Check Out Shelly Burgwald’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Burgwald.

Hi Shelly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a creative person, whether it was making small crafts or elaborate costumes. I attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and graduated June 2014 with an Associate of Arts in Apparel Industry Management. During this time, I completed costume design and assistant internships.

After graduating, I started a job in the Costumes Department for Universal Studios Hollywood, and shortly after I discovered a headdress making internship opportunity with Miss G Designs, by Caley Johnson, and learned and assisted with constructing headdresses during summer 2015. This was life-changing for me because I enjoyed making headdresses so much that I continued to make them for my belly dance performing hobby and also making them for friends who took notice.

In September 2017, I started my own headdress designing business called Embellished Haven Designs. I’ve created pieces for fashion photography, bridal, belly dance/stage performance, and more. I primarily sell my ready to wear pieces on my Etsy shop, EmbellishedHavenShop, and I also take on several custom designs. My most memorable recent accomplishment is showcasing my headdresses in a fashion runway show this year at RAW Natural Born Artists Hollywood. This was such an amazing experience. In addition to designing and showcasing headdresses, I also do a lot of collaboration with fellow artisans, I have them to thank in helping me build my portfolio and being a part of this designing journey.

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?
As a small creative business owner, there are definitely challenges. Since all of my headdresses are handmade (by myself) and one-of-a-kind, it’s been a struggle to really get my business off the ground. I would love to have this passion be financially stable and not need to have a “day job” to make ends meet. It’s slowly getting there. But as most entrepreneurs can agree, I wear many hats by doing all of the publicity, social media updates, promotion, website updates, material sourcing, and product photography. My ultimate goal is to be able to hire a team of fellow crafters to help make headdresses and complete other aspects of the business.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I design and construct headdresses and other related accessories. My specialty is elaborate and stage performance headdresses. Being a belly dance performer, I try to create pieces that are easy to wear, movement friendly and stay secure on the head. They also need to be eye-catching and help tell the performer’s story. Each headdress is one-of-a-kind and has its own character and story to tell. I would say my headdresses have a lot of Oriental and Art Deco influence, possibly because I design a lot for belly dance. Each headdress is made with exquisite detail and does not get sold if there are any noticeable mistakes, such as exposed glue or paint. I also try to give creative opportunities to fellow artisans with the collaborations I’ve done over the years. Not only does this help promote their specialties, it is also more fun to work with a team of creative people.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I absolutely love to collaborate with other artists and photographers. If anyone is interested in collaborating with me, they can email me at [email protected]. Even if collaboration is not possible, supporting each other on social media helps, too. I try to like and follow other artists’ work, which I know is truly appreciated. People can view and follow Embellished Haven Designs on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Etsy at @embellishedhavendesigns.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmbellishedHavenShop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embellishedhavendesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embellishedhavendesigns
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/EmbellishedHavenDesigns

Image Credits
Colleen G Photography Jaana Baker Photography Howl of Dawn Photography Paul Hebert Photography James Donnelly Photography Mia Ballesteros of Mia’s Monster Mash Ellie Follett Janeth Rivera Jonathan Frigillana Josclyne Ramirez Amanda Yost Pamela Chau Jasmin Buckalew Colleen Brouillette Erin McShane Christie Newby Hannah Reinartz Matt Adkins Dominique Nichole Love Zahra Husein Heather Logan Katherine Hoang