On Your Mind Creative Spotlight- Interview with Creations by Jay

Today's "On Your Mind" is special because it is Valentine's Day.

Janelle: Welcome, first I would like to thank you for the beautiful pieces you made for the Valentine’s Day  Giveaway. I want everyone to enter for their chance to win a gift card and a special piece designed for the winner.

Jacqueline L. Smith

Janelle: Introduce yourself, what is your name?

Jacqueline: Jacqueline Smith and you’re very welcome.

Janelle: How old are you?

Jacqueline: I am 31 years old.

Janelle: What is the name of your business?

Jacqueline: Creations by Jay

Janelle: How long have you been creating jewelry?

Jacqueline: I have been creating jewelry for almost a year now.

Janelle: “Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty” has followers from everywhere, where in the U.S. are you?

Jacqueline: I reside in Chicago, IL

Janelle: What’s your business’ URL?

Jacqueline: www.etsy.com/shop/Jay1979

Janelle: Do you have a Social Networking site for your business that you would like to share?

Jacqueline: Yes I do. You can find me on Facebook www.facebook.com/CreationsbyJay and also on Twitter www.twitter.com/CreationsbyJay.

Janelle: Tell us a little about your business.

Jacqueline: I started Creations by Jay in May 2010. I have always had a love for jewelry since I was a little girl. I decided to take that passion and turn into something creative where I could express myself. I really enjoy creating things by hand because it has a more personal touch to it. My designs are geared to women and men of all ages. I also design pieces for young girls and boys as well.

Janelle: Tell us a little about yourself and what makes designing special to you?

Jacqueline: I am a mother of 3 and I am also a full-time student working towards my B.A. in Psychology. Designing is special to me because it allows me to express myself creatively. In my personal opinion when you design something by hand you are putting your heart & soul into it. Each piece created gives a little insight into you as a person.

Janelle: How did you come up with the idea to start a jewelry design business?

Jacqueline: To be honest it was a spur of the moment kind of thing. I was actually out shopping for jewelry and couldn’t find anything that appealed to me so I decided to try and create something myself just for a specific occasion. Little did I know it would turn into a small business!

Janelle: What inspired your design for the pieces you designed for the "I Love 2 Love Giveaway"?

Jacqueline: I was inspired by my love for the color red and romance and what better way to express that creatively than on one of the most romantic days of the year, Valentine’s Day.

Janelle: What are your future plans for your business?

Jacqueline: My future plan is to open my own boutique and continue to expand.

Janelle: Your own boutique will be awesome. Just keep pushing for it. What advice would you offer to an aspiring entrepreneur interested in jewelry design?

Jacqueline: I would say, follow your dreams. It’s not easy but with hard work and determination anything is possible.

Janelle: One more thought tell us one thing that makes your business unique?

Jacqueline: My business is unique because each piece is an original is never duplicated.
Janelle: Here on Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty we like to encourage and uplift, can you tell us one time when you wanted to give up, but didn’t?

Jacqueline: Towards the end of last 2010 and the beginning of 2011 I was ready to give up on my jewelry business because it had hit a standstill, but with the encouragement and support of a really good friend I held on and now things are looking very promising.

Janelle: Would you like to share anything else about yourself or your business?

Jacqueline: With this being Black History Month I am proud to have a black owned and operated business.
Janelle: How do perspective clients contact you?

Jacqueline: I can be reached by phone at 773-708-1080 or by email CreationsbyJay@live.com

Janelle: Thank you Jacqueline for sharing your creativity with us. It was a pleasure working with you and a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your passion. I look forward to working with you in the future.



****If you would like to be featured as a creative spotlight, please email me at brownmindbeauty@gmail.com for more information with Creative Spotlight in the subject.