Jennifer Dela Rosa | Founder Dreamcatcher Designs and co
Jennifer Dela Rosa
@dreamcatcherdesignsandco
www.dreamcatcherdesignsandco.com
Q: Walk us through your story!
A: I started over two years ago when I wanted to make my own earrings because most earrings I was allergic to and couldn’t wear them for more than a few hours at a time before they started to itch and they would feel heavy. I made some faux leather earrings at first, but then discovered polymer clay. I started researching more about it and made a few pairs. I loved how light weight it was and therapeutic it became for me during the process and being able to create jewelry from start to finish.
I then decided a few months later to take a leap and try to sell them. Two years later after making my first pair, it has evolved so much as I refined my skills and process through lots of trial and error that continues to this day. I expanded my handmade jewelry and designs from bracelets, necklaces, and incorporating other types of materials such as gold filled, gold plated, and sterling silver that is lightweight and hypoallergenic. My handmade collections has been inspired by different styles and inspirations that all come with a vision to remind anyone who wears Dreamcatcher Designs and co jewelry, they are beautiful & loved.
Dreamcatcher Designs and Co is more than just a jewelry brand. It’s a reminder you are beautiful as you are and the hope to also inspire you to go after your dreams.
Q: What has been the most rewarding phase of your career?
A: Being able to start something on my own even though it was scary, outside of my comfort zone, and learning to keep going through failures and doubts. Also being able to connect & meet a community of beautiful women through Dreamcatcher Designs and Co.
Q: What do you do for inspiration? Do you ever hit creative roadblocks and how do you overcome them?
A: For inspiration, it usually comes for me in deciding the collection I will create which is inspired either by an object, architecture, art I may have seen. A theme idea may just pop in my head then from there I will think of different ways I can create that style into jewelry. If I do have creative roadblocks or I have an idea in mind that didn’t come out the way it was intended, then I take a break. Usually when I do that even if it is for more than a week, then it’s when more creative ideas start to come in. I feel like when I would force myself to do things if I’m not in that creative mindset, I would feel stuck. I have learned mental breaks is so needed and I try to do it more on a regular basis now.
Q: Who has been the most inspirational person in my life and at what stage?
A: My parents. My mom is one of the most caring and hardworking women I know who had the biggest heart for everyone. Dreamcatcher Designs and co was named and inspired by my dad who is no longer here, but it was after his passing was when I knew there was more for me & to go after my dreams.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a career similar to yours?
A: To take that step and go after it. There will be fears, doubts, and it will be uncomfortable. But it is when you take a small step each time you learn, you start gaining confidence in yourself, and you evolve. You will never know until you try.
Q: What are the best resources that have helped you along the way?
A: Google, you tube, investing in personal development & jewelry technique courses , & communities from fellow makers who teach various techniques through memberships. And trial and error has helped me the most.
Q: What are your top self care routines? A: Morning quiet time (prayer, mediation/journal), moving my body through exercise, rest breaks/massages/chiropractor sessions because hours of making jewelry can cause a lot of tension and pain in your muscles and joints. Also doing other things that bring me joy besides creating jewelry.
Q: What is the most challenging part about what you do?
A: I am a one woman person who does it all (design/create,sand/buff/drill/assemble,packaging,shipping,website,marketing/social media.) I’m also a full time pediatric Occupational Therapist
Q: What keeps you going & your why? A: My husband and kids are my why and also everyone who has shown their love & support for Dreamcatcher Designs and Co.
Let your dreams be your wings to go after what your soul wants. Believe in yourself and what is meant for you will always find you.