This week, I would like to introduce you to WaiYee of Charterbeads. She is one of the aspiring jewelry artist who aims to run her beading and jewelry making business full time in very near future. It is interesting to find out how she started the business and what she does to achieve her goals. Below is the interview:
Tell us about yourself such as where you are based, other than jewelry making, what is your full time job?
I'm born and bred in Petaling Jaya, therefore, I'm based here! Currently, I'm a kindergarten assistant, assisting the Teacher in teaching the 3-year-olds.
I'm born and bred in Petaling Jaya, therefore, I'm based here! Currently, I'm a kindergarten assistant, assisting the Teacher in teaching the 3-year-olds.
Do you intend to make jewelry making your full time profession?
I did think about it. It sorta started when a friend asked me, "What is your dream?" I thought hard about that question, and I envisioned myself owning shop, conducting beading classes and selling beads.
I did think about it. It sorta started when a friend asked me, "What is your dream?" I thought hard about that question, and I envisioned myself owning shop, conducting beading classes and selling beads.
How did you start doing jewelry (or beadmaking) as a business? Every artist has a personal "creative process", can you explain yours?
I started beading when my classmates in Form 3 decided to sell beaded wire bracelets for "Hari Keusahawanan" in our school. We had a lot of fun sitting at the back of the class with a tubful of assorted plastic beads and seed beads and rolls of galvanized wire. We just created and laughed and talked. That was when I started to take interest in beading. The idea of making jewellery as a business sprang out of my mind just four months ago, when I was thinking of ideas to earn a bit of side income. Initially I was thinking of selling polyshrink art, but it was much more of a hassle than beading. At least I can work with a wider array of beads than just stick to polyshrink.
I started beading when my classmates in Form 3 decided to sell beaded wire bracelets for "Hari Keusahawanan" in our school. We had a lot of fun sitting at the back of the class with a tubful of assorted plastic beads and seed beads and rolls of galvanized wire. We just created and laughed and talked. That was when I started to take interest in beading. The idea of making jewellery as a business sprang out of my mind just four months ago, when I was thinking of ideas to earn a bit of side income. Initially I was thinking of selling polyshrink art, but it was much more of a hassle than beading. At least I can work with a wider array of beads than just stick to polyshrink.
When people start doing jewelry, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them, tell us how has your jewelry work changed since you began?
I started with seed beads only when I was in Form 3. I gave up because it took too long to finish a design. I decided to try bigger beads. Gradually, when I begin to have my own income, I have the money to get more different types of beads. I read more books to expose myself to different techniques too. I would think that my jewellery work matured and refined as I become more experienced. However, I still have a lot of techniques to learn!
I started with seed beads only when I was in Form 3. I gave up because it took too long to finish a design. I decided to try bigger beads. Gradually, when I begin to have my own income, I have the money to get more different types of beads. I read more books to expose myself to different techniques too. I would think that my jewellery work matured and refined as I become more experienced. However, I still have a lot of techniques to learn!
What would you like to work with/or what skill would you like to learn that you haven't yet?
Currently, I like working with wire. Eyepins and headpins included! ;) I also have been hunting more a lot of charms lately. I would like to try crocheting one day. I'd like to try making lampwork beads too!
Currently, I like working with wire. Eyepins and headpins included! ;) I also have been hunting more a lot of charms lately. I would like to try crocheting one day. I'd like to try making lampwork beads too!
How many hours a week do you spend in the creative side of your business vs… the business side?On average, I spend about 5 hours a day beading at the dining table. There's always no space for family members to eat.. whoops! I normally take a long time for marketing. For example, I took the whole of this morning and afternoon to advertise on chatterboxes of other boutiques and notify reviewers to feature new stuff on my beading blog. That's how I market my blog. :)
What inspires you creatively?
The colours of nature, and swirly and floral motifs. Browsing in bookstores at the jewellery- making books section also inspires me.
Where do you sell at primarily-website, brick & mortar stores, shows, etc.
I sell my jewellery online.
I sell my jewellery online.
Based on your experience, where is the best place to sell jewelries?
I haven't tried selling anywhere else except via the Internet. But I think flea markets and bazaars are good places to sell jewellery, as patrons can see and touch the items.
Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your jewelry work?
I always tell people that I can't do business, because doing business is scary. But I proved myself wrong! :)
What advice would you give to someone who is interested doing jewelry as a business?
Hmm.. I don't know actually. I'd give a simple one - just enjoy the whole process from creating your masterpieces to advertising it on your site. :) You'd go a long way if you enjoy what you do.
Do you have any big/exciting news or different directions for your business this year or year 2009?
I'm looking forward to coming out of the virtual world and selling my creations in flea markets and bazaars - so that's something exciting for me!
I'm looking forward to coming out of the virtual world and selling my creations in flea markets and bazaars - so that's something exciting for me!
If you teach, where will you be teaching this year?
I'd probably start with a small group of friends in my home to build my confidence to teach first!
I'd probably start with a small group of friends in my home to build my confidence to teach first!
Who are some of your favorite artists and crafters?
I like the wireworks by Mei of WireBliss and creations by Riqzmie. Their designs are so intricate!
Where can we find you?
Waiyee, thanks so much for sharing. I hope to see you achieving your goals in the very near future. Always believe you can do it!
Cheers
Jane of http://www.handmade-jewelry-club.com/
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