Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Teske
Hi Angel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve loved beads for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was fascinated by pop beads, and I began making jewelry and hemp necklaces to sell to my friends in middle school. My interest in beads grew over the years as I became captivated by their colors, textures, and the rich history behind them. In high school, I worked at a bead store where I could sell my work on consignment, and this continued while I was studying art in college. When the bead store closed, I took my passion to a few art shows while balancing full-time jobs in fundraising, restaurant management, and healthcare. During this time, I struggled artistically as I craved a full-time career in art but lacked the discipline and knowledge to make that transition. Despite this, I kept participating in art shows, knowing that making jewelry brought me immense joy. Like many others, I made a big career change during COVID-19, leaving my job in fundraising to focus on growing Earth Angel Jewelry. I still worked part-time jobs until early 2024 when I finally took the leap to make Earth Angel Jewelry my full-time focus. This first year has been incredible, with many ups and downs, but I’ve learned so much as I navigate the challenges and growth that come with running my own business.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While working full-time, I struggled to find the time to create jewelry and focus on the aspects of my business that didn’t come as naturally to me, like marketing. At the time, I didn’t know any other full-time artists, so I often wondered if Earth Angel Jewelry could ever become a sustainable, full-time income. Could I make it work? As a one-woman shop, it can sometimes feel overwhelming juggling all the different hats, from designing to managing the business side of things. Right now, I’m focusing on figuring out the best way to allocate my time to grow the business and navigate the exciting but new challenges, like hiring independent contractors and photographers. It’s all a bit of a learning curve, but it’s exciting to see the growth and possibilities ahead.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I started my creative journey by making jewelry and have recently branched out into crafting sun catchers and incorporating antique bells into my work. I specialize in using unique materials from around the world, including stones and recycled glass sourced during my travels to Nepal, West Africa, and beyond. Traveling deeply inspires my work, as it allows me to connect with diverse cultures, discover unique materials, and learn the stories behind them. Each piece I create reflects my passion for these experiences and my belief in celebrating the beauty of global diversity.
By combining materials from multiple continents in a single piece, I strive to express how the richness of our world comes together in harmony. What sets my work apart is that it’s not about following trends; instead, it’s a celebration of the materials themselves. My creations are accessible yet unique, and they aim to tell a story through their design. Currently, I am most proud of my line of bells and sun catchers. These pieces bring me immense joy to make, and watching people interact with them and find their own connection to the art gives my heart joy.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Being open to feedback has been one of the most valuable lessons in my journey. Take the good with the bad—there’s always something to learn from most feedback, even if it’s not immediately obvious. I’ve also found that talking to other vendors at art shows is a fantastic way to network and grow. Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know; instead, embrace it as an opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills. Be open to having coffee or conversations with people at all stages of their careers. Those more advanced can offer guidance and perspective, while those less advanced can provide fresh ideas and unique insights. There’s always something to gain when you approach networking with curiosity.
Pricing:
- Suncatchers – $24-$32
- Bells – $15-$124
- Necklaces – $34-$108
- Earrings – $24-$42
- Sterling Silver Rings – $24
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.earthangeljewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earth.angel.jewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EarthAngelJewelry
