Saturday Artisan: Pelhuaz by Red

Welcome to the first 2014 Saturday Artisan! 

I'm pleased to introduce you to Zei, the artist behind Pelhuaz by Red. Zei is such a friendly person! I had a pleasure making custom label tags for her and she was a delight to work with! I am sure that she is an awesome shop owner and will make sure that you are satisfied with your purchase.

My favorite from Pelhuaz shop is this Druzy Necklace in pink with sterling silver chain. Isn't this gorgeous?

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

My name is Zeide Rojas. I'm a Telecommunications Project Manager that love making crafts and most of all jewelry. I create modern bracelets, and necklace made with beads, semi precious stones, glass and charms.

What is the story behind your shop name?  

The name Pelhuaz by Red actually came from my nickname. Everyone called me "Pelua" -which is the Spanish word for "Tangle" -like Brave-Merida-Curly-Hair. That's me, Zei the Pelua. After playing with the idea and my fascination with owls (translation in Spanish is buhos), the name was born. Was something like Pelua + Buho + Zei = Pelhuaz. The "Red", well is just the translation of my last name.

Who is your target market?

My target market is the modern woman who likes to look modern but by using simple accessories. Sometime less is better and with a bracelet or necklace your outfit will shine.

Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

I love looking for new beads or charm. After I found one that I love, I start imagining how it will look as a bracelet or as a necklace. Then is just the assembling process.

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

I live in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico, officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

Puerto Rico is a little island that measure only 100 miles long by 35 miles wide, making it the smallest island of the Greater Antilles. Puerto Rico (Spanish for "rich port") have an exquisite weather that invite you to explore. You can find local exotic hideaways, miles of white sandy beaches, mountains and valleys, and many other natural wonders.

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

As soon a s I have a new creation, I assign it a number. That number is used as the inventory control number that I use at the store for listing, and the inventory matrix. Using plastic storage boxes, I organize the items by such number, saving a lot of time when a new order arrive. I just have to look for the item at the storage box and deduct it from the matrix.

What is your best seller?

My best sellers are the bohemian beaded stretch bracelets that look lovely by themselves or when stacked with other bracelets.

How does your day go in general?

As a mom, a project manager, a wife and an entrepreneur; my day goes a little fast. In the morning, I have to prepare and take the girl to school and pick her up in the afternoon. While she's at school Mama is working as a Project Manager. After picking her up, is all about homework's, tests reviews and school projects. Then the regular Mama stuff related to fixing food, house chores, etc. When the girl is ready to sleep, then I can start working with Pelhuaz -pre arranging the post, processing any new order or making new items. 

How do you balance your personal and work life?

I'm trying to organize everything in a way that I can work on the store just few hour a day, leaving the rest of my time to family. Some time is a little complicated, but for me family is always first!

What inspires you?

Love, my girl, my Hubby. This are the things that moves me, and keep me alive. 

 

What is your goal for 2014?  

Pelhuaz by Red is practically a new. I opened it on June 2013, and it's being a great journey. I plan to have a total 50 sales, participate in 2 shows, being featured at few blogs -just like yours, start using my Nikon for the items photos, and work with the improvement of my marketing channels.

Any advice for others running their on-line shop?

Build a great community with people that share your same interest and are willing to help you. This is not a thing that can be done by yourself. Help is always needed. Don't be afraid to ask. If you met the right people, they will be willing and able to help.

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

Don't over spend in materials. Buy only what you need and when you need it!

  Stay-tuned for tomorrow's giveaway! You don't want to miss it!