Giveaway from AyaDesigns: Shell Pearls and Crystal Rondelles Stretch Bangle Bracelet

Here is a GIVEAWAY you do not want to miss out!

AyaDesigns is generously giving away this beautiful Muted Shell Pearls and Crystal Rondelles Stretch Bangle Bracelet

Get to know Aya our Saturday Artisan this week. My interview with her can be found here.


I ordered this bracelet last month as I was SO in love with it and had to get it! I am a pearls lover myself.


 One lucky winner will get this gorgeous bracelet, so what are you waiting for?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest starts now and ends on February 23rd, 2014. Contest opens to worldwide (FREE SHIPPING to US and CANADA only). Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you. Entries without contact information will be disqualified. Entries that do not follow the rules will be disqualified. Contest winner will be drawn on February 24th. Winner must respond within 48 hours after being contacted otherwise another winner will be randomly selected. Good luck, everyone!

Saturday Artisan: AyaDesigns

Happy Saturday!
This week, our Saturday Artisan is Aya of AyaDesigns.

I always admire Aya's work. Her designs are amazing and she combines colors perfectly. Take a look at this Gorgeous Multi Colored Three Strands Freshwater Pearls Necklace for example, stunning isn't it?

As part of The Artisan Group (TAG), an elite art promotions group representing talented small-business artisans at the best celebrity gift lounges, Aya has designed custom pieces for exclusive collaborative gift bags prepared especially for Hollywood celebs including Tyra Banks, Amy Poehler, Mariska Hargitay, Brandi Glanville and Stephanie Drapeau! Featured in GBK's The Artisan Group 2013 Oscars Gift Guide.

Let's get to know Aya a little bit more, shall we?

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

I'm a military brat born in France to a French Mom and American Dad. I've traveled all over the world and my love of travel and fashion has taken me in this direction. What started as a hobby has turned into a wholesale business (I sell to stores in MI, FL, OK and GA) at the urging of my adult daughters a few years ago.
My online business is a side note but I'm really loving it!
I handcraft jewelry using natural stones, semi precious stones, freshwater pearls, Lampwork beads and crystals. I go to gem shows to choose my own stones - it's a lot of fun.

What is the story behind your shop name?  

Not too original, I'm afraid. I've used my nickname. My full given name is Ariane.
Aya came as a result of my closest sister not being able to pronounce the French version of Ariane (Ah Ree Anne) - it became Eye Ah! :D
When I lived in Turkey, I was told that it means To the Moon ... so I've always liked my nickname!

Who is your target market?

My target market is anyone who loves beautiful classic, elegant, affordable jewelry. I do cater to a lot of brides and their bridesmaids as well.

Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

From the minute I get new stones and findings, I'm excited to get back to my work station and start putting pieces together. I've been known to take apart and restring many times until I get the piece that pleases me the most.

For us who love to travel, could you share a bit about your beautiful town/ city? 

I have been settled in Atlanta, GA now since 1989. I came via France, Belgium, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and many states thanks to my military Dad and my ex husband who is an airline pilot.

Could you share on how your organize your products, we all can use a little tips here and there in this department?

I'm a bit of a neat freak - it's taken many tries to find the right bins and containers to store my stones and findings. Nothing genius but it works for me.

What is your best seller?

I don't know that I have any one best seller since I make mostly one of a kind items but I seem to do really well with my shell pearls stretch bracelets - they resemble Mikimoto pearls but are a fraction of the cost ... and Southern women especially love them.

How does your day go in general?

I'm retired from an actual real day job so my day is whatever I want it to be now! I try to walk anywhere from 4-8mi a day or swim laps (I'm a former competitive swimmer). I will then spend time taking photos and editing pics of my jewelry during the sunlight hours and usually will spend about 4-5 hours crafting in the evening while watching (listening really) to PBS or HGTV. I usually do this 5-6 days a week and always try to take one or two off just to recharge.

How do you balance your personal and work life?

My work life is something I love but I always have time to spend with friends or family. I'm blessed in that regard. Never forget to enjoy life, it's short and so very precious.

What inspires you?

Everything inspires me! I love nature and people and travel and photography and life ... I'm continually evolving in taste and style but I think it's a good thing! I'm inspired by happy, content people. I'm inspired by middle eastern colors, I'm inspired by the French woman's style.

What is your goal for 2014?  

I'll be 55 in May 2014 and my biggest goal is to travel to Morocco! I still travel to France every year to visit my Mom (my parents divorced and she moved back to her homeland), but I am now doing hiking trips in a different country each year as well.
Business wise, I'd love to reach a level of comfort where I don't have to work so hard on promotions since it's so time consuming (maybe that's a dream, not a goal).
I also plan to get a check-up and take better care of this middle-aged body!

Any advice for others running their on-line shop?

The biggest advice is to self-promote! Use the tools out there to get your shop more exposure. This blog is a great example of that, Facebook biz page, twitter and your local newspaper are others. Don't be timid. And if you are turned down, there's always another door! Believe in yourself.

Saving money is important; tell us one thing that you do to save money?

I do like to save money! No real tricks but I'm a couponer and a firm believer in contributing to an IRA. It's never too late to start. The more you save, the more you'll want to!

How to be in touch with Aya?

Facebook
Twitter 
Pinterest 
Polyvore 
Fancy 

Stay-tuned for tomorrow's giveaway!