Today's featured artist is Madeline alias mmjewelrybox! Let's get to know her better!

Tell us a bit about yourself:
What is your background?

When I first joined Etsy I had all intentions of putting my age in on my profile, but when I went into the chat rooms and everyone is talking about their kids, work, and husbands I felt like no one would take me seriously. I felt like I was an outcast and that everyone would not respect my work. I now know and I have realized that is does not matter how old I am, I know that I am talented and I love making jewelry. It does not matter what others think, wither it be my age or my about work. 

I am 15 1/2 years old. I am a freshman in high school, I just got my learners permit, I am a cheerleader for my school, and my FAVORITE thing to do is make jewelry. I really is my passion. I put a lot of effort and time into each piece. I don't want anyone to think that my age has an effect on the craftsmanship of my jewelry.  I have been making jewelry for about 4 ½ years. I grew up watching my mom knit, bead, sew, and felt purses.  I loved to help her and when I was old enough I to start crafting I started to bead right away and I have not really stopped ever since.  Right now I work with a lot of precious and semi precious stones as well as glass beads.  I am hoping to get started with Art Clay so keep an eye open for that! I might be 15 but I am determined to make something of myself. While all of my friends are searching for summer jobs I am searching for craft festivals and trying to find new ways to better promote myself. I know I can succeed, but all I need now is for other to believe that I can do it!

What hobbies or interests do you have?
I love to play sports and workout, I am very active!  In my free time when I am not making jewelry I love to study fashion and interior design.  I love sketching and painting as well. I LOVE anything having to do with art!

Is there a specific design style that you really like?
I would say I do not have just one design style. My pieces reflect all different styles!

What drives you?
My drive comes from the desire to show people that I can be successful even at my age!   My family and friends help me stay motivated.  I put a ton of energy into my brand and my business. I spend a lot of my energy participating in craft festivals and farmers markets!


look at me!
What are you passionate about?
I am very passionate about fashion! I want to go into fashion when I am older and become a stylist.  I love getting inspired by the latest trends!  My goal is to make jewelry that will top off anyone’s outfit!

Why did you choose your career / niche / topic / market?
I chose to start making jewelry and I would not give it up for anything! I am defiantly passionate enough to build a brand around it.  I feel like I have already started to!

What are your goals?
My goals are for more people to know about my jewelry.  My community knows about it, but I would like the world to!  My jewelry makes great gifts and one of my little dreams is for people to go to my site when they need a gift for someone!  I am young and I have a lot of learning and time ahead of me to make my brand better and more successful!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five year I see myself in New York City attended Parson or F.I.T. I hope to be interning at Vogue.  I hope that my brand will have grown a ton! I hope to still have my brand and bring it to New York with me!

Tell us about your shop:
How do you describe what you do and why are you doing what you do?
I sell affordable kids and adult jewelry!

Describe your ideal customer & the world they inhabit.
When I think of my ideal customer a strong mother comes to mind.  I see her being very busy but she always looks very chic! I think in away my ideal customer is my mom. When I describe my ideal customer my mom comes to mind.

What do you want to be known for in your business?
Quality work!

What is about your shop that is unique? What makes your shop different?
My jewelry is very fun and unique!  My prices are very good! I love to use a lot of different materials when making my jewelry.  I love finding vintage beads to use!

What’s your story & why should I buy from you?
I think the element of my age and my determination is what sets me apart from everyone else.  I have had a lot of people tell me that I am too young, and that they do not think that I am not capable.  I know I am! I am very determined to succeed.  I don’t think age matter, but talent does. I think that I do have a talent for making jewelry.

look at me!
What event or need causes them to search for what you offer? Which problem do you solve?
I think my jewelry makes great gifts. I have jewelry starting at $5!  Even if you have a small budget you get still get something beautiful!  I also have started to sell some of my beads because I just have too many!! My beads start at $3!

What is your message?
I want to tell every young artist that no matter what people tell you, you can be successful! I have had a lot of people look down to me and tell me that I am not old enough. I know I am, and I have been successful.  Believe in yourself, your product, and in your business!