Please introduce yourself to my readers:
My name is Stephanie Miller and I live in Charlotte, NC, where I work as a university ESL instructor. I love my job. There are so many opportunities for creativity in teaching and I get to meet such amazing people from countries all around the world!
But when I’m not teaching, I tend to look for other ways to express my creativity. Rooftop Fibers was born out of my recently discovered passion for jewelry-making, but I also enjoy writing, drawing, knitting, and sewing, among many other things.
When I am not doing something arts-related, you’re likely to find me reading an angst-driven YA novel (I can’t wait for the Hunger Games movie to come out!) or playing with my two large dogs, Mitzy and Kabuki (an elderly lab mix and a lovable, yet neurotic boxer).
But no matter what I’m doing, I am always armed with coffee. Always. If they ever invent a coffee IV, you better believe that I’ll be first in line!
But when I’m not teaching, I tend to look for other ways to express my creativity. Rooftop Fibers was born out of my recently discovered passion for jewelry-making, but I also enjoy writing, drawing, knitting, and sewing, among many other things.
When I am not doing something arts-related, you’re likely to find me reading an angst-driven YA novel (I can’t wait for the Hunger Games movie to come out!) or playing with my two large dogs, Mitzy and Kabuki (an elderly lab mix and a lovable, yet neurotic boxer).
But no matter what I’m doing, I am always armed with coffee. Always. If they ever invent a coffee IV, you better believe that I’ll be first in line!
What inspired you to start creating jewelry?
Art has always been a part of my life in some form or another. I actually majored in theatre, but somehow ended up becoming an English teacher. Thankfully, teaching has turned out to be a great creative outlet. Still, whenever I have breaks from teaching, I begin to look for crafts to fill my time. I recently learned how to knit and spent the entire month of December making scarves!
But my best friend is actually the one who inspired me to start creating jewelry. She is a jewelry seller on Etsy (Uptown Bijou) and for months, I watched her create beautiful pieces. She encouraged me to make jewelry with her, and occasionally, I did.
Then, when my sister asked for Steampunk jewelry for Christmas, my first thought was, “I can make that.” And I did. And then I made other things. Lots of other things. My shop was actually originally going to be a Steampunk shop, but then I moved towards items that better reflect me. You might still see some old timepieces pop up in Rooftop Fibers in the future though!
What is your favorite piece to make?
I love making beaded necklaces! There are so many opportunities to combine colors and shapes, and bead-shopping has become an addiction. I especially like creating pieces that feature natural gemstones or recycled glass – they add so much extra character to a piece, and the quality is inherent.
What inspires your designs?
I’m inspired by so many different things that it would be impossible to give a definite answer. Sometimes the things that inspire me change on a daily basis! That’s why there is a lot of variety in the items I make. I’ve created chunky knit statement pieces, tribal beaded necklaces, punk earrings, and softer bohemian designs. Creating jewelry is a way to use color and texture and shape to express how I’m feeling at that moment. That said, my designs are strongly influenced by my love for contrast - I love pairing dark and light, edgy and sweet, or rough and soft elements to create unique and unpredictable combinations.
What is the number one thing that has helped you sell your jewelry?
Dedication and support from my friends and family.
Starting your own business isn’t easy and sometimes the setbacks can seem overwhelming. But if you are truly doing what you love, and you stay dedicated to your craft, I believe anyone can succeed. It may require long hours of research. Your craft might start to consume your life, and ideas might start to keep you awake at night. Obsessive thoughts of “but will people like it?” might start to discourage you. But if you can manage to get past all of these things and focus on the enjoyment you get from creating, you might just find the willpower it takes to make your business successful. And when your willpower lacks, encouragement from friends and family is the next best thing. Mine have been extremely supportive, and their encouragement has been my key motivator from the start.
What tips have you learned that you can share with other artists?
Don’t be afraid to experiment, and don’t be afraid to make what you love. If you try to please others, your art will never fulfill you in the same way that it will if you make items that reflect you. And others will appreciate your items for their uniqueness!
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Favorite dessert? Butterscotch pudding and pecan pie.
Favorite organization tip (how do you keep your things organized, etc):
What organization? ;)
Favorite place to promote your shop: Wanelo.com. It's great for promotion AND for shopping! I find so many things that I love there.
Favorite hobbies outside of Etsy: Frequenting local coffee shops with friends, writing stories, and reading novels. I also love road trips to the beach or hiking in the mountains, both of which are easy to do in North Carolina!
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i love sewing, knitting, jewellery making and drawing too !!! :) however i dont really have the resources to make earrings :) but i do make necklaces and bracelets and anklets. i made one for my baby cousin
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