For those of you that follow My So-Called Chaos, you’ll know that I LOVE showcasing handmade designers, creators, and small business owners. It’s one of my favorite things in the world actually, so today I’m super stoked to let you get to know Tara of Starletta Designs better. She creates such gorgeous one of a kind pieces that I fall in love with on a regular basis. So I asked her a few questions in order to let you know a little more about the girl behind the brand, her work space, and her creations. She’s also offering one lucky winner a gorgeous Sterling Silver Druzy Teardrop necklace from her shop-so stay tuned after the interview.
Meet Tara of Starletta Designs
How did Starletta Designs get started?
Starletta Designs first began in 2007 as a hobby when I purchased a DIY jewelry beading kit from a craft store. Prior to that, my mom had the crafting bug and entered many church craft shows when I was a child, but I didn’t realize my crafting passion until I was around 20 years old.
What inspires your beautiful jewelry creations?
Everything inspires me, but a big inspiration lies in music and fashion. I am always listening to music while working or creating new designs which really lets my creativity flow!
What is your favorite piece you’ve made so far, and why?
There are SO many, but I am definitely loving all the druzy stones right now, they have so much sparkle and flash! My favorite color is pink so this necklace is definitely at the top of my list right now:
How did you meet your husband?
I began working my first “real” job at the age of 21 in a car manufacturing plant and he was one of the first people I met on the manufacturing line. There is a 16 year age difference between us, but it’s never affected us or our family, and we’ve been happily been together now for almost 9 years!
Are you originally from Ontario? If not, how did you end up there? If yes, tell us why you love it there.
I am originally from Ontario, have always lived within a 30 minute radius! I love Ontario because it’s quaint and pretty quiet low-key living. As much as I love visiting the big cities, I definitely prefer to live in a smaller city!
What is a typical day like for a creator like you?
A typical work day is getting up and ready for office work by 9am. I usually begin by checking my emails, responding to customer messages and checking out social media. After that, I work right through in my office creating and designing until lunch time, take a quick lunch break, maybe go for a mid-day walk, and then back to my office! I usually quit by suppertime, but some nights, if the creativity is flowing, I can work in my office for 14-16 hours per day. I also very rarely take weekends or days off!
What is your workspace like?
My workspace is a spare bedroom in our home that I’ve turned into my office. It’s usually a cluttered mess, but I thrive in a creatively messy environment!
Anything exciting coming up that we should look forward to?
I am always creating and adding new products whenever the time permits so I would always keep an eye on my shop for new pieces! On April 8-9, I also participated in a Pre-MTV Movie Awards Celebrity Gift Lounge hosted by GBK that saw many celebrities and members of the press receive pieces of Starletta Designs jewelry!
Pictured Above: Miss Teen USA 2014, Miranda Fenzau, posing with one of Starletta Designs Bright Teal Gemstone necklace.
What is your go to jewelry item to wear and why?
I absolutely love druzy necklaces and am always wearing at least one (usually layering several!) of my own pieces.
What is one bit of advice you’d offer someone who wants to start a business?
The best piece of advice: never give up! I had so many people telling me that it would never amount to anything, it was a waste of my time and money, and it would never be a real job. Sometimes it was tough, and I almost threw in the towel many times but if you love something enough and put the amount of work into it as required, things will work out. Believe in yourself, believe in your work and never give up on your dream! It’s not easy, it took me almost 10 years to do this full time, but don’t give up!
Favorites from Starletta Designs
Click on any of the above pictures to see the listing!
Enter the Giveaway
Tara is giving one lucky winner the gorgeous Sterling Silver Druzy Teardrop Necklace (winner chooses if they want champagne or silver colored druzy) pictured below.
Giveaway is open Worldwide and will end at 12AM MST on 4/19/16. Entries will be verified. Entering below agrees to all terms and conditions within the Rafflecopter widget.
