We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sofia Burnett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sofia below.
Sofia, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
As an artist I tend to work intuitively. I draw inspiration from the world around me and things that make my heart sing. As a business woman, I have to work proactively to predict trends, as well as reactively to pivot when things are (or aren’t) working. I learned early on that the things you create will sometimes resonate with your audience, will find common ground and spark connection. Other times, may mean a lot to you but fall flat when launched to the public. It takes a lot of trial and error to make headway, and in order to keep going you have to remember not to take things personally and that all of these experiences are lessons leading you on your own unique path.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I offer a jewelry making experience that I call Smiley Salad, which gives everyone a moment of carefree creative fun and relaxation. Customers become designers while they explore colorful materials and actually make their very own bracelet. I also have a handmade jewelry line featuring semi-precious stones and collectible bracelets with positive messages.
As an artist and a jeweler, I have always been fascinated by the inherent sentimentality of jewelry. Whether it be a golden family heirloom, or a friendship bracelet of knotted string, we hold special meaning in these artifacts. They become comfort objects, never taken off, and reached for during moments of weakness or wonder. This curiosity led me to study jewelry and metalsmithing at Pratt Institute, and eventually go on to start my own handmade jewelry business.
While growing my eponymous brand at the Brooklyn Flea in New York City, I saw an opening in the marketplace for a customer experience that transcends the souvenir. Something that exists purely in the moment, but leaves a lasting impression. I converted my booth into an open display of beads for shoppers to make friendship bracelets on the spot, and watched the healing power of creativity in action. The stressors of everyday life melted away as people of all ages carefully strung cute beads and made something beautiful, just for fun. The bowls full of smiley face beads set out like a “salad bar” led me to name the experience Smiley Salad. My customers’ positive response helped me realize a deeper meaning: just like healthy food, creating is good for you.
I have since expanded this concept into kits, parties and a subscription service. I hope to provide moments of unplugged peace through Smiley Salad and give everyone permission to tap into their creative mind as a form of restorative emotional healing.
You can make a bracelet with me on Wednesday nights through December at The Pearl in downtown San Antonio, or on the first Saturday of every month at Helotes Market Days.
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?
I worked very hard! When I started my line, I was working a full time design job, making my own jewelry at night and selling on the weekends. I was very driven to make my business my own full time job and I definitely put in the work to prove it.
I was also very resourceful. I did not take out huge loans or take big financial risks. I used what I had, shared resources with my community and asked lots of questions when I found myself around knowledgeable people I admired.
On that note, I also surrounded myself with people who were on the same path as me and ahead of where I was. I offered to help, doing side work for more established entrepreneurs so I could learn on the job.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents are so supportive! They encouraged me to attend art school even though they had never really heard of such a thing because they knew I would thrive there. I am so grateful they gave me the gift of an education. But even before that, all my life one thing I really appreciate and try to embody now that I am a parent: they gave me and my sisters space to be ourselves. They put on a little pressure to do well, work hard and succeed, but overall there was never any coercion to be a specific type of person or take a prescribed path. We were and are always encouraged in our passions and I hope I can give my kids that same gift.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sofiaramsay.com
- Instagram: @sofiaramsay
Image Credits
Eric Calbillo is responsible for the 1 photo of me leading the workshop featuring a few other girls. All others are mine.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
