I’ve said it before and I absolutely mean it, the best thing about writing are the people I meet! Betsy, from Coconut Beach, is one such woman I met awhile ago and fortunately we’ve kept in touch. She is one of the sweetest and most generous artists I know! Betsy has started her own business designing clothing and jewelry, perfect for the beach! And you all know how much I love the beach!
Not only has Betsy agreed to an interview, but she’s also giving away a necklace and earring set to two people who leave a comment!
Join me in welcoming Betsy to the blog!
Tell us about your company: Coconut Beach is a new-age paradise for coastal lovers. The products are hand-made with a lot of love and the spirit of the ocean is imbued into everything I make! Essentially I make seaside inspired clothing and accessories for women, but I hope to expand in the future to include a line for children, men & mommies to be.
Have you always been creative? Yes, always! I’ve always had an artistic life-style, but I wasn’t able to bring my vision to life until recently. That’s where Coconut Beach came in. All my beachy items reflect it too!
You design jewelry and clothing. Do you have a favorite?
That’s a tough one. When an idea comes to me, I put so much love into it that I end up adoring each and every piece I make. If I had to choose one piece of jewelry it would be the nautical bracelets with rare glass beads. A friend taught me how to make them and it was the first thing I ever made. As for clothing, I have a new “Beach Couture” line coming soon and I love everything in it!
I love those bracelets too! One of my favorites. Where do you get your inspiration? Mainly from the different beaches I’ve been to. Also the fact that I’m from the islands, my husband is a surfer and my brother’s hobby is sailing might have something to do with it. The fabrics and beads inspire me too. That’s usually where an idea starts for me. And music inspires me!
What advice would you give aspiring artists?
Be creative! Put your ideas on paper and believe with your whole heart you can do it. Also let your family be the basis of your support.What do you do when you’re not working? Any hobbies?
Historic Romance Novels are my absolute favorite! (Need I mention that my favorite all time author is Ms. Lori Brighton?) I also enjoy reading inspirational books, but Romance novels are my one true love, my guilty pleasure.
Where can we find you on the web? (facebook, etsy site)
coconutbeach.etsy.com
bebebets@facebook.com
What can we expect from you in the future?
I would love to make coastal household Items in addition to what I make now. It would be a one stop shop for all things coastal. * I know this isn’t the Oscars but I’d like to thank Ms. Lori Brighton for believing in me. She told me about Etsy and motivated me to open up a shop. I’d also like to thank my mom for giving me my very own sewing machine and for being my guide. My brother for inspiring me & supporting me constantly. My husband for taking countless pictures in the hot sun and for financing this venture. My sister for being my jewelry mentor. My sister in law for inspiring me with her impeccable sense of style. My cousin for reminding me of my love of beachy jewelry. Thanks to my Etsy mentor for all her marketing tips and motivation. She’s the sweetest! My uncle for being a web genius and sharing his wisdom with me. And most importantly, I’d like to thank my hero, my son who gives me inspiration, motivation and support on a daily basis. I love you. All of you have helped make my dream a reality. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you!
Remember to leave a comment for your chance to win a necklace and earring set (see left and right)! Remember to leave an email so I can get ahold of you. Also, one more special treat…. Betsy is giving my readers a coupon for 15% off their purchase! Just type in ROMANCE when ordering (caps). This coupon is good until the end of June! Contest ends Friday.
P.S. Once again Blogspot is behaving badly. If you can’t get your comment to stick, email me! loribrighton(at)yahoo.com
