Featured Artist Spotlight....Chloe Boutique (wildlifer78)!!!

Wild is one of my favorite people on Etsy. I first noticed her work in an Etsy treasury and was really drawn to her style. It has been really neat seeing her work progress over the last few months and I love how her designs are constantly evolving. I am also the proud owner of some of her earrings, which I adore and wear all the time! Later, Wild and I would become good friends through the Etsy Angels Team (EANGT) and there we find ourselves being goofy and having a fun time!

Okay...now here is more information about Wildlifer78. I asked, she answered!

MJ: How long have you been creating/designing? When did you first learn you had a creative side?
Wild: Surprisingly, I’ve only been creating jewelry for a little over a year! I started creating my own jewelry when I got frustrated trying to find accessories to match special outfits. And when I did find something that might work, it was of poor craftsmanship and usually out of plastic or cheap glass and jutting wires! My pieces were super simple at first; not that that’s changed much! I started getting lots of compliments on the pieces I’d wear. That then lead to “ooh, will you make me something to match this outfit?” My first custom order was a three-strand necklace featuring a Mother of Pearl carved angel fish with other Mother of Pearl components and peach freshwater pearls for a beach wedding outfit. And from there it started!

I knew I HAD to have a creative side since my entire family is artists; I just had to find it. It took me 27 years to find my own niche!

MJ: What is your inspiration to create? What is your motivation to succeed?
Wild: My inspiration to create is from a mixture of reasons. I find creating jewelry first and foremost a hobby that I thoroughly enjoy. When it becomes a job for me, that’s when I’ll move on to something else.

I am ecstatic when I receive a special custom request. That in itself is enough to keep me creating. Just knowing someone out there thinks highly enough of my pieces to request a special gift for a friend, loved one, or even themselves puts a huge smile on my face, and it’s a very rewarding feeling for me. I strive to have the happiest customers. I want them to smile and get compliments when they wear my pieces.

MJ: When you are not working on your craft, what are you doing?
Wild: Unfortunately my jewelry crafting comes AFTER I get everything else done. I’m an Environmental Scientist by day so that takes up 40+ hours a week. My husband and I do not have children, yet I am not sure where all the other time goes! I am very active; I go to the gym and workout 3-4 times a week. When I am not cooking, cleaning, doing laundry and all those other house chores, you will find me in my little office either on the computer chatting with my Etsy friends, or creating at my newly designed workstation!

And somewhere in there I try to find some spare minutes to spend with my Hubby! We both love to travel and plan to do more of it in the near future.

MJ: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?
Wild: I currently belong to Etsy Angels Team (EANGT), BeadHive (BHV) and the Louisiana Etsy Street Team. I am in the midst of joining Etsy for Animals (EFA).

MJ: What is on the horizon for you? New products? Etc.?
Wild: I am always trying new designs and new techniques with my jewelry. I have found myself venturing out into more “elaborate” gemstones lately. I have also started playing with wire; making my own ear wires, making fancy links and loops, and creating wire-wrapped jewelry; mostly briolette earrings. My latest accomplishment was finally mastering pearl knotting!

I hope to branch out into new venues to advertise my jewelry. I plan on taking part in a few local craft shows in the near future.

MJ: Share one thing about you that you think would surprise people?
Wild: I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Resource Management with a Minor Degree in Communication Studies from West Virginia University (home). I then moved 1000+ miles away from home to earn my Master of Science Degree in Biology; specializing in Ornithology from the University of Louisiana, Monroe. I didn’t know a single soul when I moved to Louisiana. I found my soul mate after moving to Louisiana; we got married 2 years later.




Check out Wild's Etsy Shop.... Wildlifer78