Today we’d like to introduce you to Susanne Siegel.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Susanne. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My love of culture and all things creative started when I was about 5 year old. We were living in Germany for a year and traveling around Europe on weekends. Having this wonderful experience at such a young age created an appreciation for cultural adventure and ignited my wanderlust. Many years (and trips) later, I have learned I am really my best self when traveling and experiencing new things. It is then that I feel I have my clearest perspective on life. My love of jewelry came from my Mom, ever-stylish and having a great appreciation for incredible jewelry. Thankfully, she bestowed her love of beautiful baubles on my sister and me.
My artistic side was explored further when I went to college. I began as a fine arts major and ended up with a degree in journalism. I always knew I’d have my own business in a creative endeavor. However, that was sidelined by a rewarding career in advertising– until 2004, when serendipitously my business dream came together. As I was contemplating my move out of the corporate world of media sales, it was my Mom who looked me in the eye and said “This is it. You can do this.” So, after carefully building up my brand identity (the sales and marketing experience was invaluable) through creating a logo, my tagline “Elegant Jewelry with Attitude”, a website, packaging and my first line of fine designer jewelry, I bid adieu to my corporate job and set out on a trip to Southeast Asia for inspiration and sourcing my first gemstones.
When I came back, I got busy designing and participated in my first artisan show for Chicago designers at the Merchandise Mart. Thankfully; people loved my use of color and textures, using classic design with an exotic twist. My business was off to a good start. I realized it was important for me to learn all I could about the natural gemstones I had bought in Thailand (close to their source) and was then going to sell to my customers in unique handmade jewelry. The same month I started my business, I enrolled in classes at the Gemological Institute of America.
I started out selling wholesale to high-end boutiques and jewelry stores around the country. I also did some work with clients, one-on-one to create custom designed jewelry. It became evident to me that my favorite part of what I do, aside from designing and choosing gemstones, is working directly with customers to design and create the perfect piece for them. For that reason, I now sell directly (by appointment) at my studio in the Cornelia Arts Building or from my website.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Has it been smooth? No! But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I always say this experience has been MORE in every way than I ever could have imagined. There isn’t a day that has gone by where I haven’t learned something, had an interesting conversation with someone or drawn inspiration from something I may have not noticed before. My business has evolved throughout the years. I started out doing mostly wholesale, selling to small stores in cherry-picked, target markets around the country. After thinking more about what I want out of my business, I decided on doing more custom work, selling out of my studio in the Cornelia Arts Building (either by appointment or at one of the Open Studios events). There is nothing like seeing the way someone’s face lights up when they put on a piece that works perfectly on them, or hearing the excitement in someone’s voice when they see the finished product that you so carefully designed for a special occasion. My biggest challenge has been the struggle to grow at a manageable pace, while being true to my vision and making a living as an independent artist. I love what I’m doing and am always learning something new, but I appreciate that it’s a process. I’ve learned a whole new business, grown from my mistakes, and continue to learn, grow and enjoy what I’m doing. To me, that’s success.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Susanne Siegel Ltd. – Elegant Jewelry with Attitude story. Tell us more about the business.
Creating, exploring, and finding new adventures – it’s what makes me happy and gives me perspective. I design Elegant Jewelry with Attitude because feeling good means you put your best self out there in the world.
I love the way natural gemstones feel. The fact that they come from all over the world brings some adventure into the everyday. My jewelry designs are made to be worn on their own, or layered with other pieces from your collection.
Traveling to interesting places, meeting different people and being open to new experiences means I find beauty in the unique and the unexpected. Whether it’s from the way the sunlight hits the turquoise of the ocean, or from the bright orange of the Thai monks’ robes, I draw inspiration all around me. My jewelry features classic design with an exotic touch. It is handcrafted using natural gemstones and celebrating the contrast of textures and complimenting colors. Many of the stones I choose feature unique inclusions within, adding to the inherent beauty in each piece.
As a Graduate Gemologist, I confidently provide a beautiful array of gemstones in my own designs as well as when I work with clients to create a special one-of-a-kind piece. I am happy to redesign something from a client’s collection that isn’t worn, or needs a refresh. I also offer consultation on heirloom pieces to keep, to sell or to redesign.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Yes! Chicago is a great place for starting a business. There are so many ways to interact with the Chicago community. Joining professional groups is helpful for marketing your business or networking with other entrepreneurs and learning from each other. Chicagoans are very open to supporting each other and “shopping local”. If you’ve got a business idea I highly suggest going for it. While it’s important to have a solid product/service, know your target customer and sell the heck out of it, try not to over think the challenges. What is it they say?? If entrepreneurs knew every obstacle ahead of time, they’d never do it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1800 W. Cornelia Avenue # 208C, Chicago, IL 60657
- Website: www.susannesiegel.com
- Phone: 888-265-0980
- Email: info@susannesiegel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susannesiegelltd/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanneSiegelJewelry/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SSquared18
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/susanne-siegel-chicago
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
