We recently connected with Tammy Dammann and have shared our conversation below.

Tammy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I started Plein De Vie Jewelry 8 years ago after spending many years working full-time in the Oil & Gas industry. Creativity has always been a part of who I am—from drawing and sewing to renovating homes and designing my current home, landscaping, and finally, creating jewelry.

The seed of this journey was planted back in 2007 when I had the opportunity to collaborate with a local jewelry company in Alberta to design three unique pieces for myself. The entire process, from vision to creation, was incredibly powerful and set me on a path to bring that same transformative experience to my customers.

I vividly remember the day my pieces were completed, and I finally got to wear them. The joy each piece brought me was overwhelming! It was at that moment I knew I wanted to share this joy with others.

However, earning a full-time living from my creative work wasn’t instantaneous. It took time, dedication, and a lot of learning. Some key milestones include:

Transitioning from my full-time job to consulting, allowing me to invest more time in my jewelry business.

Building a strong in-person market presence and now moving to 80% online presence while connecting with a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of my work.

Continuously refining my skills and staying true to my vision of creating timeless, elegant pieces inspired by nature.

Looking back, I realize the importance of patience and perseverance. While there might have been ways to expedite the process, such as leveraging social media earlier or expanding my network, every step has been a valuable part of the journey. Each challenge and milestone have contributed to where Plein De Vie Jewelry is today.

To anyone on a similar path, I encourage you to embrace the journey, stay true to your passion, and celebrate every little success along the way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! I’m delighted to share a bit about myself and my journey with you. My name is Tammy, and I am the founder and creative force behind Plein De Vie Jewelry. My path to becoming a jewelry designer has been a rich and winding one, rooted in a lifelong passion for creativity and craftsmanship.

Before venturing into the world of fine jewelry, I spent many years working full-time in the Oil & Gas industry. However, my heart always yearned for creative expression. Over the years, I’ve explored various creative outlets, from drawing and sewing to renovating homes and designing my current home, along with landscaping and, finally, jewelry making. Each of these experiences has contributed to the skills and aesthetic sensibilities I bring to my work today.

The pivotal moment in my journey occurred in 2007 when I collaborated with a local jewelry company in Alberta to design three unique pieces for myself. The process of turning a vision into a tangible creation was profoundly empowering. When I first put on those pieces, the joy and fulfillment I felt were indescribable. That experience planted the seed for Plein De Vie Jewelry, which I officially launched eight years ago.

Plein De Vie Jewelry is all about celebrating life’s little moments and helping you feel your most beautiful. I handcraft each piece with love and a deep connection to nature, drawing inspiration from the lush forests, endless hillsides, and serene lake views that surround my home. My collection features timeless, elegant designs that reflect the beauty of the natural world, with a special emphasis on motifs such as delicate daisies symbolizing purity and new beginnings, hearts representing kindness and self-love, circles embodying unity and eternity, and trees signifying growth and resilience. Each piece is a testament to nature’s elegance and a reminder to embrace the beauty around us.

One of the core values of Plein De Vie Jewelry is authenticity. I believe in creating pieces that not only look beautiful but also carry a meaningful story. My jewelry is designed to be cherished forever, becoming a part of your own journey and a reminder to celebrate yourself and the beauty in everyday moments.

What sets Plein De Vie Jewelry apart is my commitment to quality and timelessness. Each piece is meticulously crafted to ensure it stands the test of time, both in style and durability. I also offer monthly gemstone stretchy bracelet-making classes at my home, where I share my love for jewelry making with others in an intimate and inspiring setting.

The problems I solve for my clients revolve around helping them feel radiant, feminine, and worth it. Many women forget to appreciate themselves and embrace their unique beauty. Through my jewelry, I aim to provide a sense of joy, confidence, and connection to nature.

I am most proud of the impact my work has on my clients’ lives. Hearing how a piece of my jewelry has brought joy, confidence, or a sense of celebration to someone’s life is incredibly rewarding. It’s these moments that drive me to continue creating and sharing my passion.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Plein De Vie Jewelry is not just about beautiful pieces; it’s about embracing life’s complexities and finding joy in the journey. My hope is that each piece you wear serves as a reminder to celebrate yourself and the world around you.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey and my brand. I look forward to connecting with you and sharing the beauty and elegance of Plein De Vie Jewelry.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In the summer of 2007, I faced a pivotal moment that would test my resilience and ultimately shape my future. After many years working in the Oil & Gas industry, I found myself yearning for a change—a chance to pursue something that truly ignited my passion.

The decision to move to British Columbia and start a consulting company was a bold step into the unknown. It wasn’t easy leaving behind the stability of a well-established career and diving into the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. There were countless sleepless nights, financial challenges, and moments of self-doubt. However, my determination and tenacity kept me going.

One particularly challenging period came when I decided to transition from consulting to launching Plein De Vie Jewelry. The process of building a brand from scratch, learning the intricacies of jewelry making, and establishing an online presence was daunting. There were times when it felt like an insurmountable task.

But I held onto the vision of creating beautiful, meaningful pieces that would bring joy to others. I drew strength from the natural beauty around me—the lush forests, endless hillsides, and serene lake views that inspired my designs. Slowly but surely, my efforts began to pay off. Each piece I created and each customer I connected with reinforced my belief in the journey I had embarked upon.

Today, Plein De Vie Jewelry stands as a testament to resilience and the power of following one’s passion. The obstacles I faced along the way only made me more determined to succeed. This journey has taught me that resilience is not just about overcoming challenges but also about embracing the beauty and growth that come from those experiences.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my view, there are several key ways society can best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem:

Foster Community and Collaboration:
Creating spaces where artists and creatives can come together, share ideas, and collaborate is essential. This can be in the form of local art hubs, online communities, and networking events. These environments encourage mutual support, inspiration, and the exchange of skills and knowledge.

Provide Accessible Education and Resources:
Offering affordable and accessible education programs, workshops, and resources can empower artists and creatives to hone their craft and expand their business skills. This includes everything from technical training in various artistic disciplines to courses on entrepreneurship, marketing, and digital presence.

Financial Support and Grants:
Financial barriers often hinder the growth of creative endeavors. Governments, organizations, and private entities can support the creative community by providing grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities. These financial resources can help artists invest in their materials, tools, and promotional activities.

Promote and Value Art in Society:
Elevating the importance of art and creativity in society is crucial. This can be achieved through public art installations, art festivals, and supporting local galleries and exhibitions. By highlighting the cultural and emotional value of art, society can cultivate a deeper appreciation and respect for creatives.

Supportive Legislation and Policies:
Governments can play a significant role by implementing policies that support the arts. This includes tax incentives for creative businesses, funding for public art projects, and ensuring fair compensation for artists. Protecting intellectual property rights and providing affordable healthcare for freelancers and self-employed artists are also vital.

Encourage Corporate and Philanthropic Involvement:
Corporations and philanthropists can contribute significantly by investing in the arts. This can be through sponsorships, commissioning works, and creating artist-in-residence programs. By partnering with the creative community, they not only support artists but also enhance their brand and corporate social responsibility efforts.

Facilitate Exposure and Opportunities:
Providing platforms for artists to showcase their work is essential for their growth and recognition. This can include local markets, online marketplaces, social media promotion, and partnerships with media outlets. Exposure helps artists reach a broader audience and opens up opportunities for commissions and collaborations.

By embracing these strategies, society can create a nurturing environment where artists and creatives can thrive. Supporting the arts not only enriches our cultural landscape but also fosters innovation, emotional expression, and a deeper connection within our communities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pleindeviejewelry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pleindeviejewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551440408438

Image Credits

Keylight Photography