In the spotlight today: Heidi Urbanski! She started her adventure in glass in 2006. Ever since then she has been growing as an artist, eventually finding her love of jewelry design. Heidi uses the copper foil technique of stained glass to create her pieces. Heidi resides in State College, PA and sells her jewelry on Etsy and in retail stores through out the United States.
What’s the story behind Heidi Urbanski Jewelry?
My mom was a fabulous stained glass artist and jewelry designer. She made huge custom windows and I can remember watching her work in her studio when I was growing up. She passed away in 1996 and is my muse and my children’s guardian angel. I kept all of her supplies and it took me about 10 years before I could look at them without crying. I am self taught. The first thing I made was a hideous flower. I started out making Angel suncatchers and slowly began my adventure in jewelry design.
What inspires you?
My materials inspire me. I have a tendency to stare at all my stuff until an idea forms. I enjoy mixing metals and putting things you wouldn’t normally see together in a creation.
What is your favorite product to make?
Bling rings! I love making big funky rings!
How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Funky. Eclectic. Interesting. I was going to say awesome but I think I will let the readers decide that one. It is hard to describe my style! People either love it or don’t care for it.
In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
Making my own hours. I have 2 children so I create between loads of laundry and doing dishes and being a chauffeur and grocery shopping.
If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
I think I would have put more thought into my brand. Your brand is everything! The colors, the font, the name…. all very very important!
Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
Don’t quit. Your market and niche are out there, you just have to find it. Don’t give up! I spend about 70 percent of my time pimping my stuff, and 30 percent making it.
What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I am a member of The Artisan Group and look forward to promoting my jewelry with them…Who knows where it will take me! One of my necklaces was chosen to be worn on an upcoming episode of The Vampire Diaries! I am very excited and thankful for that opportunity. For the future I just plan on creating new designs and growing as an artist. In this business, you have to grow and evolve or you will be left behind.
Contact information:
Name: Heidi Urbanski
Website/Shop: http://hurbanski.etsy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/heidiurbanskijewelry
Twitter: www.twitter.com/hurbanski
*** 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. ***