Happy September! This month I am happy to feature these amazing artists from my own town. Terri, Donna and I met thru a Market Event held in Santa Clarita last year. Let's get to know more about Terri & Donna and what inspires their handmade jewelry.
Terri Bell and Donna Sugimoto - SOLSISS Jewelry
-Please tell us about yourselves.
We are two sisters, born in Los Angeles. While growing up in Burbank we had different interests from baton twirling to gymnastics to softball. One of us moved on to raise two kids and worked 9 - 5 office jobs while the other became a hairstylist in West Hollywood. We never would have imagined that one day our interests would eventually overlap through our love of the healing arts, and that we would be working together towards one common goal.
Today, we are the co-creators of SOLSISS. We make Reiki-infused jewelry combining natural gemstones, sterling silver, and lava beads to diffuse your favorite essential oils. (Special affirmation charms can also be added.) Our passion is to make the world a brighter place through our meaningful handcrafted jewelry designs.
-How did you start doing what you love? Tell us about your journey.
We both love using essential oils and loved the idea of lava diffuser jewelry, but we just couldn’t find anything we liked. Our Aunt Eloise had been making her own jewelry and invited us over to play around with her treasure trove of beads. That’s when the designing began.
We started our small business locally and our first customers, of course, were our immediate circle of friends. The circle continues to grow as our customers not only buy pieces for themselves but also for their friends and family. We’re on this incredible journey together and are so grateful for our SOLSISS community.
-What is it that you want to share with us?
We believe the more positivity, joy and harmony you have within, the more you emanate it out to those around you and into the world. We call this “Solful Synergy.”
We simply strive to infuse the world with good vibes and feel that positive energy is infectious (in a good way).
As the sun rises each day, we are given the opportunity, to live with purpose and intention. As its rays illuminate, we have the ability to shine more positivity, joy and harmony out into the world.
~ SOLSISS
-What inspires your work?
When we hear comments like, “I don’t know what it is about this bracelet, but I don’t want to take it off,” or “I love how I feel when I’m wearing my jewelry,” that is inspiring. We feel our intention of spreading good vibes into the world is manifesting. SOLSISS is fulfilling our purpose and it inspires us to keep on “keeping on.”
-Do you do this full time or is it more of a hobby?
We both have other forms of employment, but we work on SOLSISS when we can--sometimes even until the wee hours of the morning. It is more a passion than a hobby.
-How do you share what you love to do with the world?
We love doing pop-ups, gatherings and special in-home events but unfortunately, that is all on hold due to the pandemic. For now everything is pretty much all online using Instagram, Facebook and Etsy. Social media is currently our best friend. We miss seeing our customers’ smiling faces in person but are thankful to still be able to connect with them (while social-distancing) no matter where they are.
-Where can we find you?
Etsy: SOLSISS.etsy.com
Instagram: instagram.com/solsissjewelry
Facebook: facebook.com/SOLSISSJewelry
Sharing some amazing pictures of SOLSISS pieces:
Look at the beautiful Lamirar & Lava stone earrings I got from SOLSISS. They are beautiful!
Thank you everyone for stopping by my blog today. Subscribe to my newsletter to get the latest news and specials happening at Jennifer Sher Art.
Love + Light
Jenn Sher ⚛️🌀💟
