Eco-friendly and chic become
one and same at Flawed Designs
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Economic hard times have led to a number of cottage industries popping up across the country, as individuals put their talents to use in order to make a living. Many have thrived, including Flawed Designs which will be celebrating its first birthday on Sunday, June 27.
“I’ve been selling professionally for three years, but I have been making jewelry for fun since fifth grade, “ said Hannah Gartley, co-owner of the home-based jewelry design business.
Gartley’s primary reason for starting her business wasn’t monetary.
“I didn’t start selling my jewelry to make money, my main reason was I did it to get over a fear of putting something so personal to myself out into the world,” she said.
Gartley’s concerns were two fold – a fear of selling personalized items that she felt unsure others would appreciate as she did, and concerns her items were good enough to meet expectations.
Since she began selling however, hear fears have disappeared.
“I like what I do and I enjoy it. Customer response has been very positive, “ said Gartley.
Flawed Designs specializes in creating unique items using many recycled materials.
“I create unique individual and one-of-a-kind merchandise, that’s why we are Flawed because nothing should be the same,” said Gartley.
Her inspiration for starting her business was her grandmother.
“I inherited my Gram’s jewelry, but it was so my grandmother’s. I redesigned it into something more me,” Gartley said.
Taking something “over the top “ Gartley was able to make something more modern that still allowed her to remember her gram. She’s since found new treasures in a number of places.
“Friends and family have given me unwanted jewelry to work with. I also find materials at yard sales,” she said.
Gartley takes pride in giving new life to old objects.
“I love to repurpose everyday objects and use a lot of donated and mismatched items,”Gartley said. “I love to take someone’s trash and make something new.”
Gartley’s design team includes her husband, and occasional help from friends.
“My husband, Brandon Hockridge, helps with all phases of the business from designing to selling,” she said.
Also helping Gartley from time to time are Jenni LaChance and Samantha White.
“Jenni is an event coordinator and Sam owns Samantha Marie Photography. We work together on projects. Jenni has modeled my jewelry while Sam takes pictures which I then use online to sell my designs,” said Gartley.
Gartley believes in keeping prices affordable. “If I wouldn’t pay it, I won’t charge it,” said Gartley.
Customers can choose from pre-made items such as earrings and necklaces to custom orders.
“I recently did a bracelet for a sixth birthday and did matching jewelry for a bride and her party,” said Gartley.
Merchandise can be viewed online by visiting flawed.etsy.com or by visiting One Of A Kind Floral Shop at 232 Main St. Village Square fort Fairfield. To place an order or for more information email flaweddesigns@live.com.
“If individuals are interested in combining jewelry in photographs for an event, they can contact me, Jenni at starcitycoordinators@gmail.com or Sam at smariewhite@gmail.com,” Gartley said.
Gartley said she also has an interest in having a place where people could come and work on their own designs or she could share tips with individuals. At present, the business is run from her home.
To celebrate Flawed’s first birthday everyone is invited to a party on Sunday, June 27, from 3-6pm. Refreshments will be provided, and discounts offered on purchases. Festivities will take place at One Of A Kind Floral Shop in Fort Fairfield.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/flaweddesigns.
