Ariana Alyse Designs began as an extension of my creative energy. I never set out to start a business - it just sort of...happened.
I've been creating things for as long as I can remember. Creativity and creation are such an innate part of who I am, I wouldn't be me if I wasn't being constructive in some way.
I've dabbled in many areas of crafting and creating. From painting to jewelry-making, from photography to graphic design, from model making to sewing; I've tried it all. Being more successful at some areas than others. But I always love to try something new.
One day during a high school summer, some friends and I went to a bead shop more out of curiosity than any real interest. We were probably bored and welcomed the an invitation to the cool indoor setting.
It was a modest shop, but contained every imaginable style, color and material of bead. There were tables set up with rows and rows of beads and little odd-and-ends, which you could choose from and add to your tray. So I picked out some pieces of interest and sat down to create...something. I wasn't quite sure what I was making or how it was done, but one of the women who worked there was kind enough to give me some tips. I made a simple necklace with grey and pink beads and felt a great sense of accomplishment. Here I was with something no one else had and I was able to make it exactly the way I wanted! It was a great feeling. I was hooked.
The next time I went, I made a matching pair of earrings and a necklace. I repaired jewelry that had missing beads or had a broken jump ring. I started taking requests from family members and friends, who needed a certain something to match an outfit they had. So then I started buy beads from craft stores. And then I bought tools and started exploring new materials I'd never worked with before, just to try them out.
I made a slough of pieces and began selling them, with little luck, at local craft fairs. Now I had all this stock, but no customers. Luckily, that's where Etsy came in. Now I had the opportunity to sell my creations to a HUGE audience! And so I opened up shop on May 31, 2009.
I still create everything myself. I don't have a studio or even an office. I have a desk in my bedroom, which serves as my workspace. I also spend a great deal of time on my lovely couch, because who doesn't want to be comfortable when they work?
I continue to push myself to try new techniques and materials in an effort to keep my jewelry style ever-evolving. I also try to keep in mind that my customers all very different, so I offer different styles and prices to accomodate everyone. I believe unique handmade pieces should be available to all.