BiGiB Designs
Square earrings with green glass beads
Valentine's Day is exactly one month from today, the perfect time to start thinking about what you want to give the special woman in your life. Jewelry is certainly a staple for the upcoming holiday. Small boxes trimmed with ribbon are the most likely to be seen on many restaurant tables come February 14, but that doesn't mean your gift can't be unique.
Etsy shop BigiB is the perfect place to find distinctive jewelry. Using geometric elements, owner Conny Karman creates architecturally inspired pieces that are quite striking. Each one is unusual. For instance, even normally commonplace hoop earrings are atypically adorned with round studs. And Karman's juxtaposition of a square with a round bead on another pair of earrings particularly caught my eye. It is these combination of elements that makes Bigib a collection of jewelry that would capture anyone's attention, especially that of the woman who has captured yours.
More jewelry made by Karman can be found via shop on DaWanda (think Etsy for Europe). For a behind the scenes look into Karman's stores, check out her link.
What is your favorite piece and why?
It's hard to choose what is my favorite. It's like choosing your favorite child. Every piece is unique. If I really, have to, need to pick one and only one, I would choose this. It represents my designs and it happens to be my personal collection.
The basic shape of this design is a line, square, circle and triangle. These are the basic geometric shapes we can find all around us. It's the design that we can relate to everyday. These shapes (line, square, circle) are connected with cold connection and arranged to make an imaginary triangle. The piece is big, wide but yet it's airy. Besides, it fits perfectly for my blue dress neckline. I have more jewelry derived from this idea on my Etsy store.
What advice do you have for people interested in starting an online store? How do you make the separation between your store and your day job/personal life?
Do research. See if there's a market for your product or service. Make good quality products, good customer service.
Good time management helps separate between your store and your day job. It's easier said than done. I'm still struggling to be disciplined with my time. I'm a mom during the day. I work outside the house in the evenings. I make jewelry at night…
What is your favorite local shop in Madison?
Vientiane.
Etsy is an online marketplace whose mission is to "reconnect makers with buyers." These explorations will connect you with the makers in your neighborhood.
