02.24.08

My Interview with Anna Sofia, Owner of Anna Sofia Designs

Posted in Uncategorized, jewelry, style, fun, hand crafted jewelry, shopping, site promotion, interviews, paper crafts at 8:51 am by KellyM

Meet Anna Sofia Poirier, Owner of http://www.annasofiadesigns.com/

Where are you located? Monterey, MA
What do you design? I make glazed paper jewelry~Earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
Where/How did you learn this? I’m self-taught. I wanted to make jewelry with paper, but I didn’t have a fixed idea of what that would look like. I just let it take shape on it’s own. I played and experimented until I came up with my flat glazed paper beads. I continue to incorporate new techniques ~ I’ve started doing cut-out style beads ~ very very fun.
Favorite Artist who inspires you? On the wall above my work space, I have a gorgeous photograph of orange blossoms by Thea Coughlin, and an illustration of a stout boy with an orange fox by Terese Bast. Two amazing artists. I’m really inspired by all of the people out there following their dreams ~ it gives me the motivation and excitement to keep going.
Where does your inspiration come from? People who follow their passion in life and are true to themselves are huge inspirations to me. Music~everything from the Beatles, to Sinatra, to Swing, to Samba, to classical piano, jazz, doo-wop….I could go on and on! Dance. Color. Pattern. Nature. I get to work with the most amazing papers ~ it’s outrageous ~ I want them all ~ my favorite are the papers from Japan.
What do you do to combat creative block? A change of scenery or activity. If I get too immersed in what I’m doing I can easily get stuck. Getting away from it helps refresh my perspective. And it reminds me ~ taking breaks is essential!
Where do you design your creations? In my home office, which gets flooded with sunshine ~ it’s awesome.
What does your workspace look like right now? I sit at a long work table that faces the window with a lovely view of the trees, and lots of black-capped chickadees. I have a pretty vase of eucalyptus on the table which is very calming. I keep essential supplies within arm’s reach ~ scissors, x-acto knives, my box of beautiful paper organized by color, adhesive, sealer, pliers. Everything else is organized in nearby cabinets and shelves. I like to keep my space in order. I’m more productive when everything’s organized.
How does your family feel about what you do? They love it and are super supportive. I’m very lucky to have that.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to make their own creations using this method? Be inspired by others, but be original ~ let your own creations emerge.
Best advice you received when starting your own business venture? To charge what you’re worth. To have patience with the process of building your business.
Favorite part of owning your own business? Having such a flexible schedule.
Least favorite? Taxes. And the unpredictability of income.
How do you relax? Sitting in front of the fire. Dancing. Reading. In the warmer weather, feeding the birds by hand in our yard.
Favorite color? Orange.
Does this color show up in a lot of your work? It does. I’m nuts about orange, among all the other amazing colors out there. Certain colors just have that wow factor. Right now, I’m loving orange, lime green and turquoise.
If there were more hours in the day, what would you be doing? Reading, cooking, relaxing.