Artist Showcase - Sheena from Koolnecks Accessories

Welcome to our third edition of Artist Spotlight - The newest feature to our blog!  Here we will highlight fellow Etsy artists and give them an opportunity to share how they got their start, their successes, and the challenges that they face.  If you would like to be considered for this column or if you would like to recommend someone, please let either myself or Zoica know via Etsy convo. 
This week we are featuring Sheena from Koolnecks Accessories.

Here is one of sheena’s beautiful jewelry pieces:

Silver Ring Dangle Earrings

Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business

I am from the sunny island of Barbados, and that has been the inspiration for my jewelry. I am a huge animal lover. My husband and I have one cutie pie longhair dachshund and a desert box turtle. I enjoy creating beautiful things.. hence my art - handmade jewelry. All of my pieces are one of a kind and made with quality materials, simple, elegant and unique. My business is a "one girl" show, I am the creator, designer, artisan, curator and owner of Koolnecks Accessories!  My inspiration comes from my island background – the beautiful colors and smells, sounds of being surrounded by crystal blue waters. I love working with natural stones and shells, wires for wire wrapping. Various textures and colors are all inspiration for my handmade pieces.

Pink Pearl Frost Earrings

How did you get your start?

I got started as a hobby I was learning from a friend of mine. My business grew from a simple "girls' hangout time". I fell in tove with making jewelry, realizing that I can design and craft something that no one else has, got me thinking "hmm, this would be a great business!" I believe that if you do what you love, it will show in your work!

Pink Pearl Necklace

What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
My first sale was my biggest successful moment... I remember the first time I got a sale on etsy I yelled so loud and leaped up...... my husband thought I was crazy! Also along the same lines - my first sale at the store I have my jewelry selling as well, located on the scenic Eastern Shore of VA - Tangled Salon and Spa

Brown ShellStatement Necklace

What challenges do you face selling online?

I am constantly working on improving my online presence.   I have revamped my store, improving my pics to make sure they are clear, bright, and show off the beauty of each piece. I also realize that in a crowded market a challenge is meant to be overcome. That is what I am determined to do! A challenge is not a bad thing because it teaches you where to improve it makes you better, it makes your art better, and your product better!

Flat Brown BeadDangle Earrings

What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?

If you are just starting out on Etsy - DO NOT GIVE UP! Take/ask for all the advice you can. Participate in etsy's awesome community. Always look for ways and avenues to improve. Enjoy what you do and sales will come!

Blue andWhite Spiral Swirl Earrings

Thank you Sheena for sharing your shop and your background with us!
Well that about does it for this edition of our Artist Spotlight.  Don't forget you can recommend yourself or a friend for our next issue.  Just convo me or Zoica.  We'll let you know if you were chosen.

Thanks for stopping by.

Until next time...