Today we’d like to introduce you to Deana Rose Curcio.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Deana Rose. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the symbiotic relationship between nature, art and culture. Combining textures and colors became my passion, and it was while studying textiles and fashion in England that I discovered my love of beads — glass beads from Italy, silver beads from Bali, semi-precious stones from India.
My business began in 1990 to provide a flexible lifestyle with lots of time for travel. I began making jewelry and selling it to friends and on college campuses. I would often have a table sponsored by the environmental group or women’s group at a university and in return, I would donate a percentage of my sales. I continue to give back to organizations that I believe in through studio fundraising events. While traveling nationally, I would look for stores to carry my line and some of these shops still carry my jewelry almost 30 years later! Wherever I went, I always brought a small suitcase full of jewelry on my travels to help offset expenses. I even did home shows throughout Europe in the early 90s!
I have done both the circuit of art fairs and wholesale trade shows. While the concentration on either has ebbed and flowed over time, presently, I am doing more retail shows and hosting studio events in my Chicago corner grocery storefront building.
From the beginning, I’ve drawn inspiration from the extraordinary and the everyday to create jewelry that is elegant and simple, personal and timeless.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, my business has been a smooth road, with small learning bumps along the way. I believe this is because I followed the advice of a store owner that encouraged me to find the right sales venues for my designs and provide excellent customer service.
Changing with the market is what will always challenge a business owner. When I started, walking into a store and showing the owner my jewelry was commonplace. Now, so much is done online and via social media. This is challenging to me because I love to connect in person to discuss individual pieces of my collection.
You must keep your heart and business hats in balance at all times. Enlist help when you need it and know that working with others will help you and your business grow.
Please tell us about Deana Rose Handmade Jewelry.
I concentrate on customer service by helping people choose jewelry that they are comfortable wearing.
My designs are not fad driven, they are for the women that appreciates natural beauty and understated design.
My experience provides quality consciousness in stone choice and price consciousness.
I am known for quality of design and materials at a price within reach.
Who have you been inspired by?
The most influential and inspiring women in my life have been my grandmother and mother. My grandmother came by herself from Ireland at 17, during the depression and made the best of what opportunities came her way, although, she didn’t settle for a job she didn’t want. In 1929, she quit her first job as a nanny the first week because she knew that the job wasn’t for her. Can you imagine? Quitting a job that gave you room and board during the depression? Well, she did… and she found a more suitable job as a parlor maid for a socialite family.
My mom was superwoman, able to juggle ten things at once, raising 5 kids. She knew how to budget our money, cook 7 meals a week, maintain a beautiful home and also learn about her passions along the way. She loved to garden and read and she always made time for those things.
Both of these women were so kind to people of all walks of life. My grandmother would give her last dime to someone in need and that made her happy, When my mom saw a hungry man on the street, she would go to the store and buy food and bring it back to him… “always remember when you do for others, you are get more out of it than they do.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.deanarose.com
- Phone: 773-478-9776
- Email: deana@deanarose.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/deanarosejewelry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/deanarosejewelry
Image Credit:
Greg Pare
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