A Noblivity Interview with Elizabeth Oswald for Alizabeth O Jewelry
…”I realized how much I loved jewelry creation and thought it made a perfect fit”, Elizabeth Oswald
Noblivity: How did you get started?
Alizabeth O: Previously I worked in graphic design and visual communications for over 10 years but was never happy with it and wanted to do something that allowed a whole lot more creativity. I used to do all sorts of crafty stuff when I was a kid (including jewelry) but had lost that side of myself as I grew up.
Noblivity: Why jewelry?
Alizabeth O: A friend of mine, who is also a jewelry designer, reintroduced me to jewelry creation. I realized how much I loved doing it as well as thought it made a perfect fit. I found I REALLY enjoyed making the pieces, I felt so unstressed designing. And wanted something like this for a long time.
Noblivity: What inspires your designs?
Alizabeth O: Colors! I love to look around and see colors to think of how I can use them. I have a design that I am going to be using the colors of my daughter’s car seat because they go so well together. It too will have a very funky name. I think the funky names are my thing. I look through magazines and all over to get color inspiration. I get that from my graphic design background. Then I have a whole sketch pad full of designs because I just sketch the general idea down when I think of it.
Noblivity: How would you describe your design style?
Alizabeth O: Everyday. They have a modern yet easy feel to them with a touch of bohemian style. This way you can stand out without really standing out. (I am a shy person so that works great for me and I know I am not the only one out there).
Noblivity: What designers inspire you?
Alizabeth O: Honestly, I have never really thought about that. I get nervous and scared about “looking” at other jewelry designers because I don’t want them to ever think I want to steal their designs. If you want to look at other designers I can say Coach because their pieces aren’t overpowering but show style and make you pop.
Noblivity: What obstacles did you have to overcome?
Alizabeth O: Did..Still.. I am getting my business started basically on nickels and dimes. OK well a couple hundred dollars but still not nearly what others have. I am doing everything myself. Marketing, PR, Designing, Accounting, Sales (and I so hate sales I get so nervous talking to people) etc, etc, etc. Plus the whole new baby thing at the same time. But hey as someone once said, “Nothing worth doing comes easy”.
Noblivity: How are you overcoming them?
Alizabeth O: Just taking it day by day. That’s all I can do.
Noblivity: What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
Alizabeth O: Actually having people want to write about my pieces/lines. I know it sounds silly, but I really like knowing other people have thought it was good enough to write about. It really makes me feel like my dream is coming true. I have thought about doing this for about 5 years now, but have always been too scared.
Noblivity: Where are you headed personally and professionally?
Alizabeth O: Because my business is so personal too me I think they fall on the same track. I just want to see both grow and succeed.
Noblivity: If money were no object what would you do right now?
Alizabeth O:Hah. That is an easy one! Buy a ton of stones and silver so I can get more lines going, hire someone to do PR and Marketing, and someone to help with sales.
Noblivity: What are the best and worst things about being a designer?
Alizabeth O: Best things – the joy of seeing people want/buy your pieces. Knowing you were cool enough for them! The sense of doing something on your own and the creative factor. I love it. Worst thing for me is the fear that people will think your work is yucky. I know you aren’t supposed to let people know you have a fear of rejection, but seriously who doesn’t have it slightly.
Noblivity: Describe your typical day?
Alizabeth O: Wake up and get coffee. Baby and kids. Then a whole lot of marketing. It’s been more marketing and PR lately and less designing. Sending out line sheets to vendors, press packets to press, processing orders, and social marketing (I’m a big Twitter nerd, I thought it was dumb at first and only got an account for my jewelry company but got hooked) all while balancing the baby. I used to work 8 hour days and come home and put work behind me. Now it’s 12 to 14 hours and I’m always thinking about it.
Noblivity: What’s your philosophy of life?
Alizabeth O: Family first. But after that, the answers always no, unless you try. Meaning you have to give things a shot whether you fail or not or are told “no” you have to try because you’ll never know.
Noblivity: What’s your favorite meal time setting?
Alizabeth O: Sitting with my husband and kids eating dinner and watching a movie.
Noblivity: If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Alizabeth O: I haven’t stopped doing it yet! So I’m still learning.
Noblivity: When will you know you have made it?
Alizabeth O: When I see Drew Barrymore wearing something of mine! OK kidding, I used to say that because I just love her. But seriously, I’d say when I am at the point where I need to hire an assistant because I’m so darn busy.
Alizabeth O Jewelry is available @ The MarketPlace Noblivity.com
