Today, in the Spotlight, we have Ms. Adrienne Evans, the talented artisan behind Funky Planet. Funky Planet offers a variety of unique handmade items at very reasonable price. They have a wide range of glass and ceramic autism awareness items. Every single item is hand crafted in the United States.
We caught up with Adrienne and asked her a few questions so you get to know her better.
What’s the story behind your company?
When my seven year old son Jack was diagnosed with a developmental disability I realized that it was no longer feasible to work outside the home because our days were filled with medical and therapy appointments. At the same time, we really needed a second income to pay for all of those services so I started a web store selling glass jewelery that I made in my home studio. After about a year, I started making Fragile X Syndrome awareness jewelery to raise money for Fragile X research. Because many children that have Fragile X also have Autism, I started making Autism awareness Jewelery as well. This has given me a great platform to not only raise awareness but has also provided an opportunity to help raise money for organizations involved in the Autism and Fragile X community.
What inspires you?
Nature is very inspirational. There is just something beautiful about organic things, the colors, shapes, textures. A lot of the pieces I have made are inspired by nature, trees, leaves, bugs, flowers etc.
What is your favorite product to make?
The awareness jewelery is with out a doubt my favorite. I get to be creative and provide a very important service at the same time effectively combining my two passions.
How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Fun Funky and Eclectic
In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
The freedom. I can work eighty hours one week and two the next, that flexibility makes things much easier.
If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
I would be more confident and more prepared. I had no idea thousands of people would buy my creations so, in the beginning, I spent a lot of late nights in the studio frantically trying fill orders.
Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
I would say if you love it then you should do it. There is nothing better then having a job that you really enjoy.
What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I am in the process of developing an art program for adults with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. Art can have a huge impact on your quality of life so I am determined to provide that opportunity for as many people as I can.
Contact information:
Name: Adrienne Evans
Website/Shop: www.funkyplanet.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Funky-Planet/351636697155
*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***