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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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July 8, 2012

Talking “Shop”

Have you ever wondered what goes on “behind the scenes” of a small business?
Or maybe you’re curious about how someone comes up with their product designs?
We know we are!
There is just something about buying a product and knowing the heart and soul of the creator behind it. In our opinion, it makes those purchases so much more meaningful!
So, we thought it would be fun to talk “shop” with our At the Picket Fence Sponsors and get to know the talent behind the products.
This week we are welcoming Tahra from:
She has some of the most beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry in her shop and we have so enjoyed having the opportunity to promote her talent!
So, let’s talk shop with Tahra, shall we?

What led to your decision to start your own small business? 


“I had been making jewelry for myself for a couple of years and had people tell me they would buy it. I also felt like this was a creative outlet for me since I am a homeschool Mom. I’d also like to add that I’ve met some really awesome people through having my jewelry business.”

Sterling Silver Textured Domed Earrings with freshwater pearlsSterling Silver Textured Domed Earrings, Wire Wrapped Freshwater Pearls

From where do you draw inspiration for your products? 

“I’m really loving metal work. But, I feel like I have a variety of jewelry in my shop. Whatever I like, I make and put in my shop.  When I am stressed, I sit down at my desk and just create.  I think those are the times that I do my best work. Sometimes, I will have customers ask for something (custom work) and when it turns out really great that is exciting.” 
Hand-stamped Copper Mommy Necklace
Handstamped Copper Mommy Necklace, Sterling Silver Angel Wing, Turquoise Bead


What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment as a small business owner?
“My greatest accomplishment has been showing my five children that they can accomplish whatever they desire!” 

Cherry Quartz Necklace with Freshwater PearlCherry Quartz Necklace Freshwater Pearl Sterling Silver Peachy Pink Wire Wrapped Bead Ball Chain

What is one of the challenges you face as a small business owner?   

“Well, getting my husband to help with the accounting and getting the advice I need regarding the books. I like to have tidy record keeping!” 

Lime Green Jade Amazonite Bracelet with Artisan Sterling Silver BeadsLime Green Jade, Amazonite Bracelet, Artisan Sterling Silver Beads

 
What advice would you give to someone interested in starting their own business?   

“I would tell them to look around in their market to see what others are offering to always try to have the extra edge. I would also tell them that the customer is always right. Great customer service goes a long way. I have some customers that I’ve had a long time(returning customers) just because I’ve gone the extra mile or added a little something extra for their continued business.”

Citrine Nugget Necklace with Amazonite Rondelles, Freshwater Pearls and Swarovski Crystals Citrine Nugget Necklace Faceted Amazonite Rondelles Freshwater Pearls Sterling Silver
What has been your favorite piece you have designed and why?

“I am working on a new piece to put up in my shop.  I think I have a little bit of this and a little bit of that in my shop.  I like variety because I feel like I can cater to many needs rather than just one specific need.  So, here’s a little surprise of what’s to come.  I have made a rustic wax stamp seal fine silver initial necklace.  This necklace is fine silver, which is almost 100% silver (99.99%) and it boasts a vintage look.  Here are some pictures of my favorite piece yet.  I will be able to offer these soon in every initial either oxidized or bright silver.”

Thank you so much for sharing your insights and experience with us Tahra. 
Having worn your jewelry and receiving tons of compliments each time, we can say first-hand that the quality and care you put into each piece is obvious to all!
We hope you will pay Designs By Tahra a visit to see more of her beautiful jewelry items and we so appreciate you joining us for this edition of
Sponsor Spotlight~Talking Shop with our Sponsors!

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6 Comments Filed Under: Sponsors

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    July 7, 2012 at 4:24 PM

    I love that she sees value in what she is teaching her children by being a businesswoman and dreamer! Headed to check out her shop!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  2. Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says

    July 7, 2012 at 5:45 PM

    Oh her jewelery is beautiful. Thanks for introducing her!

    Reply
  3. Eclectically Vintage says

    July 7, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    What fabulous jewerly – love that oxidized silver charm! And love the fact that she’s showing her kids that they can do whatever they want!
    Kelly

    Reply
  4. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    July 7, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    So nice to meet Tahra and learn more about her business. Her jewelry pieces are just beautiful.

    Reply
  5. Stacy Curran says

    July 8, 2012 at 12:12 AM

    Great article/interview – thanks for sharing and or the introduction!
    Stacy

    Reply
  6. Deneen@dreaming-n-color says

    July 8, 2012 at 2:03 AM

    Beautiful jewelry!

    Reply

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What do you do when you want to use a bunch of boo What do you do when you want to use a bunch of books in your decorating but it can cost $50 or more for just ONE brand new book? Head to the secondhand bookstore of course! I’m so excited about this new look in my family room and this easy, inexpensive decorating tip I’m bringing to you for this #tiptuesday
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This morning I was running errands and the weight of hard things that are happening in the world, the culture, my own community and even in our circle of friends just felt so heavy.

But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
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*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

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Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka.

Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

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