Independent Retailer: Go2Girl Designs

All jewelry photos courtesy of Kila Rohner

Kila Rohner is inspired by sun, sea, and land.  And her inspirations are easily spotted in her beautiful jewelry designs.  From bright copper and silver, to oxidized metal with deeply hued stones and beads, Kila has a designers eye for creating understated pieces that easily transition from season to season.  I wanted to ask Kila a few questions about why she started her business, and how she comes up with her designs.  You can read that interview below.  She’s also graciously offered a discount code for full clutch readers that is valid through August 15th, 2012.  Use code FullClutch15 at checkout from either kilarohner.com or her Go2Girl Etsy shop for a 15% discount off your order (excludes tax and shipping, custom orders and not to be combined with any other discounts or coupon codes).  She’s also providing a gift certificate that one lucky full clutch reader will win (details below).

1. What inspired you to start Go2Girl Designs?

I’ve always created jewelry for myself.  After having my two children (under 19 months apart), I needed a way to generate some income while caring for my children at home.  A friend suggested I offer my jewelry designs and handmade items online.  And that is how I began.

2. What is something you feel is unique to what you design?

I put my heart into each new piece of jewelry I design.  I attempt to stay away from the influence of trends and popular styles (not always easy as that is what often sells best), and just go with my intuition and create what feels right to me.  I hope that it is evident in my work.

Carnelian gemstones

3. What outside influences effect your designs?

So many influences my design; anything from a trip to the beach collecting rocks to a funky piece of furniture can influence me.  I once created a necklace using wood and shell tones inspired by an upholstered chair I’d seen in a magazine.  If I find a stone or a artisan made focal piece I will build something around it.  A good friend makes ceramic and porcelain focal pieces and I just love the feel and texture and often incorporate those pieces into my jewelry.

4. How often do you design new pieces?

In my mind I’m constantly designing new pieces, I see them clearly.  I often make doodles of new things I’d like to try . In actuality, I don’t have as much time as I like to design.  For me I have to be set up to create and with two busy children close by that can be difficult.  Currently, three or four times a month I usually come up with a one of a kind piece and maybe one design I can offer in multiples or made to order.

5. What do you use to create your jewelry?

I love rough, organic earthy stones and gemstones.  I incorporate a lot of copper and silver into my jewelry, especially recently as I’m honing my metalworking skills.  As far as tools, I have a ton; from several styles of hammers, a torch, pliers, metal shears, the list is long and I still would love more.

6. Do you have a favorite piece (or two)?

Come hither, sailor

I have so many favorites.  I’ve sold many that I never got photos of.  I love the little “bubbles” in the fused fine silver earrings.  I love this copper cuff I’ve created and, although I’ve got several requests for more options, I’ve yet to explore more designs.  With my OOAK (One Of A Kind) statement necklaces that often incorporate shell, pearls and copper and are appropriately named “Temptress” necklaces, which I like to imagine a mermaid or island princess doning,  I let go of my desire to create for others and just create.

7. Has designing jewelry changed the way you look at jewelry?

Designing jewelry has absolutely changed the way I look at jewelry.  I try to buy only handmade or artisan made if I’m not wearing my own pieces.  I notice quality in everything , use of materials and design.  I can appreciate the time it takes to create and work put into the process.

Thanks for the insight Kila!  Now, let’s get to the details on the giveaway.  The gift certificate that Kila is providing will start out at $25, but we can make that amount go higher.  All you have to do is check out the Go2Girl Etsy shop, and then leave a comment below with the name of your favorite piece.  Once we get to 5 comments from unique readers (one reader can not comment 5 times and have that count) the gift certificate value will bump up to $30.  10 comments will bump it up to $35.  We’ll top out at a $40 value if we can make it up to 15 comments from unique readers.  To enter your name for the the gift certificate just send an email to contests@fullclutch.com with the subject line Go2Girl.  One entry per person, with an entry deadline of 11:59am on Friday, July 13th, 2012.  We’ll randomly select a winner Friday afternoon and notify the winner.  Good luck!

*Update: Congrats to Kelly!  Her entry was received 4th in line, and random.org chose number 4 as the lucky winner!  Thanks to all our participants, and stay tuned for more giveaways on our site in the near future.  And don’t forget, through August 15th you can use code FullClutch15 at checkout for a 15% discount from Go2Girl!