We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sandra Dotson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandra, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Most days, I genuinely enjoy running my own creative business. It’s the freedom it offers that I really appreciate. I don’t have to negotiate over when I can take time off or feel guilty about calling in sick and leaving my colleagues in the lurch – that’s pretty nice.

But, there are times when I wish the money flowed in more predictably and effortlessly. It’s the constant hustle for sales, sending out emails, writing blog posts, and bugging people to buy that can wear you down. Imagine how great it would be if I could just make jewelry day in and day out, and customers would come naturally.

When I see sales slowing down, and business isn’t going so great, I often wonder what it would be like to go back to a regular nine-to-five job, with a solid six-figure salary, and not have to stress about making ends meet.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

At Engangled Co I celebrate the art of self-expression and originality through captivating jewelry that speaks volumes about who you are, wherever life takes you. Here, jewelry becomes your armor, empowering you to confidently express your true self. I’m Sandra, the artist behind Entangled Co. I have a passion for creating unique jewelry that goes beyond being just accessories and becomes meaningful statements. I draw inspiration from the beauty of individuality and a profound love for detailed craftsmanship. With great care, I handcraft each piece, using wire weaving and silversmithing techniques. My jewelry is more than adornment; it’s a reflection of your personal journey, empowering your unique identity.
My journey into the world of wearable art began as a personal quest for confidence and self-expression. Originally from Germany, I’ve called California home for a decade now, and it’s been a whirlwind of experiences. I initially came to the United States for a job at a virtual reality company, but life had other plans. I ended up on maternity leave during the pandemic, and it was during this transformative time that Entangled Co was born. It became a way to stay creatively engaged.
Little did I know that this venture would spark a passion so strong that it would change the direction of my life forever. In the past, I was a bit hesitant to embrace bold statement pieces personally, fearing they might attract too much attention to my body, my imperfections. But as I crafted my own wearable art, which I like to think of as a form of wearable armor, I discovered the strength and beauty in confidently expressing oneself.
With each piece I created, I found myself connecting with the essence of authenticity, and I realized that my mission was to empower others to do the same. Now, I’m fully committed to nurturing my artistic journey and helping you feel confident in expressing yourself authentically.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, our society as a whole should take a closer look at our spending habits and consumption patterns. As a creative business owner, I continually find myself in the position of assessing where I purchase my supplies, what I acquire, and how much I’m willing to invest. I observe not only my family but also my friends, neighbors, and those around me, and sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if they paused for a moment to reflect on their purchases, would they make different choices.

So, what do I mean by this? Well, as a small business owner, it’s incredibly challenging to compete with the giants of the industry. I can’t offer the same level of service as a behemoth like Amazon, with free shipping on every order—such a perk is simply beyond my means. And going head-to-head with major manufacturers like Pandora on pricing is an impossible feat for me; after all, each of my creations is meticulously handcrafted. This is where the concept of taking a step back and considering buying your Christmas gifts from your favorite small business, even if it means spending a little extra, comes into play.

When you choose to support a local small business, you’re not only making a purchase; you’re supporting your neighbor, your friend, your community. In the grand scheme of things, it’s these choices that will fortify us as a society, helping us stand strong and resilient together.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being an artisan is my path to personal freedom and pure fulfillment. I get to do what I love all day long. I set my own schedule, create beautiful things, and let my creativity flow freely every day. Seeing a handful of silver transform into a gorgeous piece of jewelry through my work is incredibly satisfying.

But what truly warms my heart is when someone tells me how much they adore my creations and how it has made a positive impact on their life. The fact that my handiwork can bring confidence, happiness, and a whole array of emotions to others is what makes it all so special. Can there be anything more rewarding than that?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://entangledco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entangledco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/entangledco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-dotson-97095965/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO7TWRcmQn39i80UXF0SJEA
• Other: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://entangledco.com/pages/newsletter-sign-up