Meet Hillary Brown | Handmade Jewelry and reusable market bag maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hillary Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hillary, why did you pursue a creative career?
I knew decades ago that working a 9-5 job was not for me. I’m hardwired differently, and I knew It. Growing up I always loved all art and being creative. Things were always abstract to me. That, and I think working on my own was the only way I could survive /and / thrive. So when I decided to work with my hands, I awkwardly started going to local craft stores and buying beads to make my own jewelry. I’m pretty much self tought. I learn at my own pace so classes and workshops really didn’t work out. I started by stringing everything I could get my hands on. And at first… I was terrible! But I stuck with it, and many years later I have a little handmade jewelry and reusable market bag business. ( Handmade By Hillary B) I’ve sold in past at pop ups, boutiques, craft fairs, home parties, you name It! The best part? it’s something I made come to fruition all on my own. We as human beings can always evolve and grow. I wake up everyday feeling really grateful that I get to create unique pieces of handmade jewelry and reusable market bags, that help people feel more confident and happy ( hopefully) wearing my accessories.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Nothing has ever come easy to me. I mentioned earlier, I’m hardwired a bit differently than most people, and I’m okay with it ( most days) I love browns, greens, a lot of earth tones colors. But still packs major style and ‘oomph ‘ factor. I make jewelry that people would like to wear , feel good in, and it looks fantastic on. And these super cute market totes?! – they are durable, fun, and have major utility value. I guess the main things I had to learn in my professional life, don’t chase . It’s not the one event that got away. If you’re knocking on a door, and it doesn’t open, 1) It wasn’t your door. 2) maybe you are being redirected to a better opportunity , event , or situation. If we are open and honest with ourselves, and take our best shots in life, that’s enough. That’s really all anyone can ask for.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m the first to admit, I’m not in the know about all the latest ‘ coolest’ places. But , I’d want us to visit a bookstore, eat at Topanga Cafe a bunch of times in the San Fernando valley. They have the best pizza and calzones in Calif. also, Venice, Laguna beach. And, of course, visit all the bead and fabric stores we could find along the way .
( if you are ever in L.A. during the Pasadena bead show, I highly recommend you go. Soooo many beautiful gemstones, beads, and artisans galore!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I must’ve read tons of self improvement and ‘how to ‘start a small businesses books, to no avail. ( mostly hardbound ). And Googled like nobody’s business! Took a couple of marketing and business classes at the local college. None of it was revolutionary. I was not reinventing any wheels. But it was all for the good. Each stepping stone took me a little further. I had a fire in my belly to do this, even when I didn’t know what would come of all this, if anything, or when I lacked confidence in my ability to know how to navigate social media and regular posting.. (still needs improvement ) It was no longer just about making pretty things. But through it all, I knew my family loved and supported my dream of making unique handmade accessories. And as long as they believed in me, I figured, shouldn’t I do the same? Time to step up, with them walking beside me, cheering me on.

Website: https://Etsy.com/shop/HandMadeByHillaryB

Instagram: Handmade by Hillary B

Facebook: Handmade by Hillary B