We were lucky to catch up with Bobby Wheeler recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bobby, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Thinking back to what inspired me to be the Artist and Creative that I am today. I reflect on seeing my father sketch and doodle around the house as he wore his beaded necklaces. Fast forward to the present day and time, I now realized how much of what my father guided my path unknowingly to either of us that I’d be an Artist who also designs jewelry using stones and crystals.
When it comes to building a business from my passions, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in Art, but honestly had no idea that I’d be making jewelry. But I can see how that came about now that I look back.
I was always curious about what beads my father wore and why. Once I gained knowledge about the properties and benefits of Hematite, specifically Magnetic Hematite, I was pulled in. As I started my journey to find me some Hematite jewelry of my own, I discovered they weren’t as easy to find as I thought. At least not the good quality stones.
My persistence paid off when I found a reliable supplier of the highest quality Magnetic Hematite I could find. So, I started to make bracelets and necklaces just for me to enjoy. But I started to notice everywhere I went, not only was I getting compliments for my jewelry, but I was also being asked where I got it. Every time I told someone I made them; they would then ask me to sell the one I had on to them and go make me another one. And just about every time, I did. Until one day I just didn’t want to give up my necklace and told a person to “Go get your own”. That’s when he said, “They are hard to find”…. That is when the light bulb started to ignite in my creative business mind.
That encounter started the process of just making some for friends, family and anyone who may have heard via word-of-mouth. At this time, I was only doing Black Magnetic Hematite Jewelry. Until one day a client asked for a Jade stone for his bracelet. That kickstarted me down the wormhole of the multitude of Crystals and Stones available in many colors and patterns, all while maintaining benefits to the wearer. After investing into other crystals and stones, my jewelry designs expanded to limitless possibilities.
Even throughout this progress of creating and designing, I still never thought to make this a business. Until a coworker / client said to me, “You know you have a very nice business here”. I initially brushed that comment off and said, “Yea right, nobody would buy these like that”. It wasn’t until she took it upon herself to create an Instagram Business page for me and next thing you know, I was getting interest in my work. I honestly wasn’t until that moment I knew she was right, and I had an actual business here to pursue.
I say this to say. When you are passionate about something you do, the last thing you think about in your craft as an Artist, is business or even money for that matter. Now once you realize your passion can become a business. It really helps keep you focused on the quality of your business and humbling knowing you have created a business out of something you consider a passion.
I’m glad that I found my passion in my business before I found business in my passion.
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 back background and context?
Born and raised in Louisville, Ky. My artistic talents came naturally to me as I was highly influenced by my father who wasn’t a professional artist, but always doodled on paper around the house. I gravitated to art in school because I always had a creative mind and loved being different from others. This gave me a way to express myself with little to know questioning as art itself has unlimited creative possibilities. As in any craft, practice makes “better”, I say better because I feel perfect gives no room for improvement and I value learning and growing constantly.
My curiosity and thirst for natural-healing knowledge is what guided me to the magnetic Hematite and Natural Stones and Crystal Jewelry. This passion for this knowledge is what drives my discipline in staying true to the mission of my business, which is providing clients with Quality, Beauty, Good Energy and Knowledge of how wearing these stones and crystals can benefit the wearer. All while looking Uniquely Beautiful.
As mentioned, we specialize in AAA Grade Magnetic Hematite paired with High Quality Semi Precious Stones and Crystals. All bracelets are made to fit the client with powerful 5000 gauss magnet clasp (not on stretchy string). This sets us apart from the one size fits all mass-produced designers, which also gives us the ability to create more Unique, One-of-a-Kind pieces that can’t be found anywhere else on the market. With a direct connection to an Indonesian miner, we also have high quality Indonesian Stone Pendants, hand-picked, carved, scrubbed and wire wrapped sent direct to WU-SAH DESIGNS which are then paired with the hematite and crystals to create truly unique necklaces that are sure to be a One-Off-Item.
