10/06/08 ~ Etsy Featured Artist

Monday, October 6, 2008

Metalicious

Name

Stephanie Maslow-Blackman

Location
New York City

Business Name
Metalicious

Describe what you sell.
I sell sterling silver and genuine gemstone jewelry made by me. I hope to bring joy and fun to my customer's lives through wearable fashion jewelry.

What is your real life like?
I'm a stay-at-home mom 3 days a week. My son is 3 1/2 and absolutely hilarious. The other two days I end up packing in consulting work for large jewelry manufacturers, making my own work for metalicious, running family errands, running (I'm training for a 5k in October), taking more jewelry classes and just continuing to learn and grow. I'm married to a guy who produces commercials for Comedy Central, we live in New York City and have two l

oving little felines. Well, one is skinny and the other is a big, fat lady.

What is your process?
Most of my ideas come when I'm daydreaming, or right before I fall asleep. I like to build the piece in my head first and then hit the bench to actually make it. I love working with sterling silver and gold, and gemstones-- buying gemstones is like going to the candy store! I use traditional metalsmithing techniques. Soldering, wax carving, wire work. I've been doing this for over 10 years and I'm still learning new things.

Business Goals and Vision...
I'd like to get into more retail stores and develop a more secure flow of income. Long term I'd like to grow my business into a bigger small business, something big enough to provide for my family but small enough to still be enjoyable so it doesn't kill my love for the craft.

How do you market your business?

I do co-op ads in local newspapers and magazines.

Do you subscribe to any business related blogs, zines or magazines?
Yes, all of them, as many as I can.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by texture and form. I love moving metal, learning new techniques and applying them to my work.

What are two of your favorite things from your shop?
So hard to choose, I love all my babies equally!! But I do have a special connection to my St. Valentine necklace (in pink gold) and my bubble studs are just sweet everyday earrings.

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