Handmade N Beyond spoke with Creator of StudioSiara
Meet Sarah Jacob the Creator behind Siara – Unique Bead Jewelry with Indian Soul and Handmade Paper Products Hold a full time Job and creates her passion on the side.
Name: Sarah Jacob
Location: Chennai
How did you get your start?
I have always been a crafter – from making paper houses and Christmas décor in childhood to making jewelry…It has always seemed like a natural progression to me. My actual “start” in the handmade jewelry world was when my friend Eva sent me some pictures of jewelry she had made while living in U.S.A. I was curious to see if we could do the same in India – so I looked up a few YouTube videos, read a lot of tutorials, bought books to educate myself and then just started making jewelry.
What INSPIRED you and WHEN…
I am inspired by colors – I love the beautiful colors of nature, the many hues in a Kanjeevaram saree and of course the colors of the beads I use. Every color is a feeling to me and I always love to make jewelry that has good vibes and a positivity to it. My mother and brother are very talented artists and my dad is great at problem solving – I think I may have inherited these traits from them. My husband is my greatest support and encouragement – I am inspired when I am with my family.
Do you have formal training?
I have not received any formal training, but I have just attended some jewelry workshops conducted by DakshinaChitra (soft stone jewelry) and a fabric jewelry workshop by the very talented Jewelry Designer - Divya Narasimhan, in Chennai.
What is your day job?
I am a technical writer in a multinational firm at a full time position. My handmade jewelry and paper craft is my creative outlet. I am a midnight crafter and I enjoy making things with my hands.
What's the best part of having your own business?
The best part about it is that I have an excuse to buy pretty beads! Seriously – I enjoy work with my hands, it is a good stress relief and having my own business gives me great self-confidence. I love meeting new people through my business and sharing my talents.
How do you plan for the future of your business?
My husband and I have unofficial weekend “meetings” where we discuss how to go forward with the business, any issues or problems, and make any plans we need to make. We are trying to set monthly goals for ourselves and that helps us to plan our time better.
As an Artist, what is your biggest frustration?
My biggest frustration is the lack of supplies. Finding good quality supplies is my aim because I want every Siara customer to be able to cherish their purchase for a long long time. I wish we had hobby/ bead stores like they have in the U.S.A in India too.
Are there any crafters/artists/designers that you particularly look up to?
I look up to many many creative people – hard to name all but my biggest inspiration is Maggie Whitley who runs a sewing business (Gussy Sews). She is full of great advice and handmade business tips. Closer to home – I find Quillkaari- Swaati Chattopadhyay, Teekhii Chhurii- Pooja Ajmera, and Crafting Queen – Karuna Chauhan very inspiring.
What advice can you offer other creative people who are just starting out and following their passions?
My advice would be to believe in yourself – it took me a long time to be confident about my creative abilities. There is no problem that cannot be solved – don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family. And please support other handmade artists and creative people – they are just like you and they would love to be appreciated and acknowledged just like you.
How can fans purchase your work? Do you take custom orders and special requests?
My jewelry is available at It’s Handmade.in. I take custom orders/ special requests for nameboards, mini-albums for babies/ children, bunting banners, paper boxes and cards. If you would like any custom jewelry, or paper products please contact me at studiosiara@gmail.com for more details.
My Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/StudioSiara
My It’s Handmade Shop: http://siara.itshandmade.in/
My blog: www.craftzy.com
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