Tell us about yourself such as where you are base, other than jewelry making, what is your full time job?
Im based in Subang Jaya. Ive been living here since I was borned and I love this place very much. I'm working for a construction firm in Damansara by day and working at home as crafter at night. I did my Diploma in Interior design in Uitm and will pursue my degree next year. Hopefully. I'm not only make jewellery but also hand make tote bags which i sew and paint on it. So Saya Sukalah(my brand) consist of tote bags and jewellery.
Do you intend to make jewelry making your full time profession?
With BIG YES. for your info, this month is my last month working at office.hahah. So next year will be working at home. Cant't wait. But it will only for 6 month while waiting to continue my student life.
How did you start doing jewelry (or beadmaking) as a business? Do you specialise in specific Why?
How? It was like a dream come true. I always wanted to sell my own creation since i was in my last year in diploma. So here i am. Actually, jewellery making was not in my list, it suddenly popped out. It started when i joined my very first bazaar at Art For Grabs at Annexe Central Market in May 2008 then it went on and on.Without any experience in jewellery making, i only did a very simple necklace and bracelet. I was not satisfied with the design bcause i don't know nothing bout the method. So i took a jewellery class. From there i learn basic and start to experiment other design myself. I love mix match with colours and semi precious stone. So, if see my design, mostly are colourful and chunky pieces.
Shaz's creations:
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?
Yep, i tried a lot of methods, from seed bead to semi precious stone. Now, i love semi precious stone because of the colour. Bling - bling is not my thing. So, u will not see any shining bead especially rhinestone or swaroski cyrstal in my design. Unless someone request to do for her. It changed a lot from the first time i joined this jewellery world. From technique, to method and to design.
What would you like to work with/or what skill would you like to learn that you haven't yet?
I'd love to learn wirework, silversmithing, lampwork beads and also metal clay.But unfortunnately, i can't find any of these class in Malaysia.
How many hours a week do you spend in the creative side of your business vs… the business side?
Usually i will spend making jewellery at night - 3 hrs.but on weekend xtra 2 hrs.while business side usully done on weekends.
What inspires you creatively?
Through other's people creations. Its not stealing it just inspiring me. And sometimes the surrounding. Colours, texture and human behaviour also inspire me.
Where do you sell at primarily-website, brick & mortar stores, shows, etc. Based on your experience, where is the best place to sell jewelries?
Mostly at bazaar while marketing and promoting through blogs.I really like selling at bazaar where I can meet my customers.
Do you sell mostly to customers of your local market? What are the main issues you face in selling to international market?
Yes 100% of my customers are malaysian. If u want to sell internationally, make sure ur pieces is really unique because there are so many indie jewellery designer out are with unique pieces.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested doing jewelry as a business?
Make it as your hobby and turn it to business when you are ready. Practice and try different methods. Maybe you can look through other astists' design but do not copy the whole thing. You can copy the idea but do it your own way. It is a bad thing to copy other people's design.It will not become you a creative person but a copycat.
Do you have any big/exciting news or different directions for your business this year or year 2009?
Year 2009 will be a new for me- more new design, more colour and unique pieces plus new office (home)!!
Shaz, welcome to the club and I wish you all the best in turning your passion into your business, a successful home based business!
