Questions and answers (and inspiration!) with Sarah Fentz, whose pursuit of a hobby to keep her busy during college has boomed into a local favorite small business: Seize The Night Designs at 51 W. Marion St. in Danville. Her handmade jewelry is gorgeous!
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1. What (or who) inspired you to start your business?
I started making things as a creative outlet in college. I always looked forward to any free time I had and tried several mediums before I landed on jewelry. I was laid off from my interior design job just a couple months before graduation, and instead of trying to find a job during finals, I put more effort into my jewelry sales, and it took off. I graduated and went into a full-time handmade business instead.
2. What do you love most about the work you do?
The look on customers' faces when they pick up a sentimental piece. Some of my favorite orders have been customers bringing in pieces of jewelry from a loved one to be made into something new for them to wear and cherish. I've put grandmother's brooches on leather cuffs, made a favorite aunt's broken necklace into multiple bracelets with her favorite saying or initial, etc. Probably my most favorite piece was a customer's mother's broken watch that we turned into a necklace pendant with the watch set to the time she was born, symbolizing their bond. I'll never forget that one.
3. What advice do you have for others wanting to start a business?
Be prepared for a lot of hard work. I log many more hours working for myself than I ever did working for someone else. You have to be very self-motivated to have your own successful business. And be prepared to pivot easily. Sometimes you may have such a clear vision of where your business is headed but if it's not working, don't be afraid to try a different path to get to your end goal.
4. What do you do to take care of yourself, and how do you make/find time to do it?
This is something I need to be better at. There isn't much free time in my world being a one person owned and operated handmade business. And I recently decided to throw a baby into the mix - so really... what is free time? Haha. What makes me happiest is being with my daughter, Henley, and my husband, so weekends are always spent with them.
5. What can we readers do to support you in the community?
Shop local! Something handmade and personalized means so much more than a gift from a big box store. Most items only take 2-3 day turnaround time too. Come in to my shop on the square or shop from your couch on my Etsy or social media posts. I answer messages quickly and ship daily.
6. What is your favorite spot to visit around Hendricks County?
The Danville courthouse square. We have cute local shops and great restaurants.
Do you know a local woman entrepreneur who is an inspiration to others? Nominate her today to be our next Business Boss!
