My sister first introduced me to Handmade by Sara Cramer when I moved to Kansas City a few summers ago. Sara has since moved on to the Big Apple, but she definitely left her mark on KC. I immediately fell in love the intricate details that shape each piece that she creates. While my sister rocks bolder pieces like the Herringbone Earrings in her everyday life, the versatile Diamond Studs have become a staple in my weekly wardrobe.
What was your motivation behind starting Handmade by Sara Cramer?
I was working as an intern graphic designer at an architectural firm before, during and after college at the Kansas City Art Institute. After graduation, I took a part time job there and kept working on artistic projects. One of the coolest projects I worked on was a window display competition, which I won with a friend for $5,000. It was that aha moment of “wow, I really can do this!” Shortly after, I quit my job and moved into a loft in the Crossroads Art District and opened my studio every month on First Friday. I didn’t know what I was going to make but I started a project to make one thing every day.
What do you find to be most pleasant about running your own business?
The best part about owning my business is I get to make my own decisions. I get to sit around drinking coffee, day dreaming new designs and making pretty things! I also really like collaborating with other designers. In the past, working with clothing designers like Tara Light and Sarah Nelsen for The West 18th Street Fashion Show were the most fun. We get to sketch and design our looks together, scout models, hair and makeup to complete our look.
How do you manage your schedule and the day-to-day aspects of the business?
My personal philosophy on staying organized is slow and steady wins the race. I feel like its best if you work on things a little bit every time, that way the overall project doesn’t seem daunting or overwhelming. I’m also okay with admitting that I’m OCD.
What has your biggest takeaway been since starting your own business?
When I realized you should make yourself do the things you don’t want to do first, and then you’ll have plenty of time for the fun stuff.
If you could give other young entrepreneurs a word of advice, what would it be?
Everyone always gives the advice to have fun with it! It’s really true, because if you’re not having fun then what’s the point?!
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as earthy-modern. I’m crafty like Martha Stewart yet sleek and sophisticated like Michael Kors with a little bit of pattern play like Diane Von Furstenberg.
Do you play favorites when it comes to your beaded beauties?
I’ve been working with these square glass beads for three years now! I’m just absolutely in love with them. There are over 160 colors and I try not to play favorites with them. There are some things I really like to make more than others. Honestly, I don’t like to use epoxy because it’s smelly but my earrings have become my bread and butter.
What can we expect to see next from Handmade by Sara Cramer?
Last year, I sold a one-of-a-kind capelet to celebrity, Danielle Colby, after meeting her in Chicago. I hope to find a market for my high end, OOAK pieces. I’ve also been working on a line of home goods, which include things like wall art. I have also been working on my bead embroidery skills.
What’s your favorite piece from the Handmade by Sara Cramer Etsy shop? Tell us in the comments below! Feel free to share it on Instagram as well using the hashtag: #HandmadebySaraCramer. We would love to see what beads you are wearing!
As you can tell, her work is phenomenal. I love the idea of having a one of a kind piece made for a special occasion and I can’t wait to see what she produces for her home goods line.
Seeing young women in business making a name for themselves by doing what they love is such a motivator for me. A huge thank you to Sara for inspiring us to get out there and make things happen!
Oh my gosh these are the coolest necklaces! I love that really layered one towards the bottom! Happy Monday!
http://www.theadoredlife.com
In love with these designs-I need a bracelet!
http://www.chardincharge.com
My favorite treasures! Always excited to see new pieces 🙂
Your work is gorgeous! What a talent!
Jasmin
http://www.jasmindaily.com
Oh my wow, how gorgeous! Lovely.
Thanks for linking up!
Tiffany Ima
Style Honestly
Sara is amazing! She created a custom piece for one of our brides last year that was incredible!