Evanston designer turns hobby into gem of a business
By Natalie Hayes For Pioneer Press July 19, 2011 5:24PM
Luminous white freshwater coin pearl discs alternate with rainbow moonstone rondelles on this elegant triple-strand bracelet. The iridescence of the pearls and the subtle blue flashes in the moonstone complement each other to create a unique and stunning combination.
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Updated: October 28, 2011 10:54AM
More than 900 fashion-loving women from Chicago and the suburbs indulged in cocktails and makeovers by Benefit Cosmetics while shopping for the latest summer fashions and jewelry at up to 80 percent off at the Fashion Bash VIP Industry Preview sample sale June 16.
Boutiques and designers from the Chicago area, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, among others, packed Venue 1 in Chicago for the five-hour event.
Evanston-based Laura Tanner Swinland, owner and founder of Laura Tanner Jewelry, was one of a handful of local jewelry designers who showcased their work at the event.
Tanner’s line of simple and delicate, yet strikingly bold, eye-catching pieces are handmade using precious metals, gemstones and freshwater pearls. The Evanston mother of two crafts every earring, necklace and bracelet by hand in her studio in Evanston.
The prices start at $18 and go up to $250 for custom-made pieces.
Tanner, who has designed jewelry as a hobby since she was a teenager, launched her jewelry line in December 2005 at a trunk show after her friends realized her talent and urged her to start a business.
After showcasing her line at jewelry parties in friends’ and neighbors’ homes and selling pieces at local trunk shows, Tanner acquired a following of loyal customers.
During the past six years she has successfully grown her small start-up line into a successful Web-based business, where she specializes in custom-made pieces in addition to her full line of ready-to-wear jewelry, which ranges from casual to evening and weddings.
“It’s really expanded since I started, and I’m still working on getting my name out there,” Tanner said. “I’ve been getting orders from people I don’t know, which is great.”
Many of Tanner’s clients, especially during the spring and summer wedding season, are brides and bridal parties, who often place orders for matching pieces, Tanner said.
“I love meeting with people and helping them find exactly what they want because I want them to be happy,” she said. “My pieces come in a lot of different, fun colors so they’re great for bridesmaids to mix and match.”
Tanner said she feels fortunate to be able to do what she loves most for a living.
“If you don’t do what you love, you won’t have the motivation to spend the time needed to be successful,” she said.
Tanner will showcase her line again at the Woman’s Club of Evanston Cornucopia Gift Fair on Nov. 18 and 19; the location will be announced later.
View the full line of Laura Tanner Jewelry at lauratannerjewelry.com. Select pieces can be found at local boutiques, including Williams Next Door, 706 Church St., Evanston; La Colonna Imports, 1515 Sheridan Rd., No. 28, Wilmette; Dame Couture, 1804 Central St., Evanston; and Amy G. Salon, 2907 Central St., Evanston.
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