Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheley Hunt.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up in Norcross, GA, I developed a love for learning about other cultures and customs, so naturally, I chose to major in Intercultural studies in college and began down the path of a traveler.
Traveling and experiencing new cultures is a real passion of mine. However, nothing has enchanted me more than my time in South East Asia. College was done, and a new chapter was opening — a teaching position in Indonesia. My wanderlust heart fell hard for the undeniable beauty of this area. I found myself completely inspired during one excursion to Bali. It was here that I bought my first sterling silver beads that were handcrafted in a local village, as well as a few other treasures. I was set on finding a way to translate the exotic sights, sounds, and smells into unique pieces of jewelry. My business adventure had begun.
In those early days, I worked with whatever materials I could find in markets and began to teach myself how to bead and wrap wire. Over the years, I honed in on my style and began to experiment with gemstones and flowers. Once I returned to the states, I began participating in craft markets and selling on Etsy, which in those days was a much smaller market place.
Since then, the orchid has become a staple piece in my collection. Using only hand-preserved
orchid blossoms, working with these natural beauties always transports me back to Bali. Every sense is awakened. It’s one powerful flower that makes for a one-of-a-kind piece.
Today, my work is available in the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Gift Shop and on my website. You can still find me from time to time at a local artisan market in the area.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Making Devi & Co. a reality has not been an easy road, and there have been many, many a day I wanted to throw in the towel and walk away, but the truth is that the art that I make comes from such a deep place in my heart that I always came back. There’s a huge difference when something is just a skill that you have versus a part of who you are.
When I first returned home from Indonesia, I was engaged to be married and moved directly to Boston to be with my fiance. Although I landed an amazing job teaching English as a second language for a great company, this period of time was very hard on this southern girl’s heart and I suffered through depression which nagged at me. I stopped creating, and I allowed myself to drift away from everything. My relationship unraveled, and I found myself heading home to Georgia alone. I moved in with my elderly grandmother, Meme, with little possessions to my name. I didn’t have the energy to create much of anything, but I began to put the pieces of my life back together and began teaching English as a Second language again here in Atlanta. I also began putting an emphasis on healing myself and doing things for me. I started exercising and dancing, and most importantly, I began creating again.
These days, I struggle in other ways. Having such a niche product means that nobody is searching for my items because they do not know they exist! No amount of SEO tweaking or paid advertisement is going to bring about awareness of my product, so this is my job now! I have to create the demand by showing people that you can wear a real flower around your neck on fine gemstone necklace. You can feel like a tropical beauty no matter the season or where you are. Doing this is where I have to be creative. Just being present on etsy or on my website doesn’t mean I have automatic traffic or sales. I have to constantly brainstorm ways to make my brand visible to the public.
My Instagram account is where I can really shine in my niche with a gorgeous feed where I can continually meet my target market to engage and inform them of my brand and product lines. Working with amazing photographers like Brandi Inman definitely helps to create the right image, and teaming up with influencers like, surfer, Siren Williams has been another way to get my product in the public eye and spread my reach.
So far, though, I believe that my partnership with the Atlanta Botanical Garden has had the greatest impact on my growth and sales over the past year. It’ the perfect place for my one-of-a-kind pieces to be physically showcased in all of their striking beauty.
For women who are starting on their journey, I would say not to let your life circumstances right now determine what your life can be. Our trials of today will be gone tomorrow and life keeps rolling on. Don’t waste time allowing yourself to succumb to your doubts or fears, but preach to yourself every moment that you are good enough and your dreams can be a reality. Just keep saying it and pushing onward.
Please tell us about Devi & Co..
All of my pieces are handcrafted by me, personally, and are 100% one-of-a-kind. I choose to use only the finest and most unique precious and semi-precious stones, pairing them with crystals and pearls to create an exotic statement piece. However, what I’m most known for is my Real Orchid focal pieces adorning each shimmering gemstone strand. These flowers are harvested in the height of their beauty and preserved by hand, ensuring that their petals will not fade over time.
To me, Devi & Co. channels the energy and exotic beauty of lands most people will never explore. It’s my way of bringing Bali, and Thailand, and Cambodia, and India to you, even if you’re landlocked in Atlanta. Even if you will never go there yourself, a special piece from our collection can instantly transport you.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
As an introverted person, networking has never been my strongest suit; however, I recognize that having a supportive community is essential for growth and success. I’m a part of Flourish at Artisan Indie, which is an online community for handmade entrepreneurs, and I have to say that the information and assistance that I gain from this group has facilitated so much growth in my craft and my brand. Not only do I have access to experts across many relevant topics, but I also have met some amazing people along the way!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deviandco.boutique
- Email: sheley@deviandco.co
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/deviandcompany
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeviCoBoutique/
Image Credit:
Amanda Rattigan, Brandi Inman
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