November 19, 2016

Meet Cobb County Jewlery Designer and Artist: Anita Hollis

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Hollis.

Anita, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I truly believe that everyone has a gift that is deposited in each of us that remains there until it is unleashed and put into action!

During 2008, I began feeling that I was missing something in my life. I didn’t know what that was but I prayed about it and asked for my gift to be revealed. As time passed, a friend, out of the blue, mentioned I would be good at making jewelry, because of my fashion sense. Puzzled by his thoughts and after a few months of contemplation, I enrolled in a jewelry-making class. Unfortunately, I didn’t care for the techniques offered; however, I continued to explore other classes. I later enrolled in a metal smith class that basically taught how to use your hands and tools to create jewelry pieces by forming metal into different shapes such as bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. I only took one class, but found other classes online, via YouTube, to expound upon the techniques taught in the metal smith class. I found that these techniques were very easy for me to grasp and the entire process intriguing.

I have learned that my passion is my gift. As a jewelry artist, I love hand making pieces and watching a simple piece of wire transform into a beautiful work of art that can be worn. I still have more discoveries to make but I get so much joy when my clients are thrilled when they finally see the finished piece(s). They constantly remark about the high-end quality of the pieces and yet are surprised by the affordable price. Each piece is unique and slightly different because they are handmade individually. I enjoy doing everything, from choosing the metals, designing, completing paperwork, to packing and then delivering to the post office. All because I’m extremely particular about the presentation and want to ensure my clients receive exceptional service and care from beginning to end. So there’s no middle person, which keeps the cost down and affordable for all my clients. I use precious metals (Sterling Silver; Gold and Rose Gold Filled); precious and semi-precious stones; and sometimes diamonds if requested. I hand make pieces for men, women, and children. I have a modern, sophisticated, minimalist yet edgy flair with the pieces I create.

Has it been a smooth road?
The road to taking a vision and making it a reality hasn’t been smooth. When you’re trying to use your gift to create a thriving business, as an entrepreneur the struggle becomes involved and humbling. Sometimes you want to throw in the towel but your inner voice does not allow your passion to relinquish. There are a few immediate struggles that I can share. First having the funds to support my business has required me to invest in materials to create a variety of offerings to hopefully stimulate my clients. Second, understanding the market/trend has led to countless hours of research on-line and visiting various boutiques both in Atlanta and where my travels may take me. All to get a feel for what is popular and in fashion. Third, having the right e-store to introduce my designs, create a following and to make the purchase process smooth and easy also has had its challenges. I worked with five different webmasters before finding someone that could bring my vision to the page. I will share that I’m always optimistic and the journey has been and will continue to be incredible with all the highs and lows. It’s been truly a humbling experience.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Every moment is a proud moment for me but the first piece sold will always be high on my list. I still have a dollar sold from that piece.

Every story has ups and downs. What were some of the downs others might not be aware of?
First I will share that I never struggled with my gift, my passion but certainly found it a bit challenging understanding my place in the jewelry business, how to market and reach others. I felt overwhelm at times but didn’t throw in the towel…just took a very small break and continued.

My clients are absolutely phenomenal, they are very supportive and believe in my product, my jewelry pieces. They share my business information with family, friends, and co-workers which have helped my business to get a nice stride. Also, these challenges keep me grounded

What’s your outlook for the industry in our city?
Absolutely! I would recommend someone starting out here. Atlanta and surrounding metro areas are growing and it’s the perfect opportunity to start now during this growth, getting in from the beginning. The cost of living is lower than other cities on the east and west coast, so you can start here, expand from here.

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