Today we’d like to introduce you to Paty Damera.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, my parents, my aunts, and my grandmother all gave me special pieces that started my love of jewelry. Several of those pieces I still own today and have become family heirlooms. Some have even inspired some of my designs. However, my delving into the world of jewelry design came years later.
I majored in English and right out of college I went into teaching high school English. I taught for about 5 years before leaving the public school sector and going into private tutoring. In between those years, I took a few jewelry classes mainly for myself. I kept looking for specific pieces I wanted but could never find, and I was disappointed with the quality of materials out in the retail market and the prices for such materials. Those that had quality materials were out of my budget. I wanted pieces I could afford, but pieces that would last. Since I could never find a happy medium, I decided to start making my pieces. I took a few basic classes and slowly began creating my designs. What started out as a hobby, slowly grew, through the years, into a small business I now run from my home.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not. I have been doing this for a total of 9 years. In between those years there have been years of frustrations, breaks, and doubts.
When we moved into our home, I had no designated space for myself to work in. There was a room I had set aside, but it was the designated “junk” room, and for two years I didn’t even touch a bead. I had no motivation. Moving and fixing up the house took everything out of me and I had no desire or inspiration to create. It wasn’t until I worked on that room and made it a space that was inviting and soothing, a designated space for myself, that the desire to create came back.
Another struggle has been just getting my designs out there. There were times when months went by and I didn’t have a single sale and I literally wanted to wrap it all up and stop. I realized I needed to find different avenues in which to branch out into, and also take a step back and analyze my designs, and approach it with a new outlook and make necessary changes. I’ve learned that I may love something but others may not, and I may have to break it apart and start fresh. These things you learn with time.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business is a one woman show. I do it all- buying, designing, marketing, packing, shipping, delivering- it all goes through me. This is hard work but it also ensures and maintains quality control. Because I design and create the pieces myself, I make sure every little detail is as it should be. Every gemstone and element is attached and secured properly, and designs are made to the standard I want and expect. I stand behind all my designs and products.
As regards my company, Vida Jewelry Designs, my mission is simple: create quality pieces that will last. In the world of ever-changing fashion, it is sometimes a challenge to find classic pieces that will last the test of time. When I started Vida Jewelry Designs, I wanted to ensure that the pieces I designed would not only last for years to come, but also remain timeless in their design. My designs are suitable for both ladies in their 20’s as much as ladies in their 60’s. I wanted to create pieces that every generation would come to love and enjoy.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Miami is very fashion forward and that means there is a growing market for businesses like mine. We have a wealth of people from various cultures who are very fashion forward, and this means even more opportunities to expand our demographics and get our products into those markets. Around Miami there are businesses that help support small businesses by giving them exposure and I think that’s a wonderful incentive small businesses have. West Elm regularly hosts pop ups, and this has allowed me to network and gain new clientele. I recently did a pop up at their Dadeland location with a few other women-owned small businesses that was a great success. I would love to see more craft fairs and markets around Miami since there are so many amazing artisans with amazing products in this city.
Pricing:
- Prices range from $29-$400
- Simple layering necklaces from $29-$60
- One of a kind Statement Necklaces from $150-$400
Contact Info:
- Address: Vida Jewelry Designs
- Website: www.vidajewelrydesigns.com
- Email: vidajewelrydesigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vidajewelrydesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ViDa-Jewelry-Designs-10150148458820602/
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