Artists on the Move with Cheryl Clarke Handmade Jewelry

Raise your hand if you love handmade, inspirational jewelry? You cannot see but I have two hands up! I got the chance to get to know more of one of the ladies that we share Facebook groups with! One of the biggest reasons why I love my blog is being able to reach out to people I may not have met and celebrate them and all that they do. So doing these profiles on business owners, authors, artists and more makes me very excited and I just want to share my joy with you!

Let’s meet Cheryl Clarke,

Tell me about who you are, where you are from, hobbies, passions, and your favorites.

Hi Cicely! Thank you so much for the feature. I’m so excited! My name is Cheryl Clarke and I currently live just outside of Atlanta. I was born in England to Caribbean parents. Mom is from Barbados; Dad was from Jamaica (he passed away three years ago). I am a caregiver to my Mom and a jewelry designer. I am a ballroom dancer, I love the beach and animated movies. I also love seeing people experience growth. It excites me when someone decides to kick butt and answer the dream they have within.

What made you start this business?

I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. And honestly, the idea of being an entrepreneur wouldn’t leave me alone. I started Answer Your Dream Jewelry because I believe in being happy and using the gifts that we’ve been given. For me that means living a flexible, stress-less, creative life. And this path also helps me to be more available to my Mom.

What is your favorite product or service that you offer and why?

I love my copper tags. I get to stamp my emotions and words of encouragement onto metal and it’s amazing to see people’s reaction to them. My favorite piece right now says, “Show up in this world & be FIERCE.” I came up with this one day when I was feeling a bit doubtful. I figured someone else might feel the same way so I wanted a piece that would encourage us to kick butt! Kapow! (I have an inner warrior that likes to come out.)

Do you create the products you sell? If so, tell me more about the process?

All of the items that I sell are created by my hands. It absolutely thrills me to take raw materials and let the creativity flow. I often pray before I start. If I’m wrapping a stone for a client I’ll cup it in both hands and say a prayer. If I’m stamping metal, I’ll sand the metal first and then sit down with all of my tools. It takes a lot of patience to get the letters stamped just right, and the fact that each piece is handcrafted adds a lot of character. I like to say that my energy is pounded into each piece, moving atoms around and rearranging things. After a little while I get into a rhythm with the stamping. I have to be sure to protect my fingers so that I don’t hit them with my heavy hammer! Once I’ve stamped all of the words, I’ll add designs and then texturize the piece with another hammer. If I’m doing quieter wire-work late at night, I’ll have the British rock band, Coldplay, keeping me company. I love to see what I’ve created when I’m finished. I feel like, “Weeee! Look what I just did!”

Who is this product/service for and why?

My jewelry is for dreamers and those who love them. Dreamers dare to change their world. I love the idea of creating inspirational jewelry because it feels good to celebrate and encourage dreamers.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start a similar business?

I would tell anyone who wants to start a business to go for it. Or, as a designer that I admire told me, “Just freaking do it!” Really. Take one baby step. And then another. I started and stopped so many times! I’ve dealt with self-doubt, anxiety and fear. And you know what? It’s okay. I would tell them, “You can do it, my friend!”

Are there some difficulties in what you do? Care to share? How do you motivate yourself to keep on pushing?

There are difficulties. I’d rather spend all my time creating, but the business side has to be done. I consider myself an introvert, so sometimes it’s difficult to get out there and sell. I have learned that I have to manage my energy. If I feel overwhelmed, I have to steal away and get some quiet time. Then I’ll be ready to share my creativity with the world again. Preferably after having some hot tea. If I’m having a tough time with anything, talking with close friends helps a lot.

What new area would you like to expand in and why?

For the longest time I have wanted to create t-shirts. Who doesn’t love a cute tee and some sexy jeans?

What about some words of wisdom for the readers! 

Yes. Seek to surprise yourself. Go on adventures. Love yourself. Enjoy yourself just as you are. And when you hear that whisper within, that calling, do everything in your power to answer it. Don’t paralyze yourself trying to get it perfect before taking the next step. Whatever your gift is, share it with the world. Forget Everything Else…Answer Your Dream!

Well I hope you enjoyed getting to know Cheryl and see her passion for her beautiful pieces. Make sure you go out and support!

Where to find Cheryl

Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Website: www.AnswerYourDreamJewelry.com
Social Media Info: www.facebook.com/AnswerYourDream

Type of Business: Handcrafted jewelry
Type of products or services you offer: Inspirational, handcrafted jewelry for dreamers. We offer necklaces (‘tags’) with customizable hand-stamped messages. We also offer earrings, bracelets and stone-wrapping services.

Thank you for reading. Be sure to share and comment, I LOVE WHEN YOU DO THAT! 🙂

Peace and Blessings,
CicelyRenee