On the Market.

Anne Vaughan is a local jewelry artist from Floyd, VA who sells her work semi-regularly on the Roanoke City Market. Anne creates beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. She also gladly accepts custom work in order to meet the unique needs and desires of her customers. Anne’s jewelry is earthy and chunky, yet versatile and elegant, and many of her pieces contain turquoise. In addition to her jewelry, Anne is also the mother of two beautiful children who gave up teaching in order to enjoy her art and her family. Following is an interview I conducted with her about her work.

How long have you been creating art?

I have been creating all my life.

What do you make?

I create various styles and types of wearable art. I create necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants and rings.

What got you started making jewelry professionally?

The birth of my second child got me started with my new business, Anne Vaughan Designs. I knew I could not return to my previous profession (demands of time and energy really took a toll on my family), yet I had to do something. My husband encouraged me to place my first bead order and I made a simple of goal of creating just two pieces a day. I now strive to create $1,500 - $2,000 worth of inventory each week.

What was one of the first pieces you made as an adult?

One of the first pieces of jewelry I can remember making as an adult was a funky herringbone weave bracelet using faceted quartz and sterling silver as my medium. This bracelet is far from perfect but one of my most favorite pieces because it symbolizes a new beginning for me.

What inspires the work you create?

I find the beauty of the natural stones to be an inspiration as well as landscapes, textiles and other color combinations I see throughout the day.

At what venues other than the Roanoke City Market have you sold through?

I sell at various venues and I am not quite sure that I have a favorite. I do trunk shows at people homes which are tons of fun. I also do wine festivals, art shows and festivals, the Roanoke Market and wholesale my work in five different locations (Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke Valley Print Works, Over the Moon Gallery, Wildfire Pots and Willow Grove.

What tips do you have for someone doing their first art or craft show?

If I had the opportunity to provide some advice to someone starting their own business, I would suggest doing the research. Find any forum possible relating to the art and read all that you can about other artist experiences creating the product, selling, buying raw materials, success stories and common areas of concern. I would then develop a simple business plan with goals you refer back to monthly, perhaps even weekly. Take the time to reflect on what is working and what is not. Most importantly, treat your customers like GOLD. They are gold and they are what make you successful and allow for you to do what you love doing. Dress for success. First impressions go a long way.

What mistakes have you made along the way that you wish you’d had advice on before you started selling?

I am sure I have made tons of mistakes along the way. I am still trying to figure out how to solve display issues I have with strong wind gusts. I also need to learn when to say no to too many events.

What do you love most about your art?

What I love most about my art is having a customer connect with a piece of jewelry. I often have a customer take the jewelry and put it on and wow, it was like it was made just for them. That is awesome!

You can view a gallery of Anne’s work on her website at Annevaughandesigns.com as well as find out where she’ll be selling next.