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

Alright, Yana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

I am proud to say that the main characteristic of my jewelry business is its personalized approach and individualized work with many of my customers. Allow me to share one of the most intimate stories of working with a loyal customer.

When she first approached me, her request was to create a unique piece of jewelry with special meaning as a gift for her sister. However, she didn’t provide any specific information or requests directly related to the jewelry piece itself. Instead, she shared her circumstances and the most touching and intimate meaning that she wished to imbue into this jewelry piece: her beloved family consisting of her husband and two twin sons. She expressed her desire for the jewelry to symbolize a reliable union and inexhaustible love.

I took this task to heart, meditating on it for a few days. Eventually, inspiration struck, and I proposed to my customer a bracelet adorned with various natural stones, including pearls, each emitting energies and meanings related to love, union, and relationships.
I selected Garnet for its protective energy, Ruby for its ability to inspire love and devotion, and Rose Quartz for its association with unconditional love and compassion. In the center of the bracelet, Two larger pearls in the middle represented parents, and two smaller on a sides their twins, with two smaller pearls on either side to symbolize the whole family together. The inner glow of pearls, believed to tap into inner wisdom and natural love, added an extra layer of significance to the piece.

The resulting bracelet was not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful—a testament to the collaborative effort between myself and my customer. We infused it with not only our skills and high-quality materials but also a sense of individual connection and
intuition.

This story holds a special place in my heart as it exemplifies the mission and purpose of my business: soul made, heart crafted jewelry. It demonstrates my commitment to creating pieces that transcend mere adornment. Through my work, I strive to forge genuine
connections and touch lives with our artistry.

Thank you for allowing me to share this touching story.

Yana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hey there, I’m Yana, your Seattle-based jewelry designer, passionately fascinated by the art of jewelry making. I draw inspiration from the nature and beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

I arrived in Washington state 14 years ago with my husband and our 1-year-old son. Now a mother of three sons, I also dedicate myself full-time to motherhood.

My passion for creating jewelry began in childhood when I would craft beaded bracelets for myself and my friends. Upon moving to the USA, I experimented with various materials including polymer clay, epoxy resin, beads, stones, and wire. However, it was during
a month-long vacation with my family in Hawaii that I found inspiration for working with wire. The restorative experience left me feeling energized and brimming with ideas.

With a deep love for the sea and beaches, I have always enjoyed collecting stones, shells, and glass. This particular vacation was no different, and I cherished the moments spent with my children gathering these natural treasures. Bringing them home, I began
to transform these inspirations into tangible creations.

My journey with wirework led me to experiment with various styles and designs, ranging from oriental curls and intricate bohemian jewelry to modern, urban, geometric pieces. Over time, I have developed a unique style characterized by minimalistic designs crafted
from gold-filled and sterling silver wire adorned with natural gemstones, pearls, and crystals. While I do not solder jewelry, I continually seek out interesting and unconventional shapes, focusing on exploring natural textures and forms.

Abstract art has also been a significant source of inspiration for me. Similar to abstract artists, I use textures, colors, and lines to express my emotions.
Fresh styles and jewelry designs inspired by the Pacific Northwest are combined with the refined taste, style, and mentality of Europe, my place of origin.

Through my work, I aim to forge genuine individual connections. Thus, I position myself as a personal jewelry designer, prioritizing aspects such as personal color type, facial characteristics, body consultation, preferred wardrobe colors, personal history
and values, psycho-emotional needs, and stone choices tailored to individual personalities.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

As you may know, the market in the USA is highly saturated, with all niches seemingly filled. The jewelry business is no exception, making it incredibly challenging to stand out and be noticed. From my own experience, I’ve found that personal connections play a pivotal role. In today’s world, it’s crucial to transcend mere business transactions and instead become a neighbor, a friend, a local presence—something deeper, closer, and more unique than simply selling goods and services. Relationships, stories, and connections are what truly matter.

My initial clients were primarily friends and family, drawn not only by a desire to support me but also by the familiarity with my story and personality. Today, the majority of my clients come from live events, markets, and face-to-face meetings. I strive not only to foster consumer-buyer relationships but also to cultivate and nurture emotional connections. This approach helps me create an aura around my business and cultivate a loyal customer base.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

The first crucial step in building an audience on social media is defining and articulating your mission and main message, which should resonate with your audience. With this mission in mind, I actively participate in various events and markets, extending invitations to my customers to join my social media network. Additionally, I engage with different online communities relevant to my business, sharing my mission through posts, photos, and messages.

Consistency is another essential aspect of audience-building on social media. People seek a sustained connection with you over time. As we navigate our lives, your audience will value being part of your genuine, creative journey, experiencing both the triumphs and challenges, the highs and lows. This consistency fosters trust, allowing your audience to see beyond just a business, but also the person behind it.

People crave more than just surface-level content; they want to peek behind the curtain. Sharing your work process, meetings with partners, humorous stories, and glimpses into your personal life beyond business all help to humanize your brand. It captivates people’s interest, leaving them eager to learn more, follow along, and share about you with others.. Therefore, be authentic, be relatable, and be yourself through your business.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://yanayaart.etsy.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/yanayaart
• Facebook: http://m.facebook.com/yanayaart
• Youtube: http://youtube.com/@yanayaart

Image Credits
Valerie Lisuk