I can honestly say, that I've never been one of those ultra-cool, swanky types who exude a seemingly effortless modern hip-ness. Lucky for me, I merely have to peak into see Leah's shop to find all the tools I need to appear sleek. Combining timeless gems such as pearls with clean lines of wire, Leah seamlessly creates modern looks that are refreshingly classic.
Miss Leah, my neighbor from the west, was kind enough to answer a few of my own questions, and here's what she had to say:
Miss Leah, my neighbor from the west, was kind enough to answer a few of my own questions, and here's what she had to say:
Location: SF Bay Area, California
Website: http://www.michondesign.com/ and http://michon.etsy.com
JB: What do you create?
Jewelry
JB: When and where do you do your creative work?
I make jewelry when I have time, which is usually evenings. For wirework, I can work anywhere and sometimes make jewelry while I'm watching TV, but for metalwork that involves more tools, I have a studio set up.
JB: Do you have another day job?
Yes, I work part time.
Grace - Pretty Feminine Pendant
JB: Where and what did you study?
I studied linguistics at UC Berkeley.
JB: Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere. There are so many beautiful things to look at, both in nature and manmade things like art, or really beautiful architecture.
Gossamer Wings
JB: What motivates you?
Right now my motivation is earning more money so I can work from home & take care of my son instead of going to a day job.
JB: When did you start doing this?
I've been making jewelry for more than ten years, and selling it for about five.
Green and Brass Resin Pendant
JB: When and why did you decide to start your own business?
When I realized how much time and money I was spending on jewelry making, I decided to sell some of my pieces to cut down on the expense and hopefully make a little bit of money.
JB: How did you choose the name for your business?
Michon is my middle name, and I always liked it.
Jewelry
JB: When and where do you do your creative work?
I make jewelry when I have time, which is usually evenings. For wirework, I can work anywhere and sometimes make jewelry while I'm watching TV, but for metalwork that involves more tools, I have a studio set up.
JB: Do you have another day job?
Yes, I work part time.
Grace - Pretty Feminine PendantJB: Where and what did you study?
I studied linguistics at UC Berkeley.
JB: Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere. There are so many beautiful things to look at, both in nature and manmade things like art, or really beautiful architecture.
Gossamer WingsJB: What motivates you?
Right now my motivation is earning more money so I can work from home & take care of my son instead of going to a day job.
JB: When did you start doing this?
I've been making jewelry for more than ten years, and selling it for about five.
Green and Brass Resin PendantJB: When and why did you decide to start your own business?
When I realized how much time and money I was spending on jewelry making, I decided to sell some of my pieces to cut down on the expense and hopefully make a little bit of money.
JB: How did you choose the name for your business?
Michon is my middle name, and I always liked it.
JB: What are you most proud of?
My son, who is about three months old.
JB: What advice would you give other women on starting their own business?
"It isn't easy, but it is rewarding to make money doing something you love doing, so if you don't mind working really hard, go for it. Just understand that you have to work really hard to make money, and unlike a day job, you don't get to go home and forget about it at the end of the day. But it's worth it!"
JB: What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
Currently, finding time and energy to work is challenging because I am getting used to being a mom. I've been making quicker, simpler designs because I need projects I can finish while my son is napping.
Rose Quartz Centerpiece with Freshwater Pearls
JB: What do you love to do in your free time?
Sleep!
JB: What are you currently working on?
Photographing some earrings I made a couple weeks ago so I can list them in my shop
JB: What do you hope to do next?
I really need to get busy making rings for a gallery that sells my work...
Thank you Miss Leah, for sharing your thoughts with us!
Until next time...
xoxo
Cathy
My son, who is about three months old.
JB: What advice would you give other women on starting their own business?
"It isn't easy, but it is rewarding to make money doing something you love doing, so if you don't mind working really hard, go for it. Just understand that you have to work really hard to make money, and unlike a day job, you don't get to go home and forget about it at the end of the day. But it's worth it!"
JB: What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
Currently, finding time and energy to work is challenging because I am getting used to being a mom. I've been making quicker, simpler designs because I need projects I can finish while my son is napping.
JB: What do you love to do in your free time?
Sleep!
JB: What are you currently working on?
Photographing some earrings I made a couple weeks ago so I can list them in my shop
JB: What do you hope to do next?
I really need to get busy making rings for a gallery that sells my work...
Thank you Miss Leah, for sharing your thoughts with us!
Until next time...
xoxo
Cathy
