We recently connected with Sarah Lewis and have shared our conversation below.
Sarah , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic comes from my passion to design and create, and my love of my small business! At the risk of sounding cliche ~ It never really feels like work, but just what I’m meant to do, and blessed to be able to do everyday. I have some new designs coming out soon, that I’ve had in my head for years, I’m so excited about them, and I cant wait to share them with everyone! I’ve been “working” hard on them for the last few months, and the motivation is simply my desire to bring them to fruition. As a 1 woman show, it’s up to me to do the work, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.
Of course my work ethic is partially fueled by a financial incentive. I get out from it, what I put in, and although it often doesn’t feel like work, it is my livelihood, and takes care of me. This might sound strange, but I think of my small business being a living, breathing thing, and I feel a commitment to take care of her as well.
My art is therapy for me, I often pour my struggles into my work, turn my pain into beauty. The small business part of it is also cathartic, because in life there is so much that we cant control. But my small business is one thing that I can control ~ with all the decisions I make, creative directions I take, and with the work I put.
My amazing customers, are the biggest driver of my work ethic. The kind messages and feedback I receive online really motivate me to keep going everyday. Getting to meet people in person, when I’m vending is also such an inspiration! I just love seeing people smiling in my jewels.
It absolutely melts my heart, knowing that people want to wear my art! Jewelry can complete your outfit and express your style, but also can hold so much meaning and intention. Jewelry pieces can be talismans ~ gifted and worn, to express love, honor loss, commemorate and celebrate special events, relationships, and accomplishments.
For all of these reasons, my creative small business makes me so happy, how could I not want to get up and crush everyday?!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’ve been designing and creating Jewelry for many years. Hiouchi Jewels is my original brand, of bohemian fashion jewelry. Designs feature moon phases, mountains, sacred geometry, feathers, and zodiac motifs ~ crafted in a palette of natural crystals and stones, silver and gold. I live in beautiful Evergreen, CO and nature is my happy place and inspiration. I recently opened a showroom here in downtown Evergreen, for private shopping by appointment. Come visit me and shop in person!
My more recent and most exciting new venture, is Rose & Bolt ~ my officially licensed Grateful Dead Jewelry Collection! Launched in 2021, Rose & Bolt has quickly gained a dedicated following, has been worn by the band on stage, and is sold in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I brought my modern bohemian aesthetic, to these new designs featuring the classic Grateful Dead iconography. ~ roses, lightning bolts, dancing bears and skulls. As a lifelong deadhead, this is such a passion project, being able to combine my love of jewelry design, with the music, lifestyle, and culture that has been so inspirational to me.
I am so excited about my Rose & Bolt summer collection, releasing soon! (Hint: Its Bolo pendants and cords, and stacking beaded and macrame bracelets!) We’re taking the show on the road, with Dead & Company tour this summer. I can’t wait to share the new jewels, connect with the community, and soak up some inspiration from the music and adventure!
If you cant catch me on the road, or visit the showroom in Evergreen, you can always shop online. You can keep up with new style releases, and follow my travels on socials.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Passion, Hard work, and Resilience. It is so important to be passionate about your craft and your small business. Do it for the love, and the rest will follow. You also do have to put the work in. Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. Hours are not regular, and it’s sometimes impossible to turn it off. You have to love it enough that you’re willing to really dedicate your time, energy, sometimes blood sweat and tears. You will have tough days, setbacks, highs and lows. Know when to pivot, take struggles as challenges to overcome, as learning lessons to inspire you! If you are committed to your dream, you can achieve it, and any bumps in the road alone the way, will make your success all the sweater!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking to collaborate with other creatives! I love working with other designers and brands, stylists and photographers, and seeing how customers and influencers style my jewels. I love cross-marketing with other brands, and supporting and working with other small businesses. I love selling to other shops, both online and brick & mortar. Let’s connect ~ Please email me at info@hiouchijewels.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: HiouchiJewels.com / RoseAndBolt.com
- Instagram: @HiouchiJewels / @RoseAndBolt
- Facebook: @HiouchiJewels / @RoseAndBolt
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/designersarahlewis
- Twitter: @HiouchiJewels
- Other: Wholesale Shop: hiouchijewels.faire.com