Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Dixon.
Sara, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always loved working with my hands, from painting, to embroidery and sculpture. A few years back I was taught some jewelry making basics by my amazing and ever supportive mentor Shannon. She had me helping with her jewelry production, and encouraged me to start my own line. From her generosity and push in the beginning, I was able to start Cloud Bench and began selling to friends, family, and the amazing SLO community. I have been working with my husband doing pop up markets the last year, and have so enjoyed getting to know the people who come to the events and who are always happy to support local artisans and small businesses.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have been more than blessed in so many ways and overall, I have had a very smooth path. I have had amazing people around me my entire life, and when I think of it, it is all because of them that I have had so many doors open for me. That being said, I feel that I am my own worst enemy sometimes. I am a master procrastinator, great at doubting my creativity, and know all too well how to compare my art against others. Since I am aware of all this, I just do my best to keep creating and keep in mind that when I am making art or jewelry, that is when I am in one of my happiest states.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Cloud Bench encompasses the magic that I found here on the Central Coast. I have said it since I moved here 5 years ago, but I swear there is something EXTRA special about this place. I work mostly with gold fill, and work on creating pieces that are unique and beautiful, but also easy to wear. I love to mix other metals like brass or silver in with the gold, to make jewelry that doesn’t feel too over the top fancy. I use all natural stones and rarely create two pieces that are identical.
At this point, I am most proud of my top selling ear climbers. There was a period right at the end of my pregnancy a little over a year ago, where they were selling faster than I could make them. I would be hammering through the night with swollen feet, but so happy and amazed that the SLO locals basically helped to fund my baby’s birth.
I think what sets me apart from others is my attention to detail. While I rarely explain the tiny bits of thought that go into each piece (due to my inconsistent posts on IG perhaps….insert eye rolling emoji here), I am always thinking of the finishing touches. Adding a hint of rose quartz for love on a gifted necklace, engraving hidden messages on the back of pendants, or having an entire backstory on a stamped design, those details are always there.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was always pretty shy. It wasn’t until high school that I kind of began figuring out who I was, and even then I was basically just making one bad decision after the next. While I was shy, and then kind of an A-hole, I was always having fun. I used to bike ride around with my best friend singing ‘Good Bye Earl’ in twangy country voices, and making up fake languages and names. One summer I remember keeping track of all the books I read, and at the end of the summer I had read 53. And I remember that being a really fun summer. I dabbled in sports, but ended up being the outfielder who picked flowers, and the cheerleader who didn’t smile. It wasn’t until the end of high school that I was taking more art classes, and realized that this was what I truly enjoyed.
Pricing:
- I have pieces available for every budget, from simple and delicate hoops starting at $20, to more intricate and detailed pieces going up in price.
Contact Info:
- Website: shopcloudbench.com
- Email: cloudbenchlove@gmail.com
- Instagram: @cloudbench
- Facebook: @shopcloudbench
- Twitter: @cloudbench_
Image Credit:
Cloud Bench Photos, and John Patrick Images
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.
