Daily Inspiration: Meet Dana Birke

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Birke.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been creating jewelry for 14 years. I learned from a cooperative of women here in Boulder, Colorado. What started as lessons (In the founder’s jewelry store), morphed into a job in her shop. I was taught the basics from simple silk cord knotting, wire wrapping, sawing, and stamping to metal smithing. I took all of these skills and began Dana Birke Designs in 2012. My jewelry is handcrafted using precious metals and semi-precious gems.

Focusing on the quality of every handpicked gem and finding, my style is delicate, elegant, and unique! I love to let the natural beauty of the gems be the star of the show! It is timeless jewelry that truly looks good on everyone who wears it! I always say my ‘secret ingredient is the joy I put into every piece I create. I have worked tirelessly to get my name out there, from participation in endless fairs and markets to cold-calling galleries and shops to have my work represented in their establishments. I have been proud to be part of several high-end markets and fairs on the front range, and I have had my work shown in 3 different states-Maine, Wyoming and Colorado.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I don’t think any road is ever smooth and we wouldn’t want it to be because how else can we learn? But my biggest mistake was always ASSUMING! Assuming a successful show one year will be successful again. Assuming, because a fellow “friendor” told me they had a great show last year, I will have a great one this year. Assuming I will get into all of the shows to which I apply. Assuming the weather will be ok. Assuming my gems dealer will have the gem I need for a special order. Assuming the order I place will get to me on time. Assuming the order I sent will get there in time. Assuming a new design will sell well! The list goes on and what I’ve learned is nothing is certain when your ‘store’ travels and is at the “whim of the weather” when you “think” you know exactly what a client wants when you’re at the mercy of the USPS! It’s a wee bit stressful. But what I’ve also learned is that staying up at night worrying about it doesn’t help a damn thing. If the wind is gonna blow, she’s gonna blow and I can either “blow off” the show or get some extra weights. If I don’t get the gems I need for a special order and it’s now gonna be late, I simply have to explain and remember it’s not really Jewelry 911. It’s a necklace. I may have an angry customer. I may lose a customer but honestly, sometimes there’s nothing I can do about it and I calmly apologize and say, “Bye Felicia”. (Okay, maybe not that).

My point is sometimes the stars aren’t aligned and things don’t go as planned…just like the rest of life. And I can choose to simply freak out (which believe me I’ve done) orrrrr, or I can do my level-headed best to work around it. Apply to a new show, find more dependable dealers, and use FedEx. Whatever it is I need to do to keep my little ship afloat. Because yes indeed the struggle is real, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. So ‘Keep Calm and Sparkle On’!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create handcrafted jewelry using precious metals and semiprecious gems. The number one adjective ascribed to my work is delicate. It’s easy to wear and very comfortable jewelry.

Truly, jewelry that you can live in! I think I am most proud of the recognition I received for creating ‘Pet Charm’ necklaces for victims of The Marshall Fire. It was such a devastating time for our community and it dawned on me that this was a small way to give. I ended up being featured on 9News and featured in the online news magazine ‘Newsbreak’ which was such a sweet surprise.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Tenacity! Do not give up. Try not to compare yourself with others. Believe in your talents and remember what you bring to your art that nobody else can bring. That’s what will shine through.

Pricing:

• $40-$300

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.danabirkedesigns.com/
• Instagram: @danabirkedesigns

Image Credits
Kristen Boyer Photography