Why do I do what I do? Who I am behind the pictures of my jewelry.
I'm trying something different. I'm going to really delve into something with you, rather than just tell you what I made recently.
You might wonder why someone who went to graduate school for psychology and worked in criminal justice and law enforcement for almost 15 years is selling jewelry on the internet. I often wonder that too. The truth is, I am a reluctant retailer. I don't much like marketing and I am a total cheap skate when it comes to buying stuff. I don't like it when people try to sell me stuff. So what the heck am I doing?? Yes, you see the conundrum.
If I wasn't making my jewelry as a passion and obsession for about 7 years now, I'm sure I would not be part of the on-line sales world. I'm not into hype and not really into trends, so I am pretty much the antithesis of a marketing pro.
So, why do I continue to make and sell my jewelry? The creative process is so deep in my soul now that I don't know how I would live without it. The fact that you can make something by hand, put all the skills you have learned over years into your craft and have someone half way around the world give you money for it is truly awesome. It used to be that artists had to deal with gate keepers in order to be seen. It sure helps to get the attention of a big name retailer, but we can do it all on our own now.
I get motivated when I see other artists doing and selling amazing work out in the world and on-line. I have awe and respect for the many people out there who use their hands to create works of art and craft. So, I tell myself, I should be able to do that too! That keeps me going.
There are so many goods today constantly flooding the market that seem to be made to last only a few days. My son is really good at finding the weaknesses in toys that are not made well and then we just have more crap for the landfill. I am filled with such joy in seeing a finely made artisan piece. It could be a sweater, a wooden bread board, a dress, a painting, or anything.
Sure the cheap mass produced stuff is cheaper. Don't get me wrong, I buy it too. But I am trying to limit that to utilitarian items. My desire is to buy fewer decorative things but plan to keep those things forever. I want to support those artists and crafters to keep them doing what they do. A world with less junk going to the landfill is critical now.
It is my hope that I can continue to make pieces of jewelry that lift peoples' spirits and make them smile. Some people have shared with me that they bought items for friends who are going through hard times. I would be forever honored if someone bought one of my pieces and kept it for a long, long time. My goal is to make pieces that have personal meaning to those who wear them.
For anyone who knows about Ayurveda, the sister science to yoga, my dosha is mostly Pitta. That means I am full of fire and intensity. The ocean is the balancing element to my disposition. The inspiration for my jewelry with Seaside Harmony is the ocean and all the nature that surrounds it. I'm hoping that people feel the peace and balance the ocean brings me when they wear my pieces.
If anything I have said resonates with you, let me know! Please share this post with any other ocean/nature lovers out there who also value the work that artisans do. Say hi on my Facebook page or in my private FB group.
https://www.facebook.com/seasideharmonyjewelry/
I am thrilled the summer is starting and the beach is calling. It is a great time to dinners outside and walking down the beach with no where to be. Earrings are always an easy accessory to toss on with those cool beachy dresses. In celebration of the start of summer, I have just listed a new line of enamel wave earrings with a tiny handmade infinity symbol. My personal faves are the transparent enamels that sparkle in the sunlight.
Namaste,
Sarah
Click here to zoom to my collection of new enamel wave earrings for sale.
https://sv2p5dmotetswsdj-11616124987.shopifypreview.com/collections/enamel-wave-earrings
