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

Alright, Sarah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

In 2006 I moved to Bangor, Maine to help start a family business with my mom Kathleen, we opened a bead store called Downeast Sticks n Stones. Although I didn’t make jewelry at the time, I dabbled in artistic pursuits all my life and was up to the challenge of learning and growing to become a jewelry maker. My mom began by teaching me the correct way to finish strung beads, and since I would be instructing others on this daily, my interest flourished. Making jewelry everyday made me a quick study in many different techniques including wire work and pearl knotting. It took me a few years to really cement my style, but from day one I had an eye for choosing gemstone and beads in unique and beautiful combinations. Working with other designers and students helped grow my confidence as a designer. I think this was an ideal way to start my journey as a jewelry designer.
After 6 years at the family business, I made the difficult decision to move to Philadelphia, but this new city and new resources only provided me with positive experiences and helped me build a network of supportive creatives — as I moved forward towards becoming the designer I am today.

Sarah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am first and foremost a designer. I have a small business, but I do not have a website or a brick-and-mortar store. I make jewelry when I feel inspired; I do it because it is part of my identity and I love it! I enjoy meeting my customers in person; so I only sell in-person at markets and local maker events.
After making jewelry for a living for so long—in Maine and then for two years at Beadworks in Philadelphia, teaching others beading techniques in private lessons and classes—the thing that enriches my experience the most now, which also takes the pressure off 100%, is designing for the joy of it alone.
My main income doesn’t depend on selling my jewelry. (I have an incredible full-time job at a local non-profit.) My clients are fans of my work; so they make connections with me at events and buy my jewelry. I have many regular local customers and I have so much joy helping them build a collection of my pieces. I meet new people every time I vend and make lasting important connections with people. I live in Madison, WI, and this community as well as Milwaukee, WI are so committed to supporting small business and artists, which is very inspiring.

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

As a creative that has moved between 4 states within the last 20 years, I know that the artist community is different in different locations. What I love about everywhere I’ve lived is that the communities have all been so willing to share information and root for each other. I have been lucky enough to meet makers who are not competitive or petty. We make wonderful lasting friendships after a single day of vending next to each other. No matter where you live, sharing your favorite artists and makers and engaging with them on Instagram and other platforms means so much—a like, a share, or a comment; it makes our day. If you are not in a position to buy a piece from an artist, share your love for them with others and it will help them make new connections and spread their artistic reach.

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

Art is necessary for a balanced society. In my own life, there is a direct correlation to happiness, as my access and exposure to art increases. Creating is required for my own mental health and wellbeing. In my early-20’s, before I started creating jewelry everyday, I felt something was missing. I didn’t realize what it was until I found my creative groove after opening my family business, making art everyday unlocked a potential inside me that I didn’t know I had. We all have bills to pay, but we can’t let capitalism dictate how artists create. Some of the greatest fulfillment I have found in my life comes from creating and the connection I make with customers and other creatives.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mysticadornment
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysticadornment

Image Credits

All Photos by Mystic Adornment LLC