No Jobs? No Worries. I'll Hire Myself!

Please come on over to my new website:

Jewelry Making Journal

I've got lots cool new things for you there - including
my videos, a unique tutorial, and Jewelry Business Insider interviews.

See you there!

- Rena Klingenberg

No Jobs? No Worries. I'll Hire Myself!

by Tasha LaRae
(Atlanta, GA)

Tasha LaRae the singing earring lady

I started my jewelry business 3 years ago and I enjoy it just as much now as I did back then!

I've always loved finding unique pieces of jewelry that fit my personality and to be honest, I think I enjoyed "hunting" for the pieces just as much as I love wearing them.

One day, I needed a pair of earrings to match a pair of pants I painted fun designs on. I thought it would be neat if my earrings were also made of denim and had the same design and the rest is history.

Thank God for the internet, jewelry "how to" books, and the oh so helpful sweet women that work at JoAnn's Fabric!

I learned a lot in a short amount of time and I started my business full on. (I had no idea what I was doing, I just did what made sense to me, ha!)

I have 2 full time jobs - my jewelry business and singing.

I've been singing professionally for the past 10 years but after I lost my corporate job 3 years ago (lay offs), it's been singing and jewelry making ever since.

I tried applying for other jobs but they weren't interested in me because I traveled too frequently with my singing. After 6 months of applying for jobs with and getting no offers, I gave up the 9-5 life and opted for following my dreams.

That was the best day of my life and also the scariest! ha! Music and fashion go hand in hand so I feel like I'm right where I belong.

Being my own boss is great but boy is this a lot of work!

I'm very glad I joined the etsy community and made friends with many of the sellers there. We all learn a lot from each other which made keeping up with all the different social networking sites a lot easier.

Also finding this blog has been a tremendous help for me. I really hope I've said something to help someone else. (definitely want to return the favor!)

Having your own jewelry business is definitely not a get rich quick type of business. But if you stay consistent - especially when the dry season comes, the rewards will more than speak for themselves. *speaking from experience*

Thanks for reading :)

Tasha LaRae
Earjeans
Tasha LaRae's Music, Fashion and Fun! blog

Comments for
No Jobs? No Worries. I'll Hire Myself!

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Creating your own living
by: Rena

Tasha, I love your story, and how you combine your artistic passions of music and jewelry.

I also enjoyed reading your blog about your touring and adventures in singing for Arrested Development. It looks like you get to be with a lot of fantastic people in your travels!

When you're on a music tour, do you bring a collection of your jewelry for your fans to shop from? I think they'd love the opportunity to have a piece of your beautifully bold statement jewelry.

Thanks for sharing your adventures in hiring yourself to make jewelry and music, Tasha - keep on creating your art and life!

Inspiration!
by: Val

I am so happy for you that you are following your dream. I too am taking that journey and while the money may not always be steady - it is so very rewarding in more important ways. Keep going and keep doing. You are an inspiration to us all!

you go girl
by: Anonymous

I can't believe there is someone out there who's pashion combines singing and creating jewelry. I'm not in a band but I sing with anyone who will let me. I do a lot of karaoke singing. I also design and make jewelry. I try to sell what I create without a lot of success, but I never stop creating my own line of jewelry or singing. Keep it going. Thank you for your story. It gives me hope.
Carol Anne

No Job? No Worries
by: Designs by Love

You are an inspiration, stay faithful it will pay off in more ways than one. We were created by God to bring our gifts He gave us into Fruition! God bless you Tasha, keep the Faith...

Love Your Story
by: Dorothy Hubbard

Tasha, your story is so inspiration to me and to others. Its funny how God has a plan for us we just have to have faith, and when our time comes it right on time. You go girl, I know my time is coming too. Keep up your singing and jewelry making. Again thanks for the inspiration.

Love Your Colorful Style
by: Tracy

I loved reading your story. There are so many people out there who face roadblocks in their day jobs, and it's uplifting to hear about someone who has been able to transform a stressful situation into an opportunity to follow her dreams. I love your colorful jewelry, especially the bold, graphic circular earrings. I also thought it was pretty amazing that you sing with Arrested Development! (I checked out your blog.) I wish you continued success in your jewelry business and singing career.

Tracy
The Tote Trove
www.thetotetrove.etsy.com

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