Conversations with the Inspiring Desiree Hays

Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree Hays.

Desiree, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ever since I was young, I was drawn to the arts with my creative side. Growing up in a house filled with music and instruments, it was easy for me to follow the path and fall in love with playing the guitar. It all started with a school project about sound, which of course led me to build a guitar with my dad and is when he started teaching me to play. After high school I went on to graduate college for photography. Unsure of where I wanted to go from there, I worked different jobs over the years, all while trying to take advantage of and enjoy the outdoors in the Roaring Fork Valley, where I still live today. I am thankful for those years as that is when I met my husband. After having kids, I started aching for that creativity to come alive again. I decided to combine my love of guitar with my love of creating. It was that big “AH HA” moment for me, and how DMH Designs came to be. It has since gone from Up-cycling guitar strings to up-cycling anything that I see inspiration in. I absolutely love being able to create unique jewelry for my customers and be a stay at home mom for my kids, I could not have done it without the love and support from my husband.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, absolutely not. But I feel as with business or new adventure there will always be some bumps in the road. I am proud of how far I have come with my business and thankful every day for all the hard work that I have put in and pushed myself through. It continues to a learning process, to see what works what doesn’t, find my focus, manage my time. If there is any advice I could pass on to any other women starting their journey, it is to follow your dream, and just take it one step at a time.

What should we know about DMH Designs? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
DMH Designs specializes in handmade upcycled creations. I use materials locally sourced in the Roaring Fork Valley, from guitar strings, bike chains, tire inner tubes, bullets, snowboards and more. I am most known for my unique jewelry, not only are the materials one of a kind from local musicians, bikers, boarders, etc. but they are being saved from the landfill to be turned into really lightweight customizable jewelry. Some of my favorite pieces that I have created have been sentimental pieces for customers, made from a loved one’s guitar strings.

I am very excited about new things rolling out, from guitar string air plant holders to the biggest coming in 2020. A website being rolled out and my wedding collection, for brides, bridesmaids, and family gifts.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I would have to say that my Mom and my oldest sister Andrea. They are both such strong-willed women, my sister especially has shown me through the years that putting the hard work will pay off! She had her firstborn in high school, yet she never let that stop her. She graduated high school early to go on to college, then to graduate early from college. All while being a young single mom. With hard work and determination, she taught me that it doesn’t matter the bumps in the road, if you set your mind to something, you can eventually get there and become successful. She has always been one of my biggest supporters, especially through this journey. Pushing me to continue and to grow.

Contact Info:

• Email: dmhdesigns.co@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/dmhdesignsco
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/dmhdesignsco

Image Credit:
Hope Bauman at Bauman Images

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