Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dana Birke . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dana, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Well now, that is an interesting question! Sometimes I think optimism is a trait that is born unto us and sometimes I think it’s a skill that is honed by observing and experiencing hardship. I feel optimism and gratitude are all wrapped up together. If I can find things to be grateful for (which is directly related to experiencing obstacles and overcoming them) it helps with optimism. Sometimes it feels like optimism is actually the reward given to us for being grateful.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have been making jewelry for over 15 years now and that is truly astonishing to me! I think what I Iove so much about it is all the creativity and beauty I get to work with. From meeting other jewelers and makers to the actual materials used in jewelry making, it’s like a personal artistic feast that is ever changing . If I have a new idea or notion I can follow it and see what happens and that keeps things exciting!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My mom, who was an art dealer, recently told me how proud she was of me for being able to make my living as an artist and it was so weird in that I never really thought about it that way before. That may sound odd but I just always felt I make pretty things, work my butt off and people by them. LOL! It didn’t truly dawn on me that I make my living as a kind of artist until she said that. It boggles my mind and gives me hope. Honestly, it is a testament to stick-to-itiveness if ever there was one! I feel it’s a great reminder that we really can do whatever we put our minds and hearts to. So if I had to choose three qualities I’d say hard work, positive attitude and building a thick skin so you don’t let self doubt or naysayers get the best of you.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
A book that had a profound effect on me is “Life is So Good” by George Dawson. It’s about the grandson of a slave who learns to read at age 98 and lived to 103. The book reflects on his life and he shares lessons he’s learned. If Mr. Dawson can overcome what he did and remain positive then we all should try to give that a go!
“Things will be all right. People need to hear that. Life is good, just as it is. There isn’t anything I would change about my life.”
-George Dawson
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danabirkedesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danabirkedesigns/
Image Credits
Kirsten Boyer Photography. I have permission for all photos.
