Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophie Silverstein.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up making jewelry with my mom – she would take me to local bead stores and enthralled with the colors, we would pick out our favorites and string them together into bracelets. Throughout my life, I’ve come back to jewelry making as a hobby, but around five years ago, I sat down to bead some earrings and ended up with so many I started selling them to friends. Soon after, I started metalworking classes and fell in love with the technique and creative process.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and no. Creating feels like something I can’t live without, so that element has always felt easy. I’ve also always been drawn to the business side, so for me that doesn’t take the enjoyment out of it, but it does offer new challenges. I have to push myself through the tedium of administrative hurdles like finances and taxes, but ultimately knowing how to run a business properly is satisfying. I also struggle a bit with branding because I have a broad aesthetic range that has changed over the years, so staying consistent and cohesive as a brand while living through growth and change has been difficult. An important lesson I’ve learned is that I don’t have to be amazing at everything – working with a graphic designer on my branding and an accountant for my finances helped immensely.
Take Shape Studio – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Take Shape Studio makes art inspired jewelry for your bold days. Using playful shapes and impactful lines, I design jewelry inspired by visual observations, symbols, tactile experiments, and nature. Everything is handmade to last and I use sustainable practices whenever I can (recycled metal and packaging). I am always pushing myself to make creative, stand-out pieces that help the wearer feel confident and authentic.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Making my first engagement band out of white gold, diamonds, and a sapphire. It may seem silly, but making fine jewelry by hand can be a nerve-wracking process, especially when the materials are so expensive and the final piece is meant to be worn as a symbol of forever love. The piece turned out incredibly unique and beautiful, and the couple was thrilled.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.takeshape-studio.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeshape_studio/
- Facebook: facebook.com/takeshapestudio.us/
Image Credit:
Bethany Brewster took the portrait, the white product shot, and the image of the woman with the white background. I took the colorful product shot. Erika Soliz took the shot of the 3 women.
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