Interview Feature: Silviasheart!

Today's interview feature is with a lovely shop, Silviasheart! In this shop you can find gorgeous high quality jewelry made with fine gemstones. It was fantastic to get to know more about one of my favorite shops, so please enjoy!

How did you come up with your shop name?

My shop name? I started crafting by painting many years ago. After breast cancer I found I had issues with lyphodema on my right arm. I started making very simple jewelry designs years ago, using plastic & glass beads. A year ago May, we lost our beautiful German Shepherd Silvia. She was named after Gabe's Grandfather that we lost only months prior Silvia's birthday. (My birthday as well!) His name was Silvio, guarder & patriarch of the family. A force to be reckoned with! After loosing our best girl, I fell into a terrible depression. Gabe thought it would be a good idea to pick it back up again, so since I love gemstones I started to learn about them from identification, my loupe & microscope, carat scale and then learning the setting process. My heart will always belong to my Silvia. Sometimes I take her ashes to my craft nook to keep me company, thus the name Silvia's Heart!

Why did you start your Etsy shop?

I got started on Etsy after giving gifts to family. My Mother & Sister-in law both have great shops, so since I lost my job, I thought I would give it a try-very addicting!
(Anna Valente & Plain as Jane)

How long have you been a crafter?

Been an on & off crafter for many years dabbling in different things until I found my passion!

Does your shop reflect your personal style?

My shop most definitely reflects my personal style from color to gems. It's all about how the mood hits me!

Where do you draw inspiration from for your products?

I draw my inspiration from almost everything, flowers, greenery, pictures, color, you name it!

Is there a piece in your shop that was hard for you to part with?

All pieces are hard to part with because you remember what inspired you to make it. There are 3 pieces that I would have a hard time parting with. The Kunzite set was originally bought for myself. Also the Prasiolite bracelet. I was told that they would be great additions to my shop because of their beauty & increased new interest. I still look at them daily! I also love my Chrome Diopside set. I don't think I will ever be able to replace them affordably, since other countries have discovered this rare and exotic gem mined only 3 months out of the year!

Care to share an idea or item you hope to have in your shop in the future?

If I could feel safe with Tanzanite affordably, I would love it. I don't feel skilled enough to set such an expensive stone that can be cracked so easily. I don't even own one in my own collection for fear of damaging!

What’s the most important piece of advice you can give to other shop owners?

My best advice for other shops is don't give up. It takes a lot of time & effort to get your name out there, which I am still working on daily. Get in the forums and make new friends. Enjoy what you love even if you make little or no money. Let your creations reflect YOU and what you love. Feel a sense of accomplishment & respect for your skills! Be proud of demonstrating your unique creations & don't get too disappointed for the first few months. Remember Patience is a virtue! Love yourself enough to SHOW yourself through what you create! That alone is worth more than money can buy! Be the best of whatever mood you are in!

It would be terrible of me to not include my wonderful husband Gabriele, who despite limited funds has researched hours giving me surprise gifts to further my learning. From reference books, DVD's, gemstones, settings, tools like you can't believe! Without him, none of this would be possible. I would still be in a funk! Love you My Lovey!

Thank you Silviasheart for answering these questions and good luck with your shop!

If you would like to be featured on my blog, please contact me at my Etsy shop.