SihayaAndCompany

About Sihaya Designs:

Sihaya Designs is an artisan jewelry company featuring the work of Christina Allen Page. Inspired by myth, faery folklore, nature, and the changing of the seasons, I am known for my use of color and whimsy. Each piece in my shop is handmade, crafted from gemstones, glass, wire, metal, resin, botanical elements, and recycled fine silver. I strive to create wearable art that will connect with the heart, the imagination, and, of course, the inner magpie.

The Story of Sihaya Designs:

Sihaya Designs started as an accident. Everybody's had a bad breakup, right? Well, after realizing I suddenly had a LOT of spare time on my hands, I found myself in the bead aisle of my local craft store.

At first, I would string beads for myself, and for my friends as gifts. Eventually, I realized my bead addiction therapy at least needed to be self-sustaining, so I made the transition from Etsy buyer to Etsy seller. I would work a 9 to 5, and then come home to my beads and my wire, where I could make the designs in my head become a reality.

Eventually, as I began to build my Etsy business, it was clear to me that Sihaya Designs was rapidly becoming a second full-time job. I wanted to take on new materials and learn new skills, like resin and recycled fine silver, but developing my talent in mixed media would take more time than I had hours in the day.

Gathering up my courage, I took the leap of faith and put in my notice at my "real job." Sihaya Designs went full time.

Two weeks later, the US plunged into the worst recession it had seen in decades. I panicked. But in the end, I decided to pursue my dream-- to grow my own business, and to make art. Through hard work, long nights in the studio, and truly phenomenal customers who have rallied around me, Sihaya Designs is still afloat and growing five years later.

(Oh, and I also now have a wonderful and supportive husband, in case you were wondering how that part ended up!)

I am truly grateful for the ability to be a working artist in a world that doesn't always value its artists. It's a challenge, and it absolutely would not be possible without the Etsy platform, which has changed my life in countless positive ways.

Top Ten Things Sihaya Designs Has Taught Me:

1. Trust your gut, and success will find you.
2. It's not a mistake if you fix it before anyone sees.
3. Even if it IS a mistake, it doesn't mean you can't learn from it. Developing skill takes time and persistence.
4. Artists need to get paid, too.
5. Always have your facts straight before speaking publicly.
6. Never under-estimate the power of gratitude. A simple, but personal "thank you" goes a LONG way.
7. Write lists. Lots and lots of lists. (Hi. Virgo here, can you tell?)
8. Four cups of coffee is too much coffee.
9. If a small child asks you if you're REALLY a fairy, ALWAYS say 'yes.'
10. There is NO SUCH THING as too much glitter!