June Featured Sponsor: Starletta Designs

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Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to my featured sponsor of the month, Tara from Starletta Designs.  Tara's one-of-a-kind jewelry is designed and handcrafted by herself.  What I love most about her shop is the quality of materials she uses.  Many jewelry makers are concerned with quantity over quality, but that is not the case with Starletta Designs.  If you take a look around the shop, you will see the detail and individuality of each gemstone...they are so beautiful!  Here are a few of my favorite pieces from Tara's shop:

1. Light Blue Earrings  2. Pale Green Necklace  3. Purple Amethyst Necklace  4. Hot Pink Earrings

I wanted us all to learn a little bit about Tara, so I had her answer a few questions:

How long have you been making jewelry? How did you learn?

I've been creating jewelry since the age of about 13, and have been selling my creations both online and offline for 5 years now. I am completely self-taught in all aspects of jewelry design. I started off making mostly glass beaded creations and slowly moved into working with more precious metals and higher quality gemstones. I did a lot of reading and researching online on different techniques and tools to use when I first started.

Why did you decide to open an Etsy shop?

After creating jewelry for many years, I thought I would dip my toe in the field of selling. I opened my shop originally in 2007 on Etsy, sold a few pieces and then life got in the way (schooling, full time job) and I decided to close it down. I recently reopened my shop a few months ago after losing my mom in January of 2012. It was a real wake up call that you can't take things for granted, that you have to follow your heart and you have to do something you truly love in life. As tough and as horrible an experience as it was, I fully believe it has made me a stronger person -- my motto in life is now to live each day to the fullest, never have regrets and to promote positivity.

What is your favorite part of running a jewelry business? What has been your biggest challenge?

My favorite part by far is a toss up between being able to be your own boss, and, using your creativity. I've always been a creative person, always had to have my hands busy creating something, so, for me it is a natural choice. Being your own boss is definitely a major plus as well, as you set your own rules and are responsible for everything. My biggest challenge would be steady sales. It's not easy running your own business - you need to be a designer, creator, accountant, marketing specialist, organizer and I'm sure I'm missing more specialties required! It's a scary thing not having a steady income, which is natural in running your own business - some months will be much better then others. The important part to remember in the slower months is to never stop improving yourself and your brand. There is always work to be done, or improvements to be made to your business!

When you aren't making jewelry and running your shop, what can you be found doing?

In any down time I have, I like to visit with family and friends, have a night out to see a movie, and hockey games! I'm Canadian, so of course I am a hockey fan. :)

If you could learn to do anything what would it be?

I would love to learn how to make pottery. I think it's a beautiful art form and the design possibilities would be endless!

I just had to throw in one more pretty picture (I LOVE these)

I am so happy to have Tara here on my blog and I hope you will all take a moment to look around her lovely shop.  I am sure you will find something you love!  And when you do...Tara was nice enough to offer all of you lovely readers a 15% discount!! Just use code 15MMB at checkout!