We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heidi Vitchner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heidi below.

Heidi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My first experience with making jewelry happened by accident. Meaning I wasn’t looking to pursue a business as an artisan jewelry designer. I was just looking for a pair of earrings to coordinate with a necklace my husband had given to me. I couldn’t find anything that I really liked so I decided to check out a local bead shop. That day, I learned how to make earrings. I was hooked!

My next project was to make a necklace as a gift for a friend. I had a vision as to how I wanted it to look. So I went to the same bead shop, started gathering the different components ie: clasp, beads, gemstones and started creating (with much assistance from the sales person). Because I was a complete novice, I had no idea what these components would end up costing or that I should have priced everything out first. I learned very quickly my taste ran toward the higher end of materials. Regardless of the cost, I loved bringing different materials together to create something pretty. I definitely wanted to keep creating. At this point it still hadn’t crossed my mind to make it a business.

After several months of going to the bead shop and learning the basics, I decided to purchase tools so I could create at home. Somewhere along this path I started to have thoughts of having a business but honestly, I didn’t have the confidence to pursue one. Did I mention I’m an extreme introvert!

I happened to be in the bead shop one day and I met a woman who was in charge of planning a local art show. She asked me if I would like to apply. That’s really the first time I thought “Can I do this?”, “Are my pieces really that good?” I decided to apply and was shocked but excited to learn I accepted. That was the first show I’d ever done and I actually sold some jewelry. That’s when the thought of having a business started.

If I had known I was going to make jewelry making a business, I would have pursued both business and art courses first. I learned by trial and error. I’m still learning. If I had my way, I would only create. I don’t enjoy the admin side of the business.

I wasn’t content to stay at a basic level of jewelry making. I needed to pursue different techniques and skills. I’m pretty much self taught either through videos or books. I will say though I learned how to solder from taking classes. I don’t think I could have learned on my own. Believe me, lots of mistakes were made. I still make them but now they’re few and far between.

Taking courses would have made a huge difference. I highly recommend them.

I’m my happiest at my bench or drawing designs. When I’m at my bench, nothing else matters. I get totally immersed in creating. There’s nothing like seeing a piece come together. It’s the best feeling.

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

I’m 65 years old. I’ve been married to my husband for 32 years. I’m a mom to one daughter, “grams” to two amazing grandkids and I’m a dog mom to two adorable and feisty corgis.

I started my jewelry path when I was in my late 40’s but didn’t decide to pursue a business until much later. I got my business license in 2011. At first I only created using basic techniques. I started to feel that just doing the basics, I was a “small fish in a big sea” of jewelry makers. If I was going to pursue the business, I had to stand out, I had to be different. I learned how to etch using Muriatic Acid. I learned how to solder. I learned how to fuse 14K gold to silver.

In 2015 I joined The Artisan Group. We’re a group of artistic creatives that introduce our products to celebrities, industry leaders, VIPs, and members of the press through participation in celebrity gift lounges, and our exclusive TV show stylist gifting initiative. I currently have 25 showings on various TV shows, 2 movies, 1 red carpet and an Oscar Gifting Suite event.

Currently my passion is working with sheet metal, wire and gemstones. I hand saw, form and solder all my pieces. I strive to use as little pre-made components as possible. I pride myself on creating my own ear wires, clasp, bails and pendants. I still use pre-made chain for my necklaces, for the most part. I’m also proud to say the majority of my pieces are one-of-a-kind. I feel like women want to be unique, completely individual. It’s harder to feel that way when 100 other women are wearing the same jewelry as you. Occasionally, I’ll cut from brass that I’ve previously etched and use those pieces in my designs.

The only pieces I make for mass production are the pieces that have been on TV via The Artisan Group.

Another passion of mine is animal welfare. I donate 10% of all my profit to a local “No Kill” animal shelter.

I try to be as environmentally friendly as I can. I use recycled materials when available…metal, packaging. I also ship my scrap metal for recycling.

Bottom line is I want to give women a way to express themselves and to let their beauty shine.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is when vision comes to life. I love the whole process but seeing the final outcome is truly satisfying. I get a sense of accomplishment. I sometimes even surprise myself :) That’s not to say that the design I envision always turn out, they don’t. But that’s okay. It’s all part of the learning process.

Another reward is when I see or hear how happy a customer is. I love witnessing that. I also get a sense of validation.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

First, as an artist/creative our work is open for all to see. This invites both praise and criticism. We all look for the praise and validation and it’s not so fun when we get the other. I’ve been insulted by Art Show judges. I’ve heard insensitive comments from shoppers. Did it hurt at the time, heck yea it did.

I had to decide that for whatever their reasons for saying what they did, I couldn’t let their comments bother me (for too long anyway). I mean let’s face it, it does hurt and none of us likes being insulted. More importantly, I couldn’t let it question myself. I love what I do too much to stop.

Plus, I have a great support system from my husband, my family and my friends. I’ve also met some amazing, talented and supportive women through The Artisan Group.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bellarosejewelrydesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brjewelrydesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellarosejewelrydesign/
• Twitter: https://x.com/brjewelrydesign
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/heidivitchner/