Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Schroeders.
Laura, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Well, if it wasn’t for marrying into the jewelry business, I probably wouldn’t be doing this. I really was never into jewelry, so it was a bit ironic. I feel like I have always been creative in one way or another so after spending time working in the family business I started playing around with beads and the like designing simple pieces, but it was really more of a hobby.
I began to pay more attention to the rocks and mineral specimens that we around me on the shelves and I noticed all the interesting colors, fissures and edges they exhibited and it really sparked my interest. Since the shop began in the 1950’s as more of a rock and mineral shop than a jewelry store, there was an abundance of material in the attic of the shop and our basement at home. I knew there had to be some way to turn these poor leftovers into something that others could appreciate like I did. I looked into different ways of making jewelry and, through a lot of trial and error, I settled on the self-taught process that I use today.
So, fortunately, because we live in both Highlands, NC and Fort Lauderdale, FL I have been able to reach out and gain exposure from both areas. In NC, I have access to all kinds of material, but here in my Fort Lauderdale studio, I surround myself with gemstones and cool natural mineral crystals, which inspire my creative designer collections.
It has truly become my passion and makes me happy when I am creating and making, hence the name HAPI. 😀
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been pretty smooth, As I mentioned before, I was fortunate to have access to the material that I work with and the nature of the family business made it easier to chose a direction in my creative process.
You are always going to experience some sort of struggle, whether it be personal, financial or otherwise, that affects how you decide to move forward. I let my faith in the Lord help me with that.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the HAPI story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a one woman designer and maker of artisan pieces of jewelry and accessories such as hair accessories, belt buckles, and home items.
I use natural rough and/or polished gemstones and minerals combined with leather, chain or fabric to create expressive and dramatic, one of a kind piece of wearable art.
I believe that I have something for everyone, young and old.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I believe that the “artisan” industry is continually on the rise. People love to find unique things that express themselves and their style. Those who create &hand make items, whether it be jewelry, furniture, clothing, etc. allow for others to connect in a different way that with things that are mass produced.
I think that my business is definitely in line with that.
Pricing:
- Most items range from $25 – $150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hapijewelry.com
- Phone: 954-649-2480
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @makemehapidesigns
- Facebook: @makemehapidesigns
- Twitter: @makemehapidesigns
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