Designer Spotlight: Megan Craig
A brief story of what you do and why you do it
I create re-purposed vintage jewelry with semiprecious beads and a modern bohemian flair. I call my line New Eve, using renewed vintage trinkets as a symbol of God's redemption of Eve and all women. I do this to encourage myself & others through a wearable reminder that we can always be made new, no matter how messed up we feel.
How did you get into jewelry design?
When I was 12, my friend taught me to make these little wire link bracelets with sparkly plastic beads. I tinkered with wire work for years, then took 2 semesters of fabrication jewelry class in high school. I absolutely fell in love. After college, I began making jewelry for myself with whatever I had on hand and – surprisingly – friends began buying it from me! I had a couple of wedding clients, which really fueled my confidence that something special was happening. I started selling on Etsy, in local boutiques, and at my Farmer's Market, and things just keep growing!
What makes your collection unique?
Many designers use vintage components in their work. New Eve tends to stay away from the shabby chic or steampunk industrial vintage and embrace a more modern indie bohemian look. New Eve is also unique in that each piece is meant to be a reminder that every woman can be made new, just like the vintage trinkets I use.
What are your inspirations?
My inspirations are the 70s, Joni Mitchell, overgrown gardens and wildflowers, swirling green and purple patinas, the beautiful lines and facets of raw natural gemstones, and God's story of redemption in the Bible.
How are you making a difference in your life?
I make a difference in my life by working to replace my day job with jewelry work (I'm down to 4 days a week!), and soaking in as much joy as possible from every moment! I also make a difference in my life by making a difference in others': I donate 10% of my income to my local rescue mission's ministry for abused women and my goal is to begin simple art therapy workshops with the mission.
What's something unusual about you that makes you “you”?
I have bundles of energy, and love belting out musical numbers and making up silly songs on the fly! Usually this happens in my kitchen, with my husband looking on in adoring confusion.
What's the biggest struggle in running your jewelry business like a business? OR What is your biggest success in running your business like a business?
My biggest challenge has been my teeny tiny budget. I literally started my business with a $40 per month budget from my personal funds. I've been bootstrapping my business education through books and online workshops, my marketing through free Photoshop-like programs and Facebook, and pursuing any and every opportunity to join local and online communities of artists. It's incredibly time-consuming, yet so rewarding. Now that I've got a stronger income, I've got to learn to contract out the tasks that aren't my core competencies & passions so I can focus on what I'm really good at.
I'm a Michigander living in the Tennessee hills with my hubby of three years. I earned my BA in Linguistics & Hebrew, planning to be a missionary overseas. When I married my husband, I knew my calling was to stay in the US and make a life here with him. I didn't know my creative skill until this point, when I finally had the freedom to do whatever I wanted with my time.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NewEveJewelry
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/
