Feature Friday: LittleStudioJewels

Meghann from Little Studio Jewels
How did you get started:

I always loved art, but photography really held me captive. When going on a cross-Canada drive when I was 13, my mom got me a basic point and shoot and a roll of film for each week. I took some of the most amazing photos and I was hooked!

For my jewelry making, during high school, I could never find jewelry I liked at the quality I wanted, with a decent price tag. I made my own instead! When I became sick with fibromyalgia and had to quit my job, I needed something to keep me occupied, and my arts came back to me. I haven't looked back since and it has been a great experience to run my own business doing something I love.


What are your inspirations?


My husband, my dog, my family and friends are all inspirational. My husband works so hard to get the things he wants and needs and it shows me that if I work hard, I can do the same. My dog keeps things simple, and I think we all need to take a page from her. Play, eat, sleep, work, everything is just simple - no dramas or manipulations, it is wonderful. My family and friends are all great for different reasons and they keep me happy and sane. I am also inspired by nature, and my Celtic heritage. They both transcend time!


What are your favorite pieces?


I am currently working on my new collection, called NeoAmour, which means new love. I am taking powerful women from history and creating pieces inspired by them. It is fabulous - I get to make jewelry to satisfy my inner artist, and I get to satisfy my inner nerd by researching great women! Here are some of my favorites: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15301910
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28568467
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25758133


Are you affiliated with any charities?


I help many animal organizations, as I give 10% of my total sales to a different charity each month. Some months I help people charities, but I love my animal ones too! Here is a list of charities I help:
Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation
Rescue 100 - an organization devoted to rescuing 100 horses found perilously ill in Alberta in 2008 and seized by the local SPCA
The Arthritis Society of Canada
The Country Cat Sanctuary - A local No Kill Sanctuary for rescued and abandoned cats
National ME/FM Network Canada - an organization devoted to helping improve the lives of those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Fibromyalgia (FM)
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Hearts on Noses - a sanctuary helping abandoned and abused mini pigs in BC
Rideau Valley Wildlife Society
Epic Farms in Alabama
National Wildlife Federation
Lanark Animal Welfare Society

SALES AND SPECIALS
I am having a sale the last week of August and also for one day on my birthday, September the 10 - everything is 20% off!

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ChocoDot

is featured on Shop by Hand

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Friday Feature

WONG POTTERY

What is the name of your store and what type of items do you sell?
Wong Pottery and I sell mainly functional pottery. I love making teapots, platters, bowls...everyday items that people will use and enjoy.

What made you decide to get into this business?
I've been playing with clay for many years. It is a very healing art for me. I escape into the basement to make pots whenever I get the urge, which is whenever I have free time. It's becoming my baby and I love to feel inspired by it and see it grow and touch peoples lives. The business is a way for me to connect with others with my art. I love that my pieces are being loved and used by others. I feel a bit of the creative me is being shared with others and that brings me lots of joy. Pottery has become a very empowering part of my life. It allows me to bring inspirations into fruition which is very inspiring

What is your business goal for the next year?
Potentially to open a shop in the southern Maine area where I can teach classes, have a gallery for my work, and connect with the community to share the healing and empowering aspects of pottery and art with others. I would also love to connect with some galleries locally or nationally that would like to show my work and sell, so I can get some more exposure and enter different markets.


Do you have pets? If so tell us a little about them.
My other baby is my black lab hound mix, Larry. He was adopted from Louisiana and is just the sweetest, goofiest dog. He gives sweet kisses and loves to cuddle, but also can really rip up the back yard playing fetch. We also have a blended family of three cats. My husband's two gray tiger cats, Poco and Mr. Bear, like to torment my female Calico, Declan. They are all very social and loving and playful. I love to lay with a purring cat on my chest. What a wonderful feeling!

Do you do this full time or do you have a day job?
This is a part time endeavor right now. I am a full time 5th grade teacher, but teach clay classes at my school and also do private lessons in my free time. It is a dream for it to be a full time project, or at least a more time project.

Do you have any special interests, crafts, talents? If so, what is your latest project?
I like to think that pottery is a special talent. I've also gotten into mosaics lately, and may start making tiles with clay.
List three things we would be surprised to know about you?
I ran a half marathon, I find it empowering to use power tools, I participated in the National Toboggin Championships


Where can we find your shop products?
Etsy.com
Bittersweet Barn in Casco, Maine

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