D Celestine Limited

What do you create?
I create handmade, artisan jewelry designs inspired by fashion. My design philosophy is: Although my designs are influenced by the latest trends, I try to incorporate a certain sense of classic beauty to give my jewelry a timeless style. I really like to make jewelry that is current, but when the trends are over, I like to think my jewelry doesn't go out of style with it.

How did you come up with your company name?
When I first toyed with the idea of starting a jewelry business a couple years ago, I wanted to give it a unique name. I've always liked the French language and stars, so I called it "Étoile Jewelry" (étoile is French for star), but it was a bit difficult to pronounce and spell for my clients. Later, when I was ready to incorporate, I still wanted a unique name, but it was important to me that it had meaning behind it. I sat there thinking, "Why can't I have a cool name like Coco Chanel so I can use it as my business name!?? Then, it hit me! My
middle name is Celestine, and I thought that sounded pretty cool. Celestine, by itself, was a bit too generic - I wanted to make it more unique, so I added the D which is the first initial of my name, to give the business name an edge. I had to add the "Limited" as part of the corporate name. That's how I got "D Celestine Limited".

When and why did you decide to start your business?
Since childhood, I've always loved arts & crafts, especially drawing, painting, photography, and jewelry making. I actually started my first jewelry company, "Beedz" when I was in middle school. I made necklaces, bracelets, and anklets using seed beads, and I actually sold them to friends (and their parents) and family! It was so cute; I had a little order book and everything for my "custom work". My passion for craft stayed with me through school, and after I graduated college, I decided I needed a creative outlet, so I returned to beading. My friends and family really liked my jewelry, and I had always wanted to start my own business, but I was unsure if I should take my hobby to the next level. About this time, I found one of my favorite quotes, which asks, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" The quote really got me thinking and helped me realize that if I knew my jewelry business wouldn't fail, I'd definitely start it up. I decided that, fifty years from now, I didn't want to look back at
this time and wonder "What if?" So, I officially started D Celestine Limited (or DCL as I sometimes call it) in August of last year by incorporating and creating a web site to showcase my work.





Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I get most of my inspiration from the fashion world. I like to take the latest trends and merge them with my personal style. For example, I like to take a basic, popular style, like "opera-length necklaces," and make it mine by using different materials, or mixing up the location of components, or adding my favorite stones to the design. I also try to stay in tune with the season's hottest colors by using those colors in my designs throughout the year. Additionally, I really love the combination of gemstones with Swarovski crystals, so, no matter the inspiration, I like to try to work those materials into my designs.

What is your main goal for this year?
Get my name out there! I just incorporated in August of last year, and I feel like I've spent as much time getting DCL "ready for business" as designing/making the jewelry! lol! I'd like to get my work in front of some fresh faces, and I also think it'd be really, really cool to get
some jewelry on a celebrity! I guess I'd just like other people to like my jewelry as much as I do!

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Follow your dreams, stay true to yourself, and keep your inspiration. The craft business is a hard one, but you just have to stick with it and remain optimistic! I'm definitely a quote person, so whenever I'm feeling down, I try to find a good quote to lift my spirits.

And just out of curiosity, what's your favorite tool of your trade?
Round-nose pliers are my favorite tool. Not only is it my most used tool, but it's probably the most versatile. I can make an entire pair of chandelier earrings out of a piece of sterling wire with those babies!

Site:
D Celestine Limited