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CRAVE BlogInterview with Betsy Cross of Betsy & Iya Jewelry
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You don’t have to buy a new outfit to look and feel brand new. Each piece from jewelry line Betsy & Iya is guaranteed to turn your everyday uniform into something sassy and stylish without breaking the bank. With collections varying from bright neons, vintage metals, to chain links and random found objects, designer Betsy Cross turns old into new and does eco-friendly in style. We join Betsy at her cozy NW studio and storefront for an interview as fun and inspiring as she is—“a person who loves everything.”
Your jewelry is 100% handmade. Do you make them all yourself? Any helpers?
I’m currently the sole designer and I make all pieces myself. I do have assistants who are quite helpful in various aspects of the business. Sometimes I’m designing so much that my fingers become swollen! Maybe one day in the future I’ll relinquish some aspects of designing to my employees, but until then, I’m happy to be designing and creating all the pieces myself.
How many pieces do you think you’ve designed so far?
Approximately 300 individual designs and I can’t stop!
What’s your most popular collection? What are your price points?
That’s the Metal Vintage line, but I’m very blessed to have all my pieces from all the different lines be consistently bought by customers. The price points are all very reasonable. Earrings start at $19 and necklaces $39. I do have unique designs from my Peruvian Opal line with necklaces that are up to $300. The opals are bought from a fair-trade source and are of the highest quality.
What are your favorite materials to work with?
Of course I love working with metals, but besides that I love to use vintage chains and parts. Also, unexpected objects (door numbers, shower curtain rings, etc.) are a favorite to work with—I like to figure out original ways to use them. This Saturday I’m showcasing my “Old Turns New” collection at the Junk to Funk fashion show at the Crystal Ballroom. It’s a great production, I recommend checking it out!
Do you have a design process or way to find inspiration?
I try not to draw inspiration from works of other jewelry designers, and it’s hard because there are so many out there. I feel it taints my vision for what I truly want in my own line. But often I will look through magazines to find new colors and textures that are inspiring.
Where and how do you find your vintage pieces?
I’m on the lookout all the time for pieces that could be incorporated into my jewelry line. I find them mainly at thrift stores and the like.
You’re currently selling your jewelry at various boutiques and on Etsy. Do you plan on having a shopping cart through your website in the future?
Yes, I do. This way I can have more styles to offer to my customers at any given time.
What’s the best part about having your own business?
The best part of owning a business is also sometimes the worst. It’s being on my own schedule, and that can be both awesome and difficult. You have to discipline yourself to work, and at the same time discipline yourself to STOP working or overworking. It’s about finding a balance!
How do you feel about receiving feedback from others?
It’s very important to listen to feedback. Take in the valuable stuff, the things you can work with, and leave out the destructive and negative feedback.
Can you describe your style?
I consider my style to be timeless, which means I don’t follow trends by any means. Sometimes, I even consider stepping on “almost ugly” boundaries or finding potential in unusual pieces and making them wearable! I also love mixing the old with the new.
Any advice to aspiring business owners and designers?
Fearlessness—a trait I would recommend for anyone wanting to start their own business. Believe in who you are and just go out there and do it. When I first started, nothing told me that people were going to like my designs, I just had to take that chance and figure it out for myself. And in tough times, keep things fresh. Keep on producing and doing what you do. It’s easy to get into a rut, but you must stay positive and be productive.
How do you find time for activities outside of work?
It’s very hard. Currently I’m in a group and we’re creating a playwright, which will showcase at the Fertile Ground Festival in January. I have rehearsal three nights a week and it’s a lot of work and energy. I guess you just have to make time and make it happen!
What has been a surprise for you as a creative entrepreneur?
I never expected my business to go as fast as it’s gone. I’ve done really well in the past two years since starting my business, and I look back at all the jewelry I’ve made, all the cities I’ve been to, all the shows I’ve done, and think, “How did that all happen?” All the bits and pieces, even the miniscule things that we don’t think matter … all the time and resources I’ve invested into the business has accumulated into something major! And of course it takes time, but when I look back I’m caught by surprise at how much I’ve been able to accomplish in those few years.
2 Responses to “Interview with Betsy Cross of Betsy & Iya Jewelry”
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betsy cross Says:
Aww Shucks! You gals are so dang sweet!! …had such a lovely time with you. thank you very much for this.
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Tiffanee Bean Says:
Way to go Betsy! We are your biggest fan!!! xoxo