Etsy Interview with Anna's Jewelry

My name is Anna Segal. I'm 45 years old. My husband and I have a 9 year old daughter and a crazy little dog named Lilly. My ultimate dream is to make jewellery my full time job.

How and when did you start making jewelry?

I started making jewellery in 2006. I took a vacation day from work and went to a little bead shop and took a two hour course. I was addicted instantly. I opened my Etsy store - Anna's Jewelry in 2007. Like many, I started with straight beading. In 2008 straight beading wasn't satisfying my creative needs anymore and I started doing wire work. The wire work that I do is self taught. I had to buy a bit of wire for a beading project and had a ton of wire left over. I had no clue what to do with it so I started to play with it and the rest is history.

This past January I started taking metalsmithing courses at Ecole De Joaillerie De Montréal. I can't even describe how I feel when I'm metalsmithing - it's as if I've found what I was put on earth to do.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

One of my closest friends suggested that I check out Etsy as a venue to sell my pieces. I'm grateful that she did.

What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?

The most unique thing about Etsy, in my opinion, is all the incredible talent gathered up into one market place. I love buying handmade items. I would much rather spend more money on a handmade item then buy from big box stores. It's not always possible but when I can afford to I always buy handmade. In regards to my own store Anna's Jewelry. Etsy provides an affordable place for me to showcase my handmade jewellery. They also provide a place to 'hang out' with people and exchange ideas and information. I really enjoy Etsy.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

This is a hard question! I think all inspiration comes from God. I'm not sure I can say that my finished pieces inspire me. I can look at a sheet of sterling silver and be inspired to make something, I can look at a stone and be inspired to work with it. I can look at something in nature and get inpired to go to work on a piece. I think my final pieces give me a sense of accomplishment rather than inspiration - and sort of a sense of awe - wow - I made that! kind of thing.

What is your favorite piece you've created and why?

I have too many favourites to single out just one of them. My biggest problem is putting up a piece for sale. For every piece on my site I have two pieces just sitting on the side not on my site and not being worn because I can't decide if I should keep it for myself or sell it... I get attached to my pieces as I make them and feel like a part of me is gone when I sell a piece. I know that that sounds ridiculous but it's the truth.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I'm guessing I want what most people want who sell on Etsy - to be their own boss and to make a living doing something their passionate about.

Do you have any new creations in the works? If so, what can shoppers expect to see from you soon?

I have several series in my head right now. Here are the top two: Koroit opals are among my favourite stones and I have several to work with. You can expect pendants and rings. I also have this idea for a series with sterling and recycled gold. One of the things I love about metals is that nothing goes to waste. You can always melt it down and do something new. I have some gold wire that I will be melting into small balls and incorporating them into my silver work shoppers can expect rings and earrings pendants with this series.

Where can readers find out about more information regarding your jewelry and other creations and possible special offers (including additional websites, blogs, facebook, etc)?

I'm probably the only person left who doesn't have a facebook account or a blog so Anna's Jewelry at Etsy is it. . I've never even seen what twitter looks like. To be honest I don't know how people find the time. Working full time, being a mother, having a dog and a house to look after plus making jewellery is about all I can fit into a day. I admire people who have mastered their schedules better than I have.