One of the issues I wanted to solve with my business is the lack of knowledge there was in the benefits of natural healing and alternative methods in treating things such as, depression, negative thoughts, low energy, bad karma, inflammation, balance, nightmares and much more. Another issue that I ran into when I was a buyer of these types of jewelry, was little to no information on the product of what stones or crystals they were, nor what benefits I could gain from wearing them. This is why with every piece made for the client comes a brief description of each stone or crystal that piece contains. This has helped the client pick and choose which bracelet fits them best due to the properties of the stones. Specializing in Custom Designs, we have had clients request certain stones or crystals to be put together in a way to satisfy their wants and needs for those certain stones, but also making the piece look uniquely beautiful and different.
What truly keeps me going in this venture are the clients. I have met some of the most down to earth, lovable, understanding, and knowledgeable people I have ever met. I have many clients turned friend/family who have been strangers turned biggest supporters. I am amazed at how many people are already so in tune with what stones and crystals can do for you. It helps take the nerves that I had of being viewed as “hard to understand” to the masses about “rocks”. But starting this business has opened my eyes to a whole old world that I have been oblivious to.
The goal for WU-SAH DESIGNS is to become a complete branded company. Me being an Artist as well, I will be moving my artwork under the WU-SAH umbrella, as well as clothing, shoes, and other branded merchandise. All focused around Natural, Nature, Positive and Uplifting Energy
So, to the young lady at work who Told me I had a foundation to build a business on and the many supporters who not only pushed me to pursue something you saw in my craft that I could not see for myself. You ALL are a part of this journey and will forever be a part of all future success.
WU-SAH DESIGNS
We Unite Soul And Harmony
Enjoy the Energy!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As crazy as it may sound to some, but freedom is one of the main reasons I love and always loved being an artist and creative.
What I mean by that is there are no boundaries when it comes to art or creating. I have the freedom to let my mind wander off in places unguided by the world around me, as we All wish we could. I can create visuals that may sound strange had they been described in words alone. It also gives the artist the ability to create visuals that may open the mind and imagination of the viewer in ways that the artist may not have.
So not only does Art and Creativity free the mind of the creator, but it also frees the mind of the observer, which in turn may inspire the next Artist or Genius Creative. Everything we own, have and use is because of an Artist and Creator.
The rewards I get from clients are smiles, appreciation for quality, understanding and respecting the work put into each piece. Being an abstract artist, I love hearing how different people see different things in my work. It shows how broad and versatile art can be to the observer.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
To be able to share my story with others is a part of what keeps me going in this tough journey. Even with all the blessings and support I have had since starting my business back in 2018, it has been difficult at times, and it was my clients that pushed me through. I will continue to give credit to my clients for the progress and success of my business because they are the ones who have pushed me to keep it up when I thought about giving up. It seems every time I mentioned business being slow and wanting to shut it down, it was a client who says, “You have a good product, don’t give up, your time will come”. So, I feel it would be disrespectful to give up on them when they believe so much in me. We as artists can be our worst critic so when others who hardly know you believe in you, you must keep going.
I can remember a time when business was slow, and I had someone offer me a last-minute spot at a huge vendor event here in the city. I was on the verge of cancelling due to lack of inventory. I knew this was going to be a huge event and there would be vendors with tables loaded with inventory as it was the last day of a three-day event.
I showed up with very little to offer and my table looked half empty compared to the hundreds of vendors with not only more jewelry to offer, but at cheaper prices. As I was feeling swallowed up by the massive crowd, I noticed people passing up the loaded tables and coming directly to my table. Still in doubt, I thought they would look, see my prices, and then leave. But no! They were awed at the pieces and recognized the craftsmanship my jewelry had over the others. I started to get compliments on the uniqueness and durability of the pieces. Sales started coming in and next thing you know I looked up and there was a line of people waiting on me to get a piece. I could hear chatter in the background stating how high quality my jewelry was and worth the price.
It was an amazing feeling to see what little I had to offer, receive such a huge response at an event with thousands of people who had so much to choose from. I even got an additional opportunity from that event.
From that day, I have never wavered from my vision and stopped questioning the value of my product, services, and business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wusahdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusahdesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WuSahDesigns
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wusahdesigns
- Other: bobby-wheeler.fineartamerica.com bobby-wheeler.pixels.com
Image Credits
(headshot only) – Dick Arnspiger