Contributor post by Cindy Humphrey of Cynhumphrey
Please join us in welcoming Anne Houghton of Top Shelf Jewellery & Accessories, our featured member!
Tell us about yourself.
I have always loved to create!! Even from the earliest age I had a pencil in my hand drawing or coloring.
My great-Aunt taught me crochet when I was very small and I have loved it ever since.
Painting was my passion for many years, I have always needed to do something with my hands.
Around 15 years ago, I had my first encounter with a Bead Market. All those shiny glass beads, well that was it. I was hooked! I went home armed with a few basic tools, findings and some beads, and taught myself how to make jewellery and never looked back!
When did you open your business and what made you decide to do so?
Top Shelf Jewellery & Accessories was born not long after.
For many years I made and sold beaded jewellery at markets then opened my Etsy store in 2012.
I started to work with jewellery wire and found you could do so many things with it, from wire wrapping to crochet, which I love.
Tell us a bit about your products.
All my creations are one of a kind , jewellery crochet with wire and beads or even crochet with cotton and beads, beaded jewellery and wire wrapped.
The process is unique and no two pieces are ever the same, as such they make stunning statement pieces and one of a kind wearable art.
What inspires your work?
The very uniqueness of the process, depending on the beads, wire used and inspiration is very exciting! Each creation takes on its own form as it evolves.
What are your future goals for the business this year? What is your dream for this business?
I would love to see more exposure for Top Shelf Jewellry & Accessories, get my brand out into the world.
More time to create, continue to develop as an Artist and never stop learning.
What makes your business stand out from businesses that sell similar products?
Each creation is original, unique and one of a kind.
Tell us a bit about your work space. Do you have a separate studio?
As many of us I started out on the kitchen table, this then took over half the house! Now I am lucky enough to have a dedicated room which is my studio.
What have you learned since opening your business that you wish you had known before hand?
It will not be easy, the isolation of working on your own can be an issue. You need to network and find like minded people.
Not everyone will get what do or even like it, that’s OK, each to their own. You need to learn rejection is not personal.Believe in what you do and do it, there will be hits and misses. Mistakes are an opportunity to learn. Some even have become my best work !
If you love what you do it will show.
Any advice for those thinking about selling on Etsy?
Persistence, like most things you get out of it what you give, hard work and networking.
Etsy is a huge platform, you need to be noticed, exposure and embrace it.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do to unwind and have fun? Do you have any hobbies?
Spending time with my family, going to the beach, BBQ’s with friends and bead shopping!
What is your favorite quote?
“What if I Fall. Oh But My Darling. What if you Fly?” by Erin Hanson
Where can people find out more about your business?
My Etsy Store: topshelfjewellery
Facebook: Topshelfjewellery
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Thank you for the opportunity to feature my little store.
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If you would like to be featured, please go to the CIJ Etsy Forum and fill out the questionnaire. Please note you must be a member of the CIJ Etsy team to be featured.
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