First off, tell me a little bit about yourself.
I am currently a stay at home mom to 3 amazing kids. I was working as an auditor and decided that being home with them was more important to me than extra money. Luckily with my husband’s job and support, I was able to do that. Even though I had this analytical business type career, I always had a passion for crafts, and have had many creative hobbies through the years. So it wasn’t too surprising to those closest to me that Denise Jewelry Designs appeared one day, seemingly out of the blue!
How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?
I started making jewelry in 2008. I had bought a necklace to wear to my brother-in-law’s wedding and it was close to what I wanted, but not exact. I bought some basic supplies and ended up tearing the whole thing apart to make it how I wanted. I was showing my design to a fellow jewelry maker and she said, “I really think you have an eye for this” and my Etsy shop just blossomed from that.
When and how did you originally find Etsy?
I actually found Etsy while trying to fix that necklace! I bought my supplies from this lovely woman who owns FabBeads on Etsy, and she was the one who encouraged me to keep it up. Once I started looking around at all of the amazing items people were selling on Etsy, I knew I wanted to be a part of that community.
What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?
I don’t think you’ll find a more creative bunch of people than those on Etsy. I can’t tell you how many times I am just browsing around and I am totally amazed by the unique ideas and creations people have! For DeniseJewelryDesigns though, my favorite part of Etsy is the supportive community. If I can’t figure out how something works on the site, or even when I have asked fellow jewelry designers questions, whether it’s technique or business related, everyone in the community is very supportive.
What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?
Well, if you browse DeniseJewelryDesigns, you’ll find many pieces that have been inspired by TV shows like LOST, Cougar Town, and Weeds, so celebrities inspire me a lot. I am not fun to watch TV with because I am looking more at what the characters are wearing than what they saying! But I also make what I would want to wear; some days that’s something quite simple and other days that’s something big and bold, so my jewelry shows that range.
What is your favorite piece you’ve created and why?
Oh no… choosing a favorite! Well, if I can cheat a little and break it into categories, my favorite simple piece is easily the long gold disc necklace, Golden Cougar, inspired by Cougar Town; my favorite bold is my Serendipity necklace; and my favorite bridal piece is the Say You Will back drop necklace. I think for all three pieces though, the reason they are each my favorite is the same; they are each eye catching and make you stand out for the right reasons.
As a stay at home mom, I don’t have reason be overly dressed up, but I don’t want to look messy, even if I am just standing at the bus stop. So I can wear a pair of jeans, a plain v-neck t-shirt, and just by throwing on my chunky Serendipity necklace for example, I’m suddenly put together and “dressed”. I always have moms say, “you look nice today” and I believe it’s just by including a beautiful necklace that their statement becomes true. It makes me feel fabulous with no effort!
What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?
The one thing I emphasize in DeniseJewelryDesigns is that every piece can be changed, so buyers should feel the freedom to say, “I love this necklace, but I would love it more if it was….” and have it happen! Just like that necklace I bought that wasn’t quite right. I want everyone to have exactly what they want, so I encourage them to ask for changes or to have a piece custom made just for them. So my ultimate goal is to never have a woman buy something “close” to what she wants ever again!
Do you have any new creations in the works? If so, what can shoppers expect to see from you soon?
There are always new creations in the works! I’ll have three stations going at once with new pieces so when I get inspired in one direction, I can quickly start making it happen! I love my brides and their bridal parties, so I am always looking for new and affordable ways to make their days extra special. Specifically right now, I am working on some illusion designs that have been floating around in my head, and I love to come up with new ways to flaunt the back drop necklaces, which are so sexy and a big seller in my shop.
Where can readers find out about more information regarding your jewelry and other creations and possible special offers (including additional websites, blogs, facebook, etc)?
People can follow DeniseJewelryDesigns on Twitter, although, I honestly spend a lot more time trying to create than twittering about it! The best place to find me is right in my shop, where I welcome any comments or feedback!
