Getting To Know Erica!

 (Erica and Sean)

Please give us a brief bio, where you are from, who you are, and how you started in this field?

My name is Erica, I'm a (part time) college student from Long Island, New York living in the 'big city' of Burlington, Vermont! Originally when I started LoveErica in 2009 I was selling photo prints out of my dorm room. I went through phases of trying to sell all sorts of things on Etsy from paintings to vintage keys to jewelry. In 2010, I took my first metalsmithing class which taught me how to work with silver – something I never thought I could do. I'm happy to say now I have my own tiny studio, which will be moving later this month to a larger place, in a new house that my partner and I just rented.

 (Winter In Vermont)

When did you first discover your creative talents?

I've always loved making things since I was a kid. When I was in the second grade, my teacher picked my Georgia O'Keeffe inspired, flower pastel drawing to display in a school district exhibit. As a 7 year old, I was thrilled! (&my parents still have it framed and hanging in their house!) My parents were always really supportive and pushed me to pursue art. I took 15 art classes in high school and surprised everyone when I decided pursue a college degree in philosophy.

What inspires you to keep going and how do you keep yourself motivated?

I'm ambitious and a bit stubborn which is probably why I'm so persistent! My surroundings are very inspiring, especially Vermont. Vermont is very grounding to me (which is the exact opposite of my hometown since I  grew up so close to NYC); the state reminds me to live in the present moment and to not take life for granted. The online handmade community, you guys push me to always improve and adapt. Having a 'studio' (which at the moment is not much more than a desk) in our apartment has definitely made metalwork a part of everyday life. Even if I don't have the motivation to create, when I see my partner, Sean, working on jewelry it always gets my attention. I'm a curious being, so sure enough, I'll be at his side asking “Hey, what're you making?! Can I help?” The opposite is also true. We're a good team; I'm lucky he joined my business venture when we started living together this Summer.

(Winter In Vermont)

How will you describe your style?

I lovelovelove simple/minimal everyday jewelry and I notice that a lot of my work is just that; jewelry that complements the person. I want people to notice me and then my jewelry - not the other way around. 

Share with us something funny that has happened to you recently.

A few days ago, I went with my good friend, Kathy and her son, Sabian (age 9) to buy a Christmas tree for their house. Sabian was determined to get a tree that was, “Tall and skinny. Tall and skinny. Tall and skinny” and found one he wanted fairly quickly. It was a funny looking tree: much thinner than the rest and balding a bit on the top. Kath and the farmer went around picking out other, more full, trees, “Hey Sabe, what about this one?” but he always ended back with the one he initially picked. So we buy that one of course and bring it home and set it up. Kathy took a few steps away from it and looked back, trying not to laugh. Then Sabian took a few steps back and turned around and exclaimed: “Oh man! It's so beautiful!” It was so endearing that he loved that awkward little tree. And he was right, it was perfect.

(Sabian)

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Ambitious. Curious. Philosophical. Creative. Assertive.

Anything else you would like to add? Favorite quote? Words of advice?

The most powerful thing I've learned is that everyone's the same – experiences are the only things that differentiates us. My dad recently got a big promotion and after seeing everything he's in charge of, I realized what a huge deal this is to him. My dad, he's really intelligent, but he's also average. He wasn't born being the big director he is today. He worked at it; his experiences and what he took from them shaped him into the person that he is today. Originally I viewed silversmithing as this magical art form that only certain people can touch. And then I tried it, and now I have a little studio. I'm not saying that I've reached the top... but now it's not so mysterious. It's within my reach, it's something that I'm working towards. I always wanted to own a business. When I first opened up my etsy shop I didn't think that qualified me as a “Business Owner” but I'm seeing now that being an artist, or an artisan can do just that.

What I'm trying to say is that if you want something, chase it. If you're interested, learn about it. Do things, no matter how little, that help you get there. Because the people who are doing your dream job, well, they're not that much different from you. 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for $40 store credit!
Check out her shop, blog, and like her on facebook!
Also, don't forget! Erica has given us a special coupon code..
Enter "T2TT11" and get 10% off you entire purchase!