Local Highlight + Giveaway! juliethefish designs, Visalia Handstamped Jewelry

When my husband and I first learned we were pregnant with our oldest daughter, we couldn't wait to tell our families! We wanted to it to be really special and fun, so I gave it some good thought. Mother's Day was a few weeks away, so I decided to order both my mom and hubby's mom a piece of jewelry with a name stamped charm of each of their current grandchildren, and then include one that simply said 'baby Gimlin'. I have to say, it was probably one of the funnest things we've done-–to see the look on our mothers' faces as the 'baby Gimlin' charm revealed itself and they slowly figured out what that meant was truly priceless!

Being the researcher that I am, I scoured Etsy for hours looking for the perfect shop to make those pieces. Unfortunately that shop closed shortly after my order was placed, making it hard to replace or add charms as more grandbabies came into the family. So I hit Etsy again, looking to see if there was anyone local. This is where juliethefish designs comes in. Her items are beautiful, unique, and fit perfectly for the handstamped keepsake items I was looking for! She is local and the charms she created for me were even better than the originals. We have since ordered quite a few items from juliethefish and have loved every single thing! She has been so incredible accommodating, quick to respond and really SO easy to work with- which makes ordering custom pieces so much better!

So today, we are so excited to feature Julie from juliethefish as one of our local artisans!

Here is a little more about the artist behind the name!

Tell us about yourself.
I live in Visalia with my husband and three boys. I am always on the go and I love to create! I love camping, traveling, working out, and just hanging out!

What items are offered in your shop? Do you use any special materials? 
I make custom, hand stamped jewelry and gifts. Pieces are custom made to order with the customer's chosen information. I use mostly precious metals like sterling silver, copper, and brass. I also use crystals, pearls, and charms.

How long have you been selling?
I opened my shop in June 2008. I just celebrated the 5th anniversary of juliethefish designs! Woot, woot!

Why/How did you start?
In 2008 I had one little boy. I gave up my job as a high school teacher to stay home with him. Making ends meet on one income was rough. I discovered Etsy and decided to open a shop. I have always loved to create. At the time I was intrigued by hand stamping, as it was new in the jewelry world and I didn't even know what it was. I studied about it, bought supplies, and taught myself a new trade. Five years later I'm still hammering away!

Has your shop changed over the years?
When I opened my Etsy shop 5 years ago I was just teaching myself hand-stamping. I sold simple initial and name necklaces. I still sell those classic pieces, but now you can find almost 400 different designs in my shop. One of my favorite parts of owning my business is designing new pieces. The constant addition of new designs keeps my shop fresh and evolving through the years.

What does your week look like as a shop owner? Do you work daily on orders or just occasionally?
juliethefish designs is a full time job for me. I run the business while I take care of my two younger boys (my oldest boy is in school). As you can imagine, there are many interruptions working with two boys by my side. Despite my chaotic work schedule, I am so happy and blessed that my studio is in my home so I can be home with my boys during the day. (At night I teach English as a Second Language to adults - teaching is another one of my passions.)

What is your inspiration for creativity?
I am inspired by the stories my customers share with me. They tell me about the sweet babies births, the weddings, the birthdays, and special occasions. I also hear about the heartache, the loss, and the trials. I love to think about my customers' stories when I am creating. I am also inspired by jewelry trends, my kids, and moms like me.

Do you create custom orders?
I love to make custom orders! The nature of my shop is custom work. Sometimes people have an idea for something new or a mix of several components of different designs. It's really fun to work on these projects.

What is something you couldn’t live without?
My family!! They are my world! If we're talking material possessions, I would say my camera.

What’s playing on your iPod?
Juanes, Mana, Maroon 5, Pink, Lifehouse...a total mish-mash.

You can contact Julie via email: juliethefish@gmail.com or find her on Facebook.

Julie has offered to giveaway a $30 shop credit to her store! AND you can use the code CITRUSANDCREAM and receive 10% off the rest of September! Trust me–if you don't win you will want to take advantage of that coupon code. Christmas is right around the corner!

Enter the giveaway in the rafflecopter below and please show Julie some love and let her know Citrus and Cream sent you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway