Tell us about yourself such as where you are base, other than jewelry making, what is your full time job?
I am based in Singapore. Besides jewelry crafting, I am a full-time homemaker.
Do you intend to make jewelry making your full time profession?
I would love to! But at this point, my children are my priority.
How did you start doing jewelry (or beadmaking) as a business? Do you specialise in specific method?
I signed up for a jewelry making introduction workshop with a friend back in 2004 and found my passion overnight! Shortly after, I created awareness of my creations to the now defunct Yahoo auctions and then ventured into setting up my online store in 2005. In January 2007, I picked up polymer clay bead making techniques and have incorporated them into my designs, as well as sell my handmade beads to other designers too.
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?
In the beginning, it was only about swarovski crystals so you could imagine there was a little too much bling in my creations! I also tried my hands with gemstones at one point because it was gaining popularity, but I soon realised that it was not my style. It was only very recently that I found my niche in this vast jewelry market so most of my creations are very modern and contemporary, using a lot of glass beads and my handmade clay beads.
What would you like to work with/or what skill would you like to learn that you haven't yet?
I would love to try my hands on metal clay some day and perhaps, pick up wiring on an intermediate level.
How many hours a week do you spend in the creative side of your business vs… the business side?
On a good dedicated week, I chalk up about 10 hours in creative time.
What inspires you creatively?
Colors and textures.
Where do you sell at primarily-website, brick & mortar stores, shows, etc. Based on your experience, where is the best place to sell jewelries?
My creations are currently for sale only at my online store. I guess for exposure, it would be good to market handmade jewelries at a local craft fair.
Do you sell mostly to customers of your local market? What are the main issues you face in selling to international market?
Yes, the bulk of my customers are from Singapore. I do have buyers from the USA too! So far, I've not had major issues with the international market. But if I have to point it out, it would have to be the shipping turnaround time. It could get quite nerve-wrecking when the recipient have not received the package after a week!
Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your jewelry work?
What advice would you give to someone who is interested doing jewelry as a business?
Be passion driven - that's all you need to survive in the creative world.
Do you have any big/exciting news or different directions for your business this year or year 2009?
Not yet.
Who are some of your favorite artists and crafters?
There are a few favourite crafters that I got to know -Sigialot Designs (Israel), Capitola Girl (USA) and Nature Autumn (Singapore).
