Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Dafgek.
Dawn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I moved to California 15 years ago after graduating from FIT in New York. I knew I wanted to work in fashion but needed to live in warmer weather, so I picked up and moved to LA. My dream was to someday be my own boss but wasn’t sure how. I worked for a clothing line for 5 years and learned the ins and outs of design and merchandising. I then moved on to be a buyer and run a clothing store in Manhattan Beach for 7 years.
About the 5th year in I started teaching myself how to make jewelry and would wear my pieces in the store. Soon friends and clients wanted to buy what I was wearing so I started working on my first collection. I try to infuse my personality into the line – a mix of East Coast edge with a touch of West Coast bohemian. I came up with a name, started an Instagram account, and began to do pop up shops all over LA to sell BONE by dawn.
After 2 years of building the brand while working a full-time job, I took the leap and quit to focus 100% on my jewelry line. It was at this time I decided to also add one of a kind hats and jewelry for men. Things started to take off and before I knew it I had complete creative freedom and owned my own company. Having flexibility has always been extremely important to me especially because I love to travel so much.
Traveling is what inspires me as a designer and helps my brand keep evolving. It’s been over a year that I have been working for myself and I could not be happier! I continue to grow as a business owner/designer and I am so grateful for the support I get from all the people who believe in me. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for BONE by dawn.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been pretty smooth, I’d say the main challenge I face is fear of failing but that is pressure I put on myself. I have not had a steady paycheck coming in and some months are better than others so that can be worrisome. It’s gotten better with time though and I am pleased with the rate at which it’s growing. I know I can never go back to working for someone else so I won’t let myself fail.
BONE by dawn – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is unique in that I offer jewelry and hats. These are two things I have always worn a lot of and wanted to share that with others. The women’s jewelry mostly consists of pavé diamonds, bone, semi-precious stones and fine metals. I also have a more Boho line that is all handmade leather earrings and necklaces. The men’s jewelry is sterling silver and pendants that I find in my travels or vintage pieces. The hats are all different and I can custom design them.
If someone comes to my studio they can pick from tons of vintage scarves and bandanas to create the band then add things like crystals, vintage pins, conchos, and old keys. I can distress and paint the hats to give them a more worn look. People have also brought things that are sentimental to them and I can incorporate that in the hats. My brain never stops creating which is reflected in my brand.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Someone once asked me that and my response was when a friend asks me to go somewhere like the south of France at the drop of a hat I can just say yes. Having total financial and creative freedom is when I know I am at the success level I have always dreamed of. I am the only half way there but I know I will get there soon enough.
Pricing:
- pavé diamond jewelry $125-450
- Leather jewelry $65-150
- Hats $125-180
- Men’s jewelry $75-150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bonebydawn.com
- Email: bonebydawn@gmail.com
- Instagram: bonebydawn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonebydawn/
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
