Etsy Interview with Kat Designs NYC

My name is Kathy Lorenzo and I'm the owner of KatDesignsNYC. I have two children ages 12 and 13. When I'm not cooking new recipes or helping them with homework, I'm designing jewelry. This is not like a job to me, more like a passion. I love trying to create new color mixtures, mixing up metals, and getting advice from my daughter. My whole family is very creative and I always thought I would be as well. My mom is my inspiration for designing. She can take one idea and spin it a thousand ways. I took that type of determination and tweaked it to work for me. I always get inspired by people and everything around me. I grew up near Central Park West which is absolutely amazing in the summer time! The flowers, smells, and scenery is breathtaking. During the day however, I work for an Accounting firm in midtown Manhattan.

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

I actually started out making bath and body products in 2004 because my skin was so irritated by detergent soaps. One day I did a trade with another Etsy seller who made kits for those wanting to learn how to make jewelry. I figured it was something my daughter and I could do together. That amazing package was the best present I've ever received. So for one year I practiced on copper wire and followed bead designers on you tube. I read countless tutorials but never took an actual class. Anything I learned to do, I did so on my own. I wasted so much wire trying to perfect this and that. When I felt confident about my designs, I opened up KatDesignsNYC. I'm not creative when it comes to names so I named the obvious, Kat designs in NYC!

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I belong to a terrific soapmaking forum group and some were already sellers on Etsy. I checked it out and loved the idea of this person made something by hand in their home and will ship to mine. There is this wonderful connection between handmade sellers and their buyers. Buying handmade really means purchasing specially made items just for me! That's how I like my customers to feel whenever they purchase something from my KatDesignsNYC. I'm not just making jewelry, I'm making it just for YOU!

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

Etsy is unique because they are not only global, but both sellers and buyers are extremely helpful individuals. Whenever someone has a problem, there will be an Elysian right there to help. Etsy is also unique because the website has allowed me to be unique. I don't follow what others do, I design jewelry that I feel others will love. My shop KatDesignsNYC was fortunate to be featured in an Etsy Labor Day weekend deals on September 4, 2009. That day changed my life. They featured my blooming amethyst earrings and I sold quite a few that weekend!

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

Colors are probably my biggest inspiration. I'm a neutral kinda gal. I love black and dark blue. No strips or designs of anything. As I became older I realized I needed to change my tune, but nothing drastic! I study ways of mixing colors together and the effects they may have on some individuals. Some need bright happy colors, while others really enjoy dark non happy colors. The greatest awe inspiring aspect of designing jewelry is, somewhere in this world someone is walking around wearing one of my pieces!

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

My favorite pieces are the blooming flowers. I make them by wire wrapping gemstones together to form a blooming flower. I have duplicated pieces that I've sold on Etsy, just for me because I'm so in love with the design. I even have a blooming tattoo on my arm! To me that shape signifies never staying still. Always keep your mind open to learning and discovering new things about yourself.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

I would like to see Katdesignsnyc continue to grow. I started out only having 60-70 pieces in my shop. Right now you will see 142 pieces! I've been very realistic with myself in that, I do not expect to quit my day job anytime soon, but that's okay with me. I feel that I still have so much to learn and I enjoy that so very much.

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

Katdesignsnyc will begin featuring customized jewelry pieces starting in the fall. You can expect to see a lot more choices in my shop.

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

My blog:
http://katdesignsnyc.blogspot.com

My facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/katdesignsnyc/126831644019852

Etsy Shop
http://katdesignsnyc.etsy.com