Let’s be honest.  There are a lot of jewelry designers out there and even more on Etsy.  However, when we find one who’s making amazing and unique work and rocking their business, we just have to interview them.  So today we’re ecstatic to share the story and advice of Soledad, the inventive designer of Sol del Sur.  We know you’re going to love it.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your business.

My name is Soledad Proaño. I’m a metal and textile designer focused (for now) on creating jewelry and accessories. I work from home but very soon will be moving to a studio nearby. I lived for almost 6 years in Los Angeles and I’m very happy to be calling Brooklyn my home now. I used to be an Acoustical Engineer back in Chile but when I moved to the US, I left that behind and started a deep search into what it was that I really wanted to be. That’s how I became a designer.

Point down pendant

To date, what has been the biggest event for you to celebrate in your business?

Definitely being a Featured Seller on Etsy. Keep in mind, I’m not a professionally trained artist or designer. I did end up taking a lot of courses at my community college and I was very lucky to have a great design department available to me, but when I started I had no idea about photography, branding, product design, or Photoshop. I just started making things (which I’d always had!) and listing them on Etsy. It took me over 3 years of being obsessive about learning and getting better at it to get to the day when I received that email from them. It was a HUGE validation to all the work and heart that I had put into it.

In your Featured Seller interview on Etsy, you stressed the fact that you always think twice before you buy something, choosing to go with independent designers over chain suppliers.  How has this beautiful decision changed/helped your business?

When buying supplies I always look for three things: smaller suppliers, US made, and environmentally aware products – all three is best but sometimes I only get one of those. Many times I have far fewer options to choose from, but that makes every element I choose to work with special, just because I took the time to really think about what was best for my values. By having this business, I have a small purchase power and I’m very happy to utilize it in a way that makes sense for me. When I receive a large order in which I’m going to need pieces that are specially made for me by a supplier in Montana, I honestly feel happy not only for me, but for her also.

Brass and Black Fiber Bangle – Nebula series

Which marketing tool or strategy has worked the best for you?

Honestly, I have no such thing. I’ve tried to set up strategies and plans but all this social media thing doesn’t come naturally to me. Making conversation online is not my thing at all; I’m a one-on-one person. So my best strategy has been to make things that are unique, show my personality through my work, and present it the best possible way. I know I will never be super popular this way, but it’s simply the way I am. I’ve started to realize I can’t just pretend to be someone I’m not, it just makes me feel guilty and wastes my energy. That being said, I do have a Facebook page and a newsletter, and I plan to use them more in a way that makes me feel comfortable.

If you had one piece of advice for someone starting off in the jewelery design field, what would it be?

Be yourself above everything and don’t be afraid to try new and different things. There are so many designers out there, that if you don’t differentiate yourself from the rest, you’ll probably not be around for long. Do your best every single time but don’t be too harsh on yourself. Whatever it is you’ve been putting off, do it now. And work like crazy. It is not easy, but it’s awesome.

Bracelets from the new line

Do you have anything big and exciting in the works for 2014?

Big things are always happening in my head! I’m just launching a new collection and will start working right away on new designs to launch this winter and next spring. I’m planning on doing two trade shows in the winter and also will be launching a line parallel to Sol del Sur to showcase some more elaborate jewelry, my weavings, and accessories. I’m super excited about all of it!

Don’t forget to check out Soledad’s shop to see some spectacular photographs and listing descriptions.