Today we’d like to introduce you to Valeria Estrada.
Valeria, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to Nashville from Argentina in 2013. Until then, I could never imagine being an “artsy” person. For most of my life, I have been concentrating on higher education and I could not understand why art was so important to so many people. I have always wanted to find creative ways to express myself, but I never thought I was that kind of person. Inspired by Music City, I discovered my musical side. I learned to play bass guitar by watching videos and by being surrounded by so many talented musicians. In 2016 I moved to San Diego, where I continue to grow my love for music and playing the bass for fun.
On Christmas 2018, my sister in law gave me a beautiful handwoven pair of earrings made of glass seed beads by her friend who had recently started her own business. After a few months, I was looking at the earrings and thought: how hard would it be for me to make my own earrings? I also remembered how difficult it was to find earrings and necklaces I like in the stores and actually looked at my small collection trying to think how much of an impact those earrings and necklaces had made on me when I decided to buy them. I don’t own many accessories but some of them have been with me for 15 years!
In October 2019, inspired by the earrings I received as a gift and from seeing many great designers on Instagram, I went to a craft store and bought some seed beads, needles and thread and started watching tutorial videos, just as I had when I started to learn bass guitar. I made a few pairs, posted them on Instagram, and started getting compliments from family, friends, and even strangers who bought some pairs from me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Trying to expose my creations to the world is not an easy thing because for most of my life, I have struggled to see myself as a creative person and leaving my self-criticism about the product not being perfect behind has been my biggest challenge. I am learning that there is nothing about perfection in the creative process.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Color Pop Design – what should we know?
I started Color Pop Design as my space for self-expression. I am obsessed with colors but my wardrobe doesn’t reflect that, so I design colorful accessories to mix and match with my clothes. When I am creating pieces, my mind stops chattering and I enjoy the moment. And that is what I intend to show in every piece, a true expression of who I am in the present moment.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My husband has been my biggest supporter. He is a craftsman himself and has been my source of inspiration. We have discovered together the world of the farmer’s markets while working on his business for the last couple of years and he is now encouraging me to expose myself the same way.
Pricing:
- Price range for handwoven seed beads earrings $25-$50
Contact Info:
- Email: colorpopdesignbyval@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/color_pop_design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/colorpopdesignbyval
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