How It's Started, How It's Going

About a year ago, I finally convinced myself that I was ready to be a full-time jewelry artist, literally right before Covid shut the world down. All of the shows I’ve planned to do, some already paid for, were canceled. Shops that I started to or planned to do consignments with, were either closed temporarily or permanently.

I spent weeks moping around with a dark cloud of discouragement over my head, feeling like the world was against my pursuit of happiness. But that’s not exactly interesting or original. What I would like to talk about however, is what came after that.

I didn’t quit my nine-to-five to stay miserable. I didn’t ever expect it to be smooth, although it definitely went a LITTLE more challenging than I could ever imagine. Yet, despite all uncertainties, my stubbornness came in handy. I wasn’t going to give up before I properly tried.

So I switched gears. I stopped crying over all the can’t dos and started to focus on all the can dos. Instead of getting frustrated and mortified from not being able to see the big picture, I actually turned micro. I hopped from one little goal to the next, didn’t allow myself to get drowned in the fuzziness of the unknown. And boy, what a game changer!

Here are a little review of things I was able to accomplished after that crucial mental switch.

IGTV

I started going live filming myself in action at the jewelry bench, sharing all the joy in the making.

Stone settings

I spent time practicing different and more sophisticated stone setting methods, upping my game.

Etsy

I invested on a training course learning how to better my online selling and marketing skills, because without being able to do craft shows, my livelihood depends heavily on it.

Spooky Collection

I participated in a Halloween themed art challenge, and made a collection of all things spooky. I then presented them with fun make up and costumes, and received encouraging feedback from many!

Gift Shops

Two beautiful stores in LA, Stay Home Friends and Sumi’s are now carrying some of my work!

Art Galleries

Creative Arts Group and Cactus Gallery are both representing me as well.

Press

and last but definitely not least, I’m officially a published artist now! Online and in paper! Special thanks to Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine, Voyage LA and Voyage Miami.

And you know damn right, there is no stopping me now! On that note, I will end this post by inviting you to check out a joyful online event: A Sappy Birthday Show!

You’re invited!

Click here to check out what I made!

I don't remember how or when exactly I discovered Cactus Gallery, but this piece sums up my relationship with her.⁠
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Making art is easy because that's what I do, with or without people knowing about it. Being an artist and trying to connect with the world through what I make is however absolutely terrifying. Not only because I have to allow myself to be vulnerable, and to take the chance of being criticized, ranked or judged. But because most importantly, that could lead to disappointment, and then a disconnection with my craft. That, would be the worst.⁠
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Stumbling across Cactus and showcasing my creation through her, I feel very much like a jumpy stray cat walking into an adoption center, and finding my forever home through them.⁠
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I imagine that's what La Casa Linda is like to many other artists who have been encouraged, helped and promoted by Sandra through the past 16 years.⁠
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Thank you for caring about us, and always believing in us.⁠
How's that for sappy?⁠


So in hindsight, not that Covid is exactly over, but I am proud of all these little baby steps I took. If you have been following my adventure, I thank you for caring and for cheering me on from afar. Hope you too are giving yourself some credit for all the things you’ve overcome and achieved. Sending you lots of love and virtual hugs♥️♥️♥️