Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Kaur Sidhu.
Lena Kaur, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started making jewelry about a decade ago now. I was always allergic to different metals and my skin couldn’t tolerate a lot of jewelry I was able to buy.
I started making jewelry for myself and would get complimented on it, so a few years later when I had the desire to start a small side hustle, I created Lena’s Jewelry Box and started selling my handmade jewelry.
A few years later, I closed the business to focus on my full time job which I would eventually (years later) be let go from in a mass layoff.
When I got laid off, I lost my sense of balance in life. I had no idea I had placed such importance and value of who I was in my job/what I did. I had such loving and supportive family and friends but not having something to do productivity wise, made me feel aimless.
I still loved jewelry but had started trying my hand at other skills too. So I started a new business, Lena Kaur Creations. I still make jewelry like gemstone earrings and hand wire wrapped rings, but I have also expanded into cozy items like floral/fantasy bookmarks and whimsical hand crafted fridge magnets.
During my time being laid off, I did more reading and found myself loving the cozy core vibes and am happy I get to incorporate that into my business.
Since starting my business, I got a full time marketing job and was laid off from it 2 months later. I kept working on my side hustle on the weekends anyways, because I knew no matter what happened in the corporate world, I had grounded myself in something no one could take away from me in my day to day.
Thankfully I am now employed in a full time role that I love and I have continued to craft and sell my wares on weekends and whenever I have free time.
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?
While in the corporate world I am an online marketing program manager, in my artisan work, I create whimsical and cozy items with my hands!
I make all types of earrings! Right now I am selling a line of rolling hills/shire inspired floral earrings, as well as, celestial inspired gemstone earrings! I use nickel free hooks for all of them to make them allergy friendly.
I have also really progressed in my wire wrapping skills in regards to rings. I handmake wire wrapped gemstone rings as well.
On top of the jewelry, I make decoupage wood bookmarks with painted edges and beaded accents. I also make whimsical fridge magnets to add some joy and whimsy to any home! I will also soon be designing South Asian inspired punny stickers and keychains!
I think what sets me apart is my specific genre. I use a lot of South Asian (part of my heritage) nods in my work, like gold accents and lotus flowers for example. I use what inspires me as a guide even if my work is not always relevant in pop culture.
I figure my work will resonate with who it needs to resonate with.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think YouTube is priceless. There are so many wonderful free resources on the internet for learning new skills but also connecting with markets and other vendors.
In person, I definitely love connecting with other vendors at markets and we can help give each other guidance on what works and doesn’t as well as comradery.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lenakaurcreations.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lenakaurcreations
