Etsy Interview with Designs by Erika L. Rathka

Hello! My name is Erika Rathka and I am the owner and designer of Designs by Erika L. Rathka. I was born in Rochester Hills, Michigan and currently reside in Shelby Township, Michigan. I am 23 years old and still live at home with my mother, my biggest fan. I've just recently graduated from the International Academy of Design & Technology - Detroit with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design. Unable to find a position in the Interior Design field, I'd decided that I'd take a chance and do what I've always aspired to do, own my own business.

How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?

Truly, I've been making jewelry since I was a little girl. Creating, whether it is painting, photography, jewelry, drawing, etc., has always been a passion of mine and a large part of my life. Throughout High School I made sure that I was enrolled in as many art classes as possible. When I started college I knew I wanted to end up in a profession that was one in which I could be creative. I've always been interested in architecture and drafting, both hand drafting and computer aided drafting (CAD). That along with my passion for design and a summer workshop at the Art Institute of Las Vegas with concentration in Interior Design is what led me to pursue a degree in Interior Design. Nearing graduation, I had the realization that it may not be as entirely easy to get a position in the Interior Design field as I had once thought. Before graduation, I started creating some of my jewelry pieces and did research to see just what I needed to accomplish to successfully launch my business. This is where Etsy came in to play.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

Before December of '09 I had never even heard of Etsy. At that time, I had recently been accepted in to an internship with a textile design company and while discussing my future plans with one of the Vice Presidents she mentioned that a few of the girls in the office had stores on Etsy and that if I hadn't yet, I should definitely check it out. So, that night I went home on a mission and looked up Etsy. To my amazement it was just what I had been hoping and looking for! The rest is history.

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

The fact that Etsy is a website for handmade in itself is unique to me. It's not just a selling platform but a place to find and interact with amazingly talented artists from all around the world. One of the things that I enjoy the most about Etsy is that my shop is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It's so exciting to go to sleep at night only to wake up the next morning and find that someone was interested enough in one of my pieces that they'd purchased it (and while I was asleep)! It's also exciting to have people from Europe and Africa, among others, purchasing pieces of my jewelry - something that I've created. It may be hard work, but it is so rewarding knowing that someone on the other side of the world is wearing something that I've created with my own two hands!

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

Inspiration for my designs truly can come from anywhere and most often comes to me at one of the most inconvenient times of the day, when I'm trying to go to sleep! I am a night owl at heart and by the time I get in bed to go to sleep, I often find it hard to actually fall asleep because my mind tends to flood itself with ideas. Once I've fallen asleep I tend to dream about these ideas and when I wake up in the morning I'm ready to go! So, it's not actually all that bad J. Of course, let me loose in a craft store and I can spend hours exploring and coming up with new ideas. Having the pleasure of living in Michigan, the land of the Great Lakes, also provides me with plenty of inspiration. The flow of the waves in the bright blue water, the sprawling sandy brown beaches, and, of course, the immense luscious green forests. All I have to do is step outside and I'm inspired to create.

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

It's very hard for me to choose just one, as I love every piece that I've created. However, if I must choose, I'd have to say that my Azure Waves ring that I created with a blue lampwork glass bead that has been wire wrapped is definitely one of my favorites. The bright blue color of the bead reminded me of the crystal clear water of the Great Lakes and when I think of water I think of waves, this is where and how I came up with the name. In order to bring my idea to life, I tried a technique that I had never done before with this ring. Through wire wrapping, I integrated the waves in to the band of the ring. I'm happy to say that the same night in which I listed the ring it was purchased.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I would like to continue building on the Designs by Erika L. Rathka brand through a reputation of excellent customer service and quality jewelry pieces. I would also like to eventually be able to make the transition from this being a part-time to a full-time "gig". As of right now, I still have to work a part-time job in order to sustain and keep the business running, but hopefully with a lot of hard work and a bit of time things will start turning in that direction. For now, though, I'm ecstatic that I have been given the opportunity to do what I love and I look forward to the future and what it holds in store.

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

Of course! I am constantly coming up with new ideas and pieces for my shop. In the very near future, I will be launching a line of bottle cap jewelry (something I'm very excited about). In addition, I will also be adding new jewelry creations on a weekly basis. So keep a look out!

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

Currently, Designs by Erika L. Rathka creations can only be purchased on Etsy. To learn more about Designs by Erika L. Rathka you can visit my shop. I am very convo friendly, so feel free to send me a message with any questions, comments, or concerns! I can also be reached by email at erikarathka@yahoo.com. Be sure to become a fan of Designs by Erika L. Rathka on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/DesignsbyErikaLRathka for the latest news on upcoming sales and discounts! Also, follow Designs by Erika L. Rathka on twitter at: http://twitter.com/DesignsbyELR.