I kind of feel like a broken record, but I'll say it over again… I love husband and wife teams! And when I heard Betsy's story, I jumped at the take chances to share it with you lot. Allow me give you the run-downward…

Filled with hand-engraved brass, dripping bondage, and mixed metals, jewelry store, betsy and iya, exploded on the scene just 3 short years agone. Betsy, forth with her helper Lupe, creates every slice for her store past hand in the nigh adorable studio/ role/ retail infinite I have ever seen (which I am sharing today). She built her business organisation completely from scratch and is now proudly in more than 75 shops across the country. Now remember I mentioned that betsy and iya is a married man and wife squad? Yeah! Let me get to that… Because Betsy'south business organization is doing so well, her husband Will was recently able to quit his deskjob to work with her total time behind the scenes.

Is that incredible, or what? I am and so thrilled for Betsy's success and I thought you might be interested in how she's done information technology. And so, I sat down and asked her (and her hubby Will) questions virtually their success, snagged some tips for you on getting started and keeping the train moving, and a whole lot more. Let'due south get to information technology…

1. In three sentences or less, how would y'all describe your jewelry line ? "betsy and iya" is a Victorian Breakdancer, where prissy elegance meets bold grit. Focusing on disproportion, betsy & iya jewelry inspires conviction, packs attitude, and winks at strangers. Big statement pieces, mixed vintage metals, repurposed hardware, hand-formed findings and pop colors push boundaries and exude sex appeal.

two. Your shop and studio space is to dice for. I can't await to stop in next time I am in Portland. So, where exactly is it located? Our store, studio, and office are squeezed into a 289 foursquare foot box under the I-405 thruway in Portland. Were neighbored past warehouses, salons, a Montessori school, nutrient carts, painters, a domestic dog hotel, the Willamette River, and a huge indoor kids playground.

3. Having a dedicated space outside of your dwelling to work is fantastic. What take you lot found to be the best time of day (or night) to become work done? I work all the time, and Im all-time nether pressure. Im at my most productive when I accept a deadline looming. But Ive found that I can flim-flam myself into getting in the work groove by setting up mini challenges. "Tin I cut, hammer, and file 20 pair of earwires in v minutes?" "Can I sketch out three new designs before the coffee is done brewing?" I figure out a lot in the shower. Its my moment of stillness everyday.

"Ive found that I can fob myself into getting in the work groove past setting up mini challenges."

iv. How long take you been pursuing work as an artist and store owner? I started betsy & iya in March 2008, but I feel like Ive been preparing for this my whole life. Ive always seen the tiny details, heard the buried melodies, loved patterns and anarchy. Im an obsessive perfectionist. I have an MFA in Physical and Ensemble-based Theatre. Im incredibly competitive, but completely silent about it. Im teaching myself bass. I love dancing. All of this has made me the designer I am.

5. Being in more than than 75 stores nationwide is a huge accomplishment. And certainly something that most every artist dreams about. Only we all ascertain success differently, so I am curious to know… What has been your most exciting / noteworthy event or happening recently that you interpret as a success? There are then many things I meet every bit successes, from my hubby quitting his job to come onboard total-time with betsy & iya, to getting emails from customers about how beautiful they feel wearing my designs, to discovering a new design in the shower. I come across success in so many things and I think this is probably the single most important reason Ive been able to stick it out through the tough times. Success doesnt come in a lump sum. Its in every sale, every time I unlock my studio in the morning, every moment of inspiration. Its a meg tiny victories and its of import to meet them all, appreciate them all.

"Success doesnt come in a lump sum. Its in every auction, every time I unlock my studio.."

6. So true! I dear how y'all define success. Before I let you lot go, I take i final question for you, and it's kind of a large one. What advice can you lot share with other artists and makers who may be just starting out, or are struggling to be seen? My biggest lesson is to merely exercise it. Leap. That thing youre thinking near doing""whether its a new design, or quitting your solar day task, or making that first wholesale pitch""its worth doing. Especially if information technology terrifies you. You will succeed and you will neglect, but non all at once, and you will learn from all of it. This is a lesson I continuously remind myself of: button through the anxiety, self-doubt, the "what ifs." Its the only way to grow.

"You will succeed and you will fail, but non all at one time, and you will learn from all of it."



Great advice! Thanks so much for the tour and interview!

Delight be sure to visit Betsy and Iya online, and if you're in the Portland expanse, end by their store and pick something up! I know side by side time I am in town, I'll definitely be popping in. Location and shop hours tin can be institute correct here .