BrooklynButterfly ... New York, USA

Artist: Angie Randolph
Business: BrooklynButterfly
Webite: http://brooklynbutterfly.etsy.com
Location: Brooklyn, New York

What do you make?
I make beaded and wire jewelry. I also crochet hats, bags, and scarves. Occasionally I'll dig out the sewing machine and make a bag or two.

Where and when do you do your creative work?
Usually evenings and weekends. Right now my workshop is my couch. I can never have overnight guests because they have no place to sleep!

Do you have another "day job"?
I work in product development at a jewelry company. I do enjoy it, but sometimes I find myself sidetracked, daydreaming about things I want to make when I get home.




Where and what did you study?
I studied Business Management/Finance, but realized I was more into the creative side of business.

What inspires you and what motivates you?
I'm inspired by simple shapes and bold colors. I love buying new beads and dreaming up jewelry to make out of them. My friends and family always support me and keep me motivated.

When did you start doing this?
I've always done little projects here and there since I was little. I started becoming more serious about jewelry making in college. A friend of mine made jewelry, and she refused to make me any more pieces since she knew I could create them myself. She encouraged me to start up again, and the rest is history!




What memories to you have of getting into art as a kid?
The earliest project I remember is this macaroni frame I made in kindergarten. I think my mom still has it! I remember this huge tin of seed beads I had. I also made lots of friendship bracelets.

When and why did you decide to start your own business?
At first I would just make jewelry for myself. Everyone kept telling me I should sell my stuff. I started off slowly with friends and family and eventually progressed to selling online as well.

How did you choose the name for your business?
When I was younger I was really shy. When I went to college, I got involved in more things which allowed me to express myself through my creativity. I feel like I transformed into a whole new person, like a butterfly. And I always represent where I'm from... Brooklyn of course!




What do you love most about doing this work?
It's very relaxing and therapeutic. I can come home from a crazy day at work, sit down with all my beads around me and just unwind. I love creating things that make people feel beautiful.

What's the most fascinating place you've been?
So far, the Grand Canyon. Seeing it was such a surreal experience.

A book you love:
Wow, this is a hard question. I read everything! Can I pick an author? Octavia Butler. All of her books have strong women as the lead character.

What's the most interesting thing about you?
I have over 100 pairs of earrings. And it's not just because I make them, I seriously have an earring fetish! I started asking my family to bring me back earrings when they travel, so I 'm slowly building an international collection.





What achievement are you most proud of?
Finally starting to sell my jewelry online. It's been in the works for a long time.

What advice would you give women starting their own business?
Make sure it's something you have a real passion for, so when it gets a little tough, you can think back and remember why you started in the first place.

What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
Keeping my creative ADD in check! I always want to try something new, so I have to keep myself focused. Otherwise, I would have a room full of half-finished projects.

What do you love to do in your free time?
Make jewelry and read. My two loves!





What are you working on right now?
I'm working on some new designs with this huge amount of beads I just bought.

What do you hope to achieve next?
I would like to delve into metalsmithing. I took a beginning workshop and loved it.