Today we’d like to introduce you to Donesha Brown.
Hi Donesha, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always enjoyed creating and being a maker, whether it was creating a new exciting lesson when I was a teacher or making a new collection of earrings, but it was my love of sewing that lead me to open my shop last year. I started off making face masks and small leather goods with the intent of having a shop that sold items I sewed. Then, one day while scrolling through Pinterest I discovered polymer clay earrings. I immediately fell in love with everything about them, from the styles to the process of making them. I purchased all the supplies I needed and taught myself how to work with polymer clay to make beautiful handcrafted earrings. Which are now the biggest sellers in my shop. I still feed my love of sewing when I design clutches and small leather goods for my shop.
I really love being a maker and trying new things, and the versatility it offers my shop. I look forward to seeing how my growth is reflective in my shop.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, it been a smoother road than I feared starting a small business would be. I don’t think the struggles I have experienced are any different from the struggles of anyone starting a new business, from sales flow and exposure in a highly competitive market to the late nights working on creating a new design. Right now, I feel that I am riding the ebbs and flows of having a small business and I am enjoying every minute of it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the owner and designer of D. Desiree Designs Etsy shop, and a self-taught polymer clay jewelry designer and sewist. I started my shop making face masks and small leather goods with plans to keep my shop in the niche of sewing. Then, I discovered the art of polymer clay earrings, and I became enamored with learning everything about it so that I can include handcrafted earrings in my shop. I really love being a maker and trying new things, which will always be reflective in my shop.
When you visit my shop know that you will find something that speaks to you personally whether it be a pair of earrings, a clutch, key chain, etc. The love, time, and effort I put into making my products is meant to enhance the beauty my customers already have within themselves. I want that beauty to make my pieces beautiful not the other way around.
What are your plans for the future?
I have recently started offering DIY earring parties which are such fun and creative events to plan and host! It gives me the opportunity to combine my love of teaching and being a maker. I love the feeling I get when I get to see the final product of something I created and I love seeing the pride in the faces of the party guests when they see the end results of something they created with their own hands. Growing and expanding this part of my business is what I am most excited for.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.desireedesigns.etsy.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/d.desireedesigns
Image Credits
RaeManda Carew
