SWCreations Inspires Others With Push Your Own Button Bracelets
Much like a photo, jewelry has a voice of its own. While it might not say something directly, it still represents a feeling, a thought, or event a special moment in time. All of which is very true for Stephanie White’s button bracelet collection,
a design that was inspired by a negative time in her life.
Now with her own personal button to push, SWCreations continues to expand. Beyond the button collection is a wide range of pieces to choose from. Within the 900 or so pieces of jewelry that Stephanie has listed, you’re likely to find something that will inspire you.
What inspired you to create SWCreations?
The initial inspiration for creating SWCreations was to find a creative outlet for all my extra mental energy after sleepless nights with a baby, and later running around all day after my toddler (I was a stay at home mother). I decided to call my company SW, which were are my initials. I decided on Creations because that left me open to create other things besides jewelry if the mood struck.
How many pieces do you generally have listed on your website at one time?
My store typically has about 900 pieces listed at one time. Every item is handcrafted, and most pieces are one of a kind, so when sales are brisk it is not always easy to keep my store stocked up with new items.
Tell us a little about your button collection.
I found my first jar of buttons at a local antique store. Inside this jar I found my first pendant sewn together with antique shell buttons and Swarovski crystals. My second purchase of buttons was on eBay. At that time, I was talking to a friend about how a particular competitor was really trying to “push my buttons”, and I came up with the idea of using these buttons as a symbol of my mental resolve to not allow people to “push my buttons”. Ironically, the eBay seller I was purchasing buttons from at the time had the type of personality that gave me another opportunity to practice what I had decided – to not allow “other people to push my buttons” Some people with whom I have shared my story that frequent estate sells began to gather even more buttons, and now I believe I may have a lifetime supply of buttons!
What inspired it?
The jewelry button design collection, ‘My BeadLoved Buttons’, was inspired by a really horrific event in the recent past. A competitor copied my web design and my jewelry designs, and then turned around and filed a false claim saying I had actually copied from HIM! I am sure you can imagine my emotional response to such a betrayal, and that greatly interfered with my creative “muse”. The entire situation was so unbelievably stressful that I found it was sabotaging my ability to be as creative. A long time friend, Shirley from www.GemstoneGifts.com suggested I find something creative to put all this extra energy into, and I found myself telling her over and over…this guy REALLY pushes my buttons!!!! So I began creating these new very intricate designs (translate that as something that required my full attention) and these darling little artistic creations were born from all that turmoil. I am a big believer in trying to make something positive come out of a negative situation.
Did you ever imagine your business would grow like it has?
I never imagined my business would thrive like it has, but I hoped! This company has given me the ability to raise my daughter while staying home as a single mother. Spending my day doing the two things I love most, taking care of my daughter, and creating things with my own hands, has been quite a blessing.
How has your business expanded/changed since it launched 10 years ago?
As my business grew and evolved I had to grow right along with it. I learned many different software programs, editing techniques, image processing shortcuts, SEO, HTML programming, etc, that have saved me a lot of time and money.
What goals do you hope to accomplish over the next year? Any long term goals?
I would love to have more time to be creative and design some new art pieces. I think one of my long term goals for my business is to hire some employees, and possibly a business manager.
What lessons have you learned from your business?
I believe, now more than ever, that I can truly do accomplish anything my heart desires.
Do you have any advice for anyone that might be interested in getting into the handmade jewelry business?
Do what you love, be yourself, and discover what you can create with your own imagination.
business on July 10th, 2009 4:42 am
I’m very interested in any posts with you, I respect and often try to visit you. Thank you.
Montey on July 10th, 2009 9:34 am
Great article, it is amazing how great things seem to come out of bad. Once again, proof to be greatful in everything. I really enjoyed it.
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