Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Weinberg.
Tess, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After college, I was working a couple of different office jobs and I just hated it. So after quitting my job, I ended up a waiting tables at restaurant and for the first time in my life, I was required to wear a uniform which was hard for me! But! I was allowed to wear whatever jewelry I wanted. So I got really into vintage and costume jewelry — mostly earrings.
After a while, I just felt like I wasn’t finding the designs and shapes I wanted at thrift stores and the mall, so I went to the local craft store and decided to try making some new earrings for myself. I started wearing them at work and my co-workers started asking if they could get a pair, and then the guests started asking where they could get a pair. So I made a little Etsy store with maybe three pairs of earrings in it, and started taking classes at a local metalsmithing studio and four years later… I’m still learning! But I’ve expanded my online shop and I’m now making handmade earrings, rings, necklaces, and hair accessories.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t know about “smooth”! But it has been a pretty natural progression considering I wasn’t really planning on becoming a jewelry designer. It started as a really nice creative outlet and then it became a fun way to make a little extra money and just recently, it became my full-time gig. I’m still learning everyday. Being a mostly self-taught jeweler/business owner, you run into a lot of things you don’t know — often by learning the hard or time-consuming way first.
Please tell us about Belle Isle Design Co.
Belle Isle Design Co is handmade jewelry made from brass and sterling silver. My designs are modern, geometric, and light-weight enough to wear all day long. It is statement jewelry for everyday wear!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
A LOT! Just kidding. Mostly, I would have advocated for myself more. In the beginning, I was really trusting (which can be a good thing, too!) and didn’t make certain wholesale accounts put any deposits down or sign anything, and I ended up being taken advantage of. But, you live and you learn!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.belleisledesignco.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @belleisledesignco
Image Credit:
Laura Mohn Photography
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