When it comes to Dea Dia Jewelry, each piece is truly unique. The raw, unfinished brass changes in look and texture over time. The natural crystals used are collected on adventures across the country. Basically, if any jewelry were ever to give you magical powers, it would be Dea Dia.
We couldn’t be more excited to have Dea Dia as one of our vendors at this December’s BUST Magazine Holiday Craftacular & Food Fair!
Read on to find out more from Dea Dia’s creator herself, Jessica Lawson.
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Jessica Lawson and I am the owner and designer of Dea Dia, a handcrafted jewelry line based in Brooklyn, NY.
How did you get started?
I was a sales girl for a local jewelry designer who sold at an artist’s market in Williamsburg. Working for her got me interested in the world of jewelry design and market life. I bought a basic set of tools and raw materials in the jewelry district in Manhattan and got home and just started making. Initially, it was a creative outlet and hobby born out of boredom. I taught myself everything I know. I got a lot of positive feedback from friends and strangers early on and that pushed me to launch my Etsy shop and participate in local artist’s markets. I’ve spent the past year touring the country participating in curated markets, exhibiting at design-driven tradeshows, adding wholesale clients and trying to find my brand identity. It’s been a year of tremendous growth for me personally and my business. I’m so excited to see where Dea Dia takes me in the coming years.
What’s inspiring you right now?
The music of Neil Young has always, and will always be inspiring to me. I can’t wait to see him at Carnegie Hall in January. I’m also really obsessed with Gene Clark and The Byrds. I love classic rock of the 60’s and 70’s that melds psychedelia and country. Their music moves me so much more than anything contemporary.
Any advice for those starting out in the handmade industry?
Finding your audience is crucial. I think it’s difficult to launch a business by just being online. If you make goods or sell vintage, I highly recommend participating in local markets in your community. That way, you get to connect with your customer, hone in on your audience, and tailor your items to meet the demand. With time, you build a name and reputation and that helps your online presence. Simply having a great product and launching an online shop is not enough to build a business or help you get discovered.
What are you most looking forward to at the BUST Magazine Craftacular and Food Fair this year?
The terrarium workshop with Luludi Living Frames sounds fun. If I can get away from my booth for a while, I’d love to participate in that! I’m also just excited to see who all the other great makers are and get inspired by their craft and ingenuity. Adina Mills is always a favorite; she’s incredibly talented, hard working and an all around rad lady – I can’t wait to see what she brings.
Check out Jessica’s work, as well as the amazing wares of over 250 handmade, vintage, and fancy-food vendors, at the BUST Magazine Holiday Craftacular & Food Fair.
| It’s all taking place on Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street, at 6th Ave.) in N.Y.C. The Craftacular will run from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM both days. For more info on the BUST Magazine Craftacular, click here!
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