Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla De La Cruz.
Hi Carla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I studied architecture at CCA in San Francisco. My last semester there, I took a metal arts class and really connected with making jewelry. I practiced architecture for eight years and then shifted gears. I moved to Los Angeles in 2003 and began to teach myself jewelry making. Specifically, hand forming and soldering sterling silver/ gold-filled using resin infills. Through the years, I have learned so much and always strive to make my jewelry artful and unique. I teamed up with my best friend who helps with the marketing side of my business and it has been the best choice I have ever made. Our working together has taken my business to the next level.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Just a bit of a bumpy road. I fortunately worked in a small boutique shop called Zipper when I first moved to Los Angeles. The owners were so amazing. They let me sell some of my first pieces in their shop. I had first-hand experience dealing with customers and grew to love making custom orders. I eventually had to take a break for three years to stay at home with my baby who is now 13! When I came back into the jewelry-making game, I teamed up with my good friend and the business has been flourishing. However, coming back after a three years break from making and selling jewelry was really challenging and took at least a year to get things going.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is rooted in experimentation. I’m always playing around with new materials I can combine with resin and since I hand form and solder my components, it allows me to create new and unique shapes and designs. My most popular pieces are the astrology necklaces. I inlay gold microbeads in resin to form the constellations for each sign. I have a lot of customers who request custom constellations and colors, I love doing these and working with people on making a piece of meaningful jewelry. I’m most proud of the fact that I still hand make everything and don’t mass produce any of my components, it really sets me apart from so many other businesses that do this.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always surrounded by creativity. My father painted did woodworking and antique clock repairs. There was always something being handmade! Both my grandfather’s professions were artistic in nature. My Greek grandfather created beautiful hand-crafted furniture and my Mexican grandfather was a tailor. There was always something for me to play around with or help in shop or garage. I was very interested in painting at one point but in high school, I found pencil drawing to be what interested me most. I was a quiet kid growing up. Nerdy and awkward and still am!
Pricing:
- $35-$200
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://carladelacruzjewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carladelacruzjewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carladelacruzjewelry/
Image Credits
Julian Bailey
