into my own designs.
You make really cool bottle openers and cocktail picks. I feel like you may be a happy hour expert! Want to share what your favorite cocktail is?
Oh man, that is SO tough. I tended bar for 15 years so I have a catalog of drinks in my brain. At home I most often make a classic like a Manhattan, but if I am out at a cocktail bar I cannot pass up a good Corpse Reviver #2.
My favorite thing about (Business Name) is that, even though you started as a jewelry brand, you have dabbled in barware and other accessories. I love seeing what kind of unique items you come up with that veer outside of what one would expect from a jewelry brand. What kind of things are you thinking about making for the future?
I love to bake, so I am hoping to make cookie cutters someday using classic Sarah Cecelia motifs.
What is the best part about running your own business? What is the best advice that you've received about working as an artist?
I find owning my own business to be very empowering. It can be scary sometimes but ultimately there is nothing better than betting on yourself. I feel so lucky to be a maker during a time when people are really becoming more conscientious of buying products that are made with integrity. I spent a lot of time during high school and college making hand thrown pottery. I just loved making items that people could take home and really make part of their lives. That continues through to the products that I make today, I always smile when I walk pass a woman I do not know wearing a piece of my jewelry.
What is the best business advice that you have received and would want to pass on to others?
Well, before I started my business, I asked a fellow artist who was about 15 years older than me and very successful for his best advice when you are just starting out. He told me to never worry about what other people are doing because if you just focus on making your own work great than it will all come together in its own time. I think as a business owner it easy to fret over other businesses that you think are more successful or have more Instagram followers, but I always try to remember to just keep my head down and focus on the work.
