Meet Sarah Tansel (Vella)

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sarah Tansel (Vella) a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose through Gods guidance. He has always led me to follow my heart and find my passion. I started working with individuals with disabilities at a young age and then continued to do that as a career. I love helping others and, I see that is what Gods purpose is for me.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I started my business to use as a coping skill to prove to myself that it’s not about getting knocked down, but how you react after being knocked down.

I currently work with adults and kiddos with disabilities and I always want to show them that they can do anything they dream of. I want to be a role model for them, along with my son. I have a disability, myself, and I want to show the world that no matter the challenges this life may present, you can conquer whatever you put your mind to.

I think it’s important to be open to imperfections and that it is okay to be different.

I started my business as just encompassing jewelry for woman including earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. After 6 months, I expanded to include anklets, combination jewelry sets, and kids’ jewelry.

As we know, the abundance of jewelry for sale is non ending so I use my God given talent to separate myself from the competition. All of my jewelry is handmade, with elastic, and I only make 1-2 pieces of each design so that it is more individualized and rare. Depending on the bead availability, I can make another piece if I have the beads to do so, but some of my designs I come up with off the top of my head so remaking them is not possible.

I wanted to expand my talents and inventory so a year after starting my original jewelry idea, I decided to enter the world of sublimation crafting. I started making tumblers, mugs, kids cups, wind spinners, phone cases, pop sockets, wallets, flags, ornaments, magnets, and more! I know these tend to be popular, so I work on making my items apart from others by coming up with unique designs and ideas.

Lastly, I LOVE anything cowgirl, and I really wanted to make my items stand out, so I started making jewelry for cowgirl hats and boots. I love sparkle and glitter and the more I can add to an outfit the better I feel. I love making items to support woman empowerment and self-confidence.

I truly put my heart and personality into everything I make so I feel that when someone purchases an item from me, they can see and feel the love that went into the item.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three most impactful qualities along my journey are Faith, Grace, and Perseverance. I need the strength and faith from God to continue this passion and journey that he has for me. With the struggles and challenges life has to offer, I turn to him and he gives me the strength to keep going.

With grace, I try to remember to love and be patient with myself. This is probably the hardest one for me since I am constantly doubting myself and comparing my journey to others. Its not easy, but self love and patience are so very important, not just with being a small business owner, but in everyday life.

Perseverance is what keeps me going. I am constantly thinking of new ideas and doing research to expand my skillset to be unique and different. There is so much out there but everyone is uniquely made and I think everyone can be different and set themselves apart from the rest. Thinking outside of the box is something I am constantly trying to do.

Overall, it has not been an easy journey, and I know there will continue to be challenges, but with faith, grace, and perseverance it will make the journey all worth it.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

There has been struggles along the way. I grew up getting bullied and made fun of for my speech impairment. As a kiddo I was bullied for saying words differently such as jewelry; I say “Jew-er-ree.” I also struggle with anxiety and depression. With that being said, my small business has been a HUGE coping skill that I have learned to use to cope with the daily struggles of mental illness. After a hard day, I love just being able to go to my office, shut the door, and craft away. My business name truly empathizes the daily struggle and challenges that this world may present.

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