by guest contributor Fina Tejada
Gabriela Hughes is a great example of rolling with the punches. When faced with losing her job, instead of focusing on the negative, Gabriela decided to start her Etsy shop, India y la Luna. In addition, she is a mom, a teacher, and photographer.
Gabriela’s jewelry is modern and simple, but also gives a nod to her South American heritage with graphics inspired by pre-Colombian art. I love how her creative process envelopes all parts of her life and her environment. She is definitely a jewelry designer to watch.
1. Can you give me a brief description of your business? What are the products that you sell? How did you come up with the idea to start your business?
I started my business on Etsy in 2006, I worked in the Business Center of a hotel in Buenos Aries, Argentina which kept me away from home many hours. By then my daughter was almost a year old and I wanted to spend more time with her. When I found Etsy I didn’t think it was for me because it was based in the U.S but I the idea of working for myself kept me thinking. In August 2006 I lost my job and took the opportunity to start selling hand made totes, purses, and wallets on Etsy. I noticed that jewelry was selling well and I dusted off my old jewelry gear and that was my start in the jewelry business. The truth is that I’m grateful I lost my job so I could do something I love.
2. What did you do before you started your business or did you keep you day job?
I am a kindergarten teacher in the afternoons. The rest of the time I’m a mom and create pieces for my shop.
3. Are most of your customers international? Does it make it more difficult? Such as the packaging and paperwork?
All of my customers are international. Primarily in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Europe, and Japan. Shipping to those countries hasn’t been a problem, our mail system is very efficient and I make sure to package everything in bubble wrap.
4. What are your plans for your business?
I would like to generate more sales through local shops where customers can touch and feel my pieces. My goal is to make a living only from my jewelry business.
5. What’s the first thing your remember making?
Clothes from my dolls; my mom taught me how to sew when I was very young.
6. What motivates you?
My daughter keeps me motivated. Also the will to improve my business, learning something new, love for what I’m doing. All of these things are important to grow and continue betting on life.
7. Do you have any tips for crafters who want to start their own business?
I think the most important to believe in what you’re doing, be confident in yourself and in your work, and have a lot of patients.
About the contributor: Fina Tejada owns Miss Fruitfly, an indie lifestyle company featuring artwork and home accessories. She is also a blogger who loves to cook, is a closeted reality show junkie and supports independent designers. She will be posting on the Indie Fixx Guest Blog featuring international indie crafters & bloggers to find out what motivates them creatively, how they started their businesses and how they approach the U.S. market. Fina will be posting periodically on Thursdays.
Hola,
I have a store in Brooklyn, NY.
I have Gabriela’s art work here and I want to say that everybody love her jewelry.There is a lot of jewelry around but, hers is just so…delicate, wonderful and full of love.
It is also a pleasure to work with her.
Go Girl!!!
Thank you girls for your comments!!! You’re so nice!!!
I have some earrings myself from Gabriela and I love them! She really does make beautiful stuff.
I own a ring from this designer and it is my favorite thing in the world. Beautiful jewelry!!
Those are beautiful pieces of jewelry! Kudos to Gabriela for turning sour grapes (losing her job) into delicious wine (beautiful jewelry)!
Thank you so much for your support!!!! It’s very important for indie designers!! 🙂