We were lucky to catch up with Joanna Lazaridis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Joanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.

I donate a percentage of my profits to Animal Rescue Organizations and I have a specific paw print pendant that I donate 80% of my earnings to to Animal Rescues. Specifically, to New York Second Chance Rescue and other New York-based rescue organizations.

I grew up with my family’s dogs and have been volunteering at my local animal shelter in Southold, New York for the past year. I go every week and can spend time and help with playgroups with many of the pups there. I even adopted my baby girl from the shelter earlier this year and she changed my entire life.

It is my belief that animals teach us unconditional love, loyalty, and forgiveness. I think if we stopped turning a blind eye to the epidemic of stray, abandoned, and abused animals that we created, we could learn something from saving them and that would help humanity change for the better.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have always been a designer, but I didn’t explore the world of jewelry until January 2021. I went to Pratt Institute and achieved my Bachelor’s in architecture. I ended up working in Manhattan for two years in the industry before moving to Long Island and working in Interior Design. Throughout this time, I met a friend in a self-development program I had attended in March of 2020. She is a wonderful jeweler and friend, and she introduced me to wax ring carving. After years of carving rings out of wax, I wanted to further my education in jewelry, and she became my mentor. I realized I could use my education in architectural design and put it towards jewelry design. I found that with jewelry design, my creative mind expanded in a way that was limitless in comparison to architecture.

In terms of my products and Services, all my jewelry is made to order and mostly in sterling silver. All of my jewelry collections are sterling silver and inspired by architectural history.

I also offer Custom Design Services as well, which can be in silver or gold. This is something I really enjoy because a customer will come to me with an idea and we will discuss it and work together so I can design a piece that is truly unique for them. This is my favorite service because I get to be part of an idea or a dream that someone has and I am able to help them bring it to reality. Not only is it a joy to see their reactions to what we worked together to create but it reminds me of how fulfilled and astonished I am every time I am able to bring an idea of my own into reality.

A project I am most proud of is a set of wedding bands I am currently working on for my best friend. They are not only unique wedding bands, however, it has been an honor to have been asked to create such an important piece of jewelry. My design process with these bands has actually reminded me of the design process during my undergrad years. Re-learning how important the process of the design is, not just the finished product.

What is most important to me with the jewelry I am creating is that it is teaching me how to be patient and open to obstacles. I learn something new every single time I sit at the bench, it continues to prove to me how important it is to be creative, to allow your mind to explore and expand while being focused on what’s in front of you. It can be very meditative at times, and frustrating at other times. I have learned that it is not just about creating a beautiful finished product, but the process, and the journey you take while creating that piece.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being creative is being able to have an imagination come into reality. I am always in awe when I read a book, watch a film, see a show, or see a work of art – because in my head I am thinking of how these things came from our imagination and how amazing that person’s mind must be to have come up with their work.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy has been sharing my design process and my work on social media as well as wearing the pieces myself. I found that I am a billboard for my work and when I wear my pieces I always have people asking about it. One conversation can lead to so much more, you just need the piece to spark it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://joannalazdesign.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanna.laz.design/