Onuava
Gorgeous Jewellery Sprinkled With Healing Crystals
I really enjoyed speaking with Danielle I am sure that you will enjoy her interview below:
What inspired you to start your etsy shop?
My husband and I have been suffering with infertility for over two years now. About 6 months ago we had the devastating news that medically our only option would be IVF but due to funding we would have to wait 4 years for this to become a reality. After feeling that I had been cheated by Western medicine I decided to look more into alternative therapies. It wasn't long before I stumbled upon the benefits of crystal therapy in treating infertility. With an already strong creative side and a passion for jewellery it wasn't too much of a surprise when I decided to put the two together and create pieces containing crystals specifically chosen for their links to fertility.
Realising how taboo the subject of infertility still is I wanted to reach out to other women in my situation and show them that they were not alone in their struggle and more importantly I wanted to try and help them realise that dream of parenthood. Thus my Etsy store was born!
How long has your shop been open?
My shop was started on the 20th November 2011 - it is still a fledgling store and I still have a long way to go. I have greatly enjoyed the learning process of it all and feel that even in a few short months my skill base has improved vastly.
What types of products do you offer?
I offer mainly necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings but I am hoping to expand this to include hair ornaments, brooches, even more key-rings. Although a lot of my shop items are aimed at women suffering with infertility, there are also a few pieces of pregnancy jewellery and memorial jewellery - something very close to my heart.
How do you come up with the designs for your pieces?
Usually I will come up with a specific concept such as pregnancy and then seek out which crystals are most beneficial. After I have all my stones and crystals together I will use the visual aesthetics to inspire the design. Being a perfectionist usually means that the design will evolve several times before I am finally happy with the item. If it is a custom piece I will make a few designs, photograph them and send these images to the buyer. Working hand in hand with the buyer I will then create a design they are happy with.
What helps keep you motivated to make new products?
My main source of motivation is being able to wear all finished sample pieces. An ever-expanding jewellery collection is an absolute must for me. I like to have pieces to match certain outfits and moods, this ensures that I am constantly mentally designing new pieces.
What inspires you creatively?
Infertility has weakened my self esteem and self confidence. Being creative has strengthened this weakness and allowed me to express all my emotions in a positive and meaningful way.
My creativity has provided a much needed outlet from the stress and pressure that infertility creates.
What do you enjoy most about etsy?
My favourite thing about Etsy is the sense of community that goes with being a store owner. No matter what your level of selling experience there is always somebody available to help you out and assist in improving your store, whether through advice, critiques or sharing your items.
Etsy is a fun and social place to also just 'hang' out. There is something very rewarding about passing on advice that was given to me at the beginning of my Etsy career to help another seller in need.
Why did you decided to make infertility related items?
My husband and I are classed as unexplained infertility and like most people in this group I feel like one of the forgotten ones. I wanted something beautiful and functional that represented the struggle that we all face on a daily basis. When people ask about the origin of my jewellery I will proudly tell them what inspired it and if they enquire, a little background on our struggle. The world doesn't seem to want to acknowledge infertility and there have been many times I have felt like less of a woman because I am struggling to procreate. I wanted to make jewellery aimed at infertility not just to help other women but also to ensure that they do not feel alone on their journey.
What advice could you give to someone who is facing infertility?
Don't put your life on hold for the prospect of pregnancy and don't set yourself deadlines to fall pregnant. I wasted over a year putting things off or declining invitations to fun events because I was worried that accepting or doing them could be harmful for a perspective baby. Sadly I just missed out on life and there was no pregnancy or baby to take the sting out of this. These days if I want a drink or to go out for a relaxing spa day then I will do it, usually without a second thought. I think of this as my acceptance.
Making deadlines to fall pregnant by is a big no, no. I know lots of women struggling with infertility (myself included) that will state 'by this time next year I will be pregnant', Sadly you have no control over this and when your deadline comes and goes with no positive test you feel disappointed and as if in some way you have failed. Infertility is hard enough without putting unnecessary pressure on yourself.
Any advice for loved ones of someone who is struggling with infertility?
Please be aware that although you may feel you understand what your loved one is going through, infertility is something you cannot relate to unless you have suffered it. Be mindful of everything you say and realise that if they are having a tough day the last thing they will want to talk about is baby related topics. Be supportive and aware of all important upcoming dates relating to infertility such as specialist appointments or medical tests. Enquire how these went but be prepared not to pry if your loved one seems closed off - they may have had some bad news that they are unable to share just yet.
One thing you should never say to someone facing infertility?
Most importantly never say anything upon the lines of 'you're trying too hard' or 'just relax and it will happen'. Statically this theory has been disproved and it is like a slap in the face for someone struggling with infertility. It is along the lines of telling somebody to stop breathing, impossible not to think about infertility when it is something you are faced with on a daily basis.
Any other things you would like to share about etsy, your shop, or infertility?
Be strong and remember that you are not alone. Our struggle may be harder then most, but we will appreciate our baby that much more because of it.
Some of Danielle's beautiful piece:
Thank you so much for the chance to share my story with the world!
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