Designer Spotlight: Dawn Hill

A brief story of what you do and why you do it.

I design and create jewelry for hands and feet; barefoot sandals, hand harness jewelry, bracelets, anklets, toe rings, & finger rings. I do it because I feel drawn to do it, ever since I was little. During early adulthood, I went in a completely different direction with my career and in the last couple of years I realized that I need to be designing and creating jewelry. So, here I am 🙂

How did you get into jewelry design?

I started creating jewelry when I was very young, I loved going to craft shows and bead shows with my mom as a little girl. Sadly it got away from me for a longtime until 2011 while I was planning my wedding and I realized that THIS is what I need to be doing. My husband and I decided to get married on the beach and I was looking for something special to “dress” up my feet without the awkwardness of shoes and thus, Beach Foot Jewelry was born.

What makes your collection unique?

I use materials or symbols that have meaning or tell a story, for example, my “Criss-Criss” collection symbolizes life's crossroads and is a subtle reminder that we have the power to choose our own path in life.

What are your inspirations?

My inspiration comes from my adoration of natural elements and a love of color. I love the vibrancy and texture of the materials I use.

How are you making a difference in your life?

I am now taking charge of my life AND taking chances. There is no reason why we cannot be happy with our professional lives or do what we desire to do. We live once, right?!?!

What's something unusual about you that makes you “you”?

I am left-handed and I utilize both sides of my brain. I am a major day-dreamer and passionate about life.

What's the biggest struggle in running your jewelry business like a business?

Getting out there and actually talking with people, networking. I can plan and research like nobody's business, but actually getting out there meeting with people is a HUGE struggle with me. I definitely have road blocks I need to break-down this year.

About Dawn

I live in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, married and have 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren. Jewelry making has been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. I remember making beaded bracelets with my bead loom and selling them at school for a quarter, not much of a profit, but I loved doing it!

Facebook: facebook.com/beachfootjewelry
Twitter: twitter.com/beachfootsandal
Website: www.beachfootjewelry.com