Designer Spotlight: Staci Egan

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

I specialize in wire working techniques incorporating precious metals, semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls into my designs. I find manipulating wire to be extremely relaxing. The material can be very forgiving, while creatively allowing endless possibilities.

How did you get into jewelry design?

I began making jewelry in 1999, after the birth of my son. We were living in the Midwest, far from family and I found myself alone stuck at home. I treated myself to a handmade necklace on Ebay and when I received it, I thought – I can make this!

What are your inspirations?

Contempo Jewelry features nature inspired designs reflective of the lush landscape and colorful foliage of Central Pennsylvania

How are you making a difference in your life?

Last October I opened a brick and mortar artisan boutique in the historic village of Boalsburg, PA. My shop features about 30 artists. My hope is for continual growth of the shop with classes, camps, supplies and events. My goal is for the community to embrace locally produced work and provide an outlet for (additional) income for creative spirits.

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

After I quit my “job” and began jewelry full time I realized how much I love the business side of being an entrepreneur. Sometimes I get so caught up in the business side, I won't create anything for weeks!

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 struggle is the book keeping – I hate it! My biggest success is knowing that all of my efforts will benefit me. I am not collecting a paycheck from a huge corporation with a boss I've never met.

About Staci:

I was born and raised in NJ, both of my parents were born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. At 20 yrs old, I moved to Ames, IA for college. After children we searched for a combination of a simpler lifestyle, with the ability to visit bigger cities – we ended up in State College, PA (home of Penn State).
 

Website: https://www.contempojewelry.net/
Website: https://www.contempoartisanboutique.com/
Etsy: https://www.contempojewels.etsy.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/contempojewelry
Twitter: www.twitter.com/contempojewels