Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Essex.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sarah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My mother has always painted and my father is a talented amateur photographer who I remember always had a camera in his hands growing up. They always encouraged my brother, sister and I to explore our creative side. I also grew up living in various countries and experiencing different cultures and colors. I have always loved color and have long loved jewelry.
Working in investment banking after graduating from college for many years was a great experience but never fulfilling. My great opportunity came after the arrival of my first child, Hamilton “ Millie.” When she was six months old, my husband gave me a sewing machine for Christmas. I thought I’d make some pillows and other items to decorate our apartment and indulge in my creative side again! What started with pillows moved into making belts for some friends in my new mom’s group. I began to sell my belts at various markets but always on the side returned to my love of jewelry. There were so many pieces I loved but could not afford! I began designing and gifting friends some of the jewelry I crafted and with the positive response and my husband’s support, I decided to make jewelry my full-time endeavor. I named my business Hamilton Grace Designs after my daughter Hamilton Grace.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your business story. Tell us more about the business.
I handcraft my jewelry line using materials such as gold-fill, sterling silver, and semi-precious stones because while they are durable, beautiful materials they are also materials that are accessible price-wise to many of us.
One of my main objectives with my business is creating quality pieces that can be worn every day and be cherished for many years. Jewelry, I believe, is such a unique expression for each person. While I enjoy designing a line of pieces, I particularly love partnering with clients to craft pieces that are customized just for them. It’s amazing to me what comes from these partnerships of creativity. I hope that people who see or purchase a Hamilton Grace piece will appreciate the colors and quality of the materials used, and wear the item rather than only pulling them out of their jewelry box only for special occasions.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
As an artist, I define success by feeling like I am still curious about my art, creating a couple of new pieces every quarter and making some income doing that. I feel one of the most essential qualities to success as an artist is patience. For me, it takes patience to work through the various stages of designing new pieces.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4 Village Hill Road
- Website: www.hamiltongrace.com
- Phone: 617-519-8270
- Email: essexsh@verizon.net
- Instagram: @hamiltongracedesigns
- Facebook: @hamiltongracedesigns
Image Credit:
David Butler
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