A Business Love Affair

It all begin with my desire to learn jewelry making for myself and to give as holiday gifts - but what started out as a hobby six years ago quickly became a love affair in no time.

Runako Designs was born out of a “late in life” discovery that I had an eye for detail, color coordination and design as well as a need for a relaxing evening activity. As an HR manager and single mom, winding down in the evenings is a necessity, and believe it or not, stringing tiny beads on a thin piece of wire was just what I needed!

A local artist was kind enough to teach me how to make my first bracelet. I still have that gold and glass beaded piece, and it’s kept well hidden. I was on a mission to learn more and was soon back for lessons on earrings and wire-wrapping techniques. Truth be told, I was hooked in a week and it wasn’t long before my dining room table became my work studio. I can still see my son now, walking through shaking his head. Today, my studio is a small workspace in my bedroom, where everything is literally within an arm’s reach. Definitely not your Class A production facility, but at least I no longer have to run around cleaning up my creative mess when guests stop by.

A year later I became a consultant with a company and began teaching jewelry-making classes that allowed me to share what I enjoyed with other women. When the company decided to go with a finished line of costume jewelry, I decided it was time for me to venture out on my own.

I was looking for something special in a name and logo to express my jewelry. The name Runako means “beauty” and comes from the Shona language of Zimbabwe. The spectacular African flaming iris, used in the logo, ties it all together.

I have never had any formal training for designing jewelry. Everything I learned was through observation, classes, videos, and books. I draw my inspiration from ethnic art, nature and whatever mood I’m in when I sit down to create. I love doing custom pieces, because they challenge me to dig deeper within myself to come up with something truly unique for that customer.

Quality is very important to me. I’m a borderline perfectionist when it comes to making jewelry and I never want any of my pieces returned to me by an unhappy customer, so my goal is to always produce heirloom quality jewelry. I only work with sterling or fine silver, 14kt gold filled or vermeil, and natural brass. I love working with natural elements, such as stones, pearls and wood. Mixing the elements enables me to create truly unique pieces. Other favorites include handmade artisan beads, such as lampwork glass or polymer clay, which truly allows me to come up with the creative pieces my customers have come to appreciate. I put a lot of time and thought into each piece, whether it is a simple earring or a complex necklace. For me, it’s not just about stocking my inventory for the next show; it’s about creating pieces that truly represent a Runako Design.

I’m very passionate about giving and I live this through my daily life as well as my business. My religious upbringing and family values have taught me that when we share our blessings unconditionally with others, the receiving is multiplied. For me, this reasons all the blessings I continue to receive on my life and my business. Runako Designs has been a passionate sponsor and supporter of our local Relay For Life events for several years and my favorite international organization is Kiva.org. Through Kiva, I continuously give by sponsoring microloans through the sale of the “Giving Necklace” that I designed two years ago. Twenty-five percent ($11.00) from the sale of each necklace goes toward cosponsoring a loan request of an entrepreneur in the US or an underdeveloped country. Loan repayments go back into the pool to sponsor other loans. It’s the necklace that keeps on giving - so far, 33 lives have been changed with loans from Runako Designs!

I am passionate about supporting businesses that empower people to better themselves. I purchase many of my components from fair trade certified businesses - fine silver from the hill tribes of Thailand, sterling silver beads from Indonesia, paper beads from Beads for Life out of Ghana and clay beads from Kazuri America out of Kenya. These organizations are truly an inspiration in helping to eradicate poverty and empowering people to better themselves and their community; and, if I can play just a small part in making this world a better place, I’ll gladly do it one bead at a time.

When I’m not making jewelry I enjoy spending time with my son, listening to music and reading. My most recent favorite past time is hula-hoop dancing…don’t ask! I also enjoy relaxing at the beach in off-season, weekend road trips, summer music concerts - and of course - attending bead shows!

The people I’ve met through Runako Designs have been an endless source of inspiration to me. The competition at artisan shows can be pretty thick at times, but when I consistently hear “I came back to your booth, because your pieces are eye catching and unique,” that’s all I need to confirm that I’m fulfilling at least one of my purposes in this life.

My goal right now is not to become so big that I don’t have the time to enjoy my life and family - but to touch someone else’s life in one way or another and have them remember and share Runako Designs so that I can continue my love affair with making jewelry.

Runako Designs may be purchased online or through local venues. Please visit runakojewelry.com for details.

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V, SUMMER 2010

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