We recently connected with Dana Sharpe and have shared our conversation below.
Dana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?
I learned the importance of an inventory system and organization from my previous job. I managed and tracked a wide range of products, with varying monetary values. As a result when starting my business I looked for a platform that had an amazing tracking system, and I landed on Shopify. I find the analytics that it provides, and input/output inventory options extremely useful. I also use the skills that I learned at my previous job to manage my material inventory as well as my finished handcrafted pieces. in my work space.
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?
I’ve always had a love for jewelry and crafting, so I merged the two together, and By Dana Ashli was created.
By Dana Ashli, is a handcrafted jewelry line, that offers earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and custom pieces.
Signature BDA pieces like the “Jodi” Hoops earrings, include sparkly crystal beads, hand wire wrapped around a stainless steel hoop. These earrings have been the top seller for the past 3 years, and many of our customers wear them daily.
By Dana Ashli looks to elevate the basic jewelry essentials, and make them special enough to be worn from day to night. BDA also creates unique one-of-a-kind custom pieces for our customers.
By Dana Ashli is sold online (bydanaashli.com), at in-person pop-ups, special events, and art fairs around Metro Detroit and Michigan.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I’ve always had a love for jewelry, and a passion for cultivating unique pieces. By Dana Ashli is simply an extension of my passion and the catalyst to my purpose.
My goal is to help young girls and women of color in artistic fields to go after their aspirations. I’ll do this by decreasing the barrier between them following their dreams and the lack of funding/resources. I want to do this by providing grants and scholarships.
The idea of helping tons of young girls and women go after their artistic desires fuels my journey and business.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing customers enjoy and wear my handcrafted jewelry. I also love when people give my pieces as gifts, the best feeling ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bydanaashli.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bydanaashli/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ByDanaAshli