Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannay Arias.
Hi Shannay, 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?
Throughout my second pregnancy, I struggled with anxiety, which I often hid from those around me. So I started getting into different forms of art as a coping mechanism. The reason I chose jewelry making as an artform was because I enjoyed having the freedom to express my personality and personal style exactly the way I wanted, especially since I was outgrowing my outfits due to my growing belly. I also went on many walks and just admired being surrounded by nature. That’s my inspiration for using wood as my blank canvas. After much procrastinating, my husband and parents were able to finally convince me to turn my hobby into a business. I’ve started my business on Dec 19′. Since that time, I’ve transitioned from an Etsy shop to have my own website, participated in pop-up events in Atlanta and kept striving to improve my craft and expand my creations.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe all roads to success come with struggles. It’s how we learn to grow. The hardest thing I’ve dealt with was balancing my personal life and my business. Being a mother, wife and boss and learning the proper time management, not giving myself time. All these things were so overwhelming at some point and I wasn’t creating as much. Once I was able to figure out a routine for myself, it got easier. I still have my moments here and there, but there’s a thing about growth… there’s no stopping it if you keep on trying.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I see myself as an artist that creates my own jewelry. Although I have a selection of different types of jewelry, my main focus is wooden earrings with my original hand-painted designs that sometimes incorporate wood burned patterns on them. All of my jewelry is handmade and I invest a lot of time creating them. Most of the time, I create without thinking of a design or a pattern; I just work off the vibes I’m feeling. My favorite part is after I complete a piece, I don’t have any particular expectations because I didn’t have any blueprints; I just had my self-expression. My earrings command their own vibes, and that right there is what sets me apart.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I owe credit to so many. My husband Christian has been supportive every single step of the way and I owe a lot of my drive and confidence to him. He also handles the deliveries and all means of transportation. All of the handpicked shells that I use were actually picked by my mother and sister and they’ve had great ideas in how to decorate for my pop-up shops. My father has encouraged me to go for the things I procrastinate the most about which has led to me to being successful. My best friend Victoria has been a big part of my support system, she gives very great business advice and I owe a lot of my professional decisions to her. Dizzy was my first purchase and has always been a very encouraging thoughtful person. Her art also creates great vibes for my workspace. All of the support I have gotten from my family, my cousin Natalie ,Auntie Agnes and Auntie Celeste my extended family, my Suegra, Jojo, Nancy, YaYa, and my Step Mother, close friends, customers, business associates and admirers have had a significance in my business’s success and I wouldn’t be successful without them.
Contact Info:
- Email: woodenvibesstudio@gmail.com
- Website: WoodenVibesStudio.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/WoodenVibesStudio
- Facebook: Facebook.com/WoodenVibesStudio
