Ask the Artisan - Danelle Rees
15 July, 2016
As a new addition to the Sunset Music Series, the Sea to Sky Gondola holds a Night Market at the base every Friday from 4-9PM. The intimate marketplace hosts a variety of local designers and craftsmen in a unique setting.
Ask the Artisan is a weekly feature highlighting the talented vendors you’ll find at the market throughout the summer. This week, Danelle Rees of HalaBay Design shares her passion for designing handmade leather jewelry.
WHAT DO YOU DESIGN?
I design leather and sterling silver jewelry - mostly bracelets, necklaces, rings and small accessories.
TELL US HOW YOU GOT TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY.
I started my business when I made the decision to quit my full time office job and start doing something I love. When I was pregnant with my youngest I had a hard time with the decision that I was going to have to go back to work. Mostly because I didn't want to spend all this money on someone else getting to enjoy all the time with my children. I always had an interest in design. I loved playing with it in my spare time. I was lucky to have a husband who supported me in this decision to jump in with both feet. I woke up one day and it just started. I just ordered my supplies and did it. It was a bit terrifying at the time when I look back at it now
WHAT ARE THE INSPIRATIONS BEHIND YOUR DESIGNS?
With my jewellery, I design a lot of "one offs.” Getting the inspiration for these comes from who has made an impact on me that day, what colours are popular in the fashion industry, and my surroundings.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE AND HOW IT INFLUENCES YOUR COLLECTION.
My personal style is very classic. Creams, white, and black are the colours you would find in my closet. I love layers. I love lots of jewellery. Layered rings and layered bracelets. I find that if you don't like what you make or sell, you can’t expect other people to! I get attached to a lot of my designs because I love them so much. I honestly would wear each one of my designs.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO MUSIC TO LISTEN TO WHILE WORKING?
My go to music is very mood depending, and I love all music really, all types. The music that has been filling my space these last few days The Bahamas, Nathaniel Rateliff, Lana Del Ray, Xavier Rudd, Elle King. My guilty pleasure…when I need that motivation…I throw on a little Justin Bieber! EEEK!
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO WANT TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
My advice is to follow your heart. Change is scary and challenging, yet very fulfilling. Running your own business is hard work. You put in a lot of time and hours, but in the end it’s worth it. To be able to do something you love and with the people you love it worth all those long hours and nights.
Meet Danelle and an array of other talented artists this Friday, July 15 from 4-9PM at the gondola base camp. After browsing their collections, head to the Summit for live music from The Boom Booms. Follow Danelle on Instagram at @halabaydesign or visit her website by clicking here.