Maker Monday: Ilana Young
Hi! My name is Ilana and I have a small home business that I opened on Facebook and Instagram in April called Shimmer and Shine Designs. I make all kinds of handmade, beaded accessories, such as bookmarks, notebooks journals, glasses cases, luggage tags, LED lights, etc…I also started selling a new product called “snap jewelry” a few weeks ago and I’d love if you’d take a look at how awesome it is! You can see my page on Instagram at shimmerand_shinedesigns. I live in Montreal and would love any opportunity to be part of any of your amazing groups. I’m not picky about which one…it would be such an incredible opportunity to get my name out there! Please let me know if you’d like more information or if you have any questions. I think this is exactly what I need right now.
What do you make?
I make handmade, beaded accessories such as bookmarks, keychains/bag tags, notebooks/journals, luggage tags, etc…as well as a new line of jewelry called “snap jewelry”. It’s fun, affordable, interchangeable charms called “snaps“ that pop in and pop off jewelry, allowing you to have one necklace, ring, or bracelet that you can buy snaps to make the same price of jewelry have as many different looks as you’d like to.
When did you first become inspired to start creating?
August 2020
Why do you create? What is your spark?
I create because it gives me joy, purpose, and pride. I’m a recent cancer survivor and have been unable to work since 2005. My art has kept me sane through covid as I live alone. Creating makes me happy and still excites me every day!
If you had all the resources in the world (time, money, etc) would you still make the kind of art you make?
I would absolutely continue to create even if money was not an issue. I am very lucky because I love what I do! It’s more work than I ever imagined but I wouldn’t change a thing!
When did you realize you wanted to become an artist?
I believe that I was always an artist but I decided to make it into a business in November of 2020 with emphatic encouragement from my friends and family.
What are your hobbies?
I love reading, watching tv, creating art in many forms, and spending time with my loved ones is so important to me.
If you were a canvas, what would be your color palette?
Sunsets colors. Blues, pinks, oranges, yellows, reds, purples, and whites.
What is the hardest part of running your own business?
Advertising, marketing, editing pictures, posting new pieces on all different groups and different types of social media.
What advice would your current self give your beginner self?
Stop being so hard on yourself and take some chances. You fought cancer to live, so, LIVE! You can do this and you have nothing to lose!
A newspaper article is written about you. What is the headline?
Recent cancer survivor finds purpose in opening a business to sell her artwork.
What do you love most about being your own boss? I love that I can work as much or as little I want each day, depending on how I’m feeling and not having to answer to anyone about what time of day or night I work.
What was the biggest fear you had that was holding you back from doing this years ago?
I had a very negative view of myself. I’m my own worst critic and I learned over time to encourage, love, and believe in myself and taking chances
Follow Ilana!
Instagram Shimmer and Shine Designs Facebook Shimmer and Shine Designs