Meet Greta Hotmer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Greta Hotmer.

Hi Greta, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began making jewelry when I was 9, and have had a passion for crystals for as long as I can remember. I had a pretty stacked crystal collection even as a young girl and I would make jewelry as gifts or as my way of sending strength and love to friends, family, and sometimes strangers, when I could do nothing else to help. Jewelry has been my eternal hug and way to show my love to all the lives I encounter, for as long as I can remember.

Hawk Couture was officially born during my twenties as I was living with Chronic Lyme Disease while trying to keep up with my very active life as a musician and a martial artist. That’s a longer story for another time. I began making crystal necklaces that I would essentially wear as energetic ‘armor’, as I was too weak to fend for myself. I believed they provided me strength and comfort as I navigated other healing modalities, and I began giving other crystal necklaces to those around me who were in need of the same thing, whether from losing loved ones to just going through a really stressful period.

While I love the concept of “crystal healing” I don’t believe we really know how to utilize their potential technology of them yet…but I do believe they serve as excellent reminders and companions during our own journeys in life as we do the work that helps us to navigate life’s challenges. This is something I feel sets Hawk Couture apart a bit in the crystal jewelry realm. With every collection and every description, we always try to drive home that there is no greater magic or power than YOU…you don’t need anything else…that being said, esoteric tools, whether crystals, tarot cards, etc, serve as excellent tools when an individual is embarking on an inward journey.

With every Hawk Couture collection and every product description, we always try to drive home that there is no greater magic than YOU…you don’t need anything else…this is what sets us apart in the Crystal Jewelry realm. That, and our more modern/minimalist design aesthetic.

When it comes to uplifting the community, we don’t think there is a “right time” to support causes we care about, so currently a portion of all Hawk Couture profits support various organizations near and dear to our hearts. Our past and current benefits and design auctions have raised funds for organizations like the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County, serving its mission by providing intervention, education, outreach, advocacy, and programs to prevent, reduce, and remedy domestic violence in Chester County.

Why Not Prosper, a Philadelphia-based organization that helps women from prison systems discover their own strength by providing them with the support and resources that will empower them to become responsible, economically self-sufficient, and contributing members of the community; Treetops Kitty Café, a safe place for rescued cats to live where guests can visit them and adopt; and Kimonos for Kai, an organization dedicated to helping prevent teen suicide. This is just the beginning… there is no end to the organizations’ Hawk Couture will be proud to support in the future.

About a year ago, my partner and I moved from the Philadelphia area to the Springs to be closer to the mountains and to start a new chapter of our personal and professional lives. Hawk Couture’s social media feed is filled with photos from taking the designs with us on our wilderness adventures as I really like to get the crystals and jewelry infused with as much good energy and joy as possible before they make their way to the person who ultimately purchases it.

Recently, we have expanded the line a little more to include apparel and apothecary items as well. I have my Masters in Herbalism & Integrative Nutrition from the Maryland University of Integrative Health and worked for several years in an apothecary as an herbalist. Currently, we are offering limited-edition herbal teas and herbal-infused balms.

In the coming months we hope to be able to bring some Hawk Couture designs to local shops in the Springs and surrounding areas, so keep your eyes peeled!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have read a number of stories of people who “discover their passion” and everything just starts to fall into place…that has not been my experience personally, however, the journey has been kind to me nonetheless. I think that for me, having lived with a chronic autoimmune disease for most of my life (Lyme) changes the landscape in some ways.

For instance, I have a tremendously good self-care practice and I understand the value and magic of staying consistent and persistent over time…which is an essential practice if you own a small business. On the other hand, my physical and mental state can vary from day to day regarding how much energy or mental clarity I may have, making “normal” work to-do lists harder or easier depending on the day. Ultimately, I’m a big believer in getting clear on what it means to be ‘successful’ so that I make the most aligned choices while navigating these factors. For me, success is about being able to feel that I am truly ‘living’ my life and not just trying to survive it.

Things like spending time in nature, with my partner and kitties, or spending time training with my Jiu-Jitsu community and friends, are a big part of what helps me feel grounded and fueled for whatever bumps may be in the road. In my own personal story, bumps and challenges have been tremendous opportunities for growth and for me to show myself how to truly believe in myself and what I can offer to my community at large.

If you’re reading this and you’re self-employed and going through a rough patch, this may be your sign to believe in yourself a little bit more. We need more self-employed entrepreneurs in my opinion…we are an integral part of the fabric of our country.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I wear several hats, jewelry designer, musician, and herbalist…for Hawk Couture jewelry I really love to nerd out on the crystals and gemstones, selecting the most unique and individual specimens I can find. Along with the physical beauty of the crystals & stones, we always provide write-ups that include energetic information as well. Crystal healing has become very trendy but we always make sure to frame any assigned meaning of the crystals as a way to remind the wearer of their own power.

For instance, if someone were looking for a crystal to help them ward off “negative” energy, we can recommend a few popular ones but also encourage the wearer that wearing this it will serve as a reminder to set better boundaries to eliminate exposure to ‘negative’ energies.

I think this is something that really sets us apart. The brand of Hawk Couture from top to bottom, is to help remind people of their innate badassery and strength and we take every opportunity we can get to be that voice that cheers you on. I am enormously proud that we have stuck to this for over a decade and that we only continue to find new ways to be a supportive part of our community at large.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
We love so much about the Springs. We love how easily we can get to nature…within 10-30 minutes we can be somewhere where you don’t hear any cars or even know civilization is around. Then we can drive a few minutes and be at any of the downtown shops or restaurants and then home all in a very short time. We are on a tight clock most of the time so that convenience goes a long way.

Everyone here is incredibly friendly, sincere, and helpful, and we constantly marvel at how refreshing that is. There are a plethora of food options and unique shops, and we love the overall collaborative feel of the artist and small business community here. My only complaint is some of the driving we see…which we refer to as “stunts” haha…but you get that anywhere really.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hawkcouture.com
• Instagram: @hawkcouture
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkcouturedesigns
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdI2rjOeTnWe-i6AIw4ueQ
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/35baZytw3wVzxHHcr5dmq5?si=AdrzrcmUSIOu1mt3voBD2A