Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Interview with Koukla Mou Designs

Today's interview is very special to me because Rachel of Koukla Mou Designs is a dear friend of mine. She's got a brand new Etsy shop full of gorgeous jewelry and a great giveaway that comes just in time for the holidays!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF: I am a special education teacher for students with multiple disabilities in grades K-2. I absolutely LOVE my job. It brings me both joy and frustration each and every day. I am also an aunt to several nieces and nephews. I have lived in Maine since the age of 5 and don't think I'll ever live anywhere else.

WHAT KIND OF ITEMS DO YOU SELL IN YOUR ETSY SHOP: I sell earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. I use sterling silver, gold filled wire, copper, fresh water pearls, and a variety of semi-precious stones. I hammer and hand-craft my own sterling silver ring bands for cluster rings.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO ETSY: I went to Belgium in April for my best friends wedding. (Hi Kyle) It was the day of her wedding and she didn't know what earrings she was going to wear. She chose a pair of cheap cluster earrings. I believe every bride should know what she is going to wear BEFORE the day of her wedding. I decided that day I was going to make her a pair of cluster earrings and a cluster bracelet (sterling silver, fresh water pearl, Swarovski pearl) for her American wedding. (she had 2 weddings - to the same Belgium man, yes) That was the start and from there I continued to make jewelry. A friend encouraged me to sell my jewelry on Etsy. So began Koukla Mou Designs.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR SHOP: I am just starting out. I have only made a Facebook page. My sister-in-law wears my jewelry and has passed along the URL to strangers at stores when they ask about the jewelry she is wearing. I sold jewelry in a craft fair this weekend and also gave customers the URL to my Etsy shop.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR SHOP RIGHT NOW: I love the cluster ring. It makes such a statement and everybody wants one. There are so many varieties and they are custom made for each person. I get so many compliments on mine.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SHOP GOAL IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS: I'd like to have a logo (my brother is a web designer and will make me one), and some business cards. I'd also like to have more photos taken by Insyt New Media to put up in my Etsy shop. I think it would be great to make jewelry for a whole bridal party.

FAVORITES: I love spending time with family and friends, laughing, hiking, learning to snowboard, being near the lake, quiet places in nature, sitting by a fire, writing, and stating zip codes that I know.

WHERE DID THE NAME KOUKLA MOU COME FROM: "Koukla Mou" is a term of endearment in Greek. It means "my doll". My great grandmother called me "koukla mou". In my extended family, it is term that is heard often when talking to the little ones (my nieces and nephews) and is very dear to me.
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Be one of the first to own a piece of jewelry from brand new Etsy shop, Koukla Mou Designs!
To win a beautiful cluster ring OR cluster earrings leave a comment here by noon (EST) on December 5th!
****contest is now closed****

52 comments:

babygees said...

Lovely pieces. I hearted your shop! I wish you well on your new Etsy shop :)

Sydney said...

Wow, Rachel, your shop is beautiful. I love fresh water pearls and I love that you used them sort of "unconventionally" The 3 1/4 inch sterling silver and fresh water pearl coin earrings are especially gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Wow thanks for sharing this talented designer with us! I really like her use of the pearls.

Christina said...

These pieces are beautiful, and I love the meaningful name for your shop. I can't wait to go check everything out. Good luck on your new business adventure!

3 Stitch Creations said...

Rachel, your work is just beautiful! and I just love the Turquoise chandelier earrings! It looks like you will do great on etsy. good luck

Aimee Parenteau said...

Beautiful jewlery! Best wishes on your new endeavor!

Anonymous said...

This jewelry is AMAZING! I feel like a million bucks with each piece I wear! Everyone MUST owe a piece of Koukla Mou Designs!

Unknown said...

beautiful pieces! LOVE the pearl cluster ring! Thanks for the opportunity!

Allison said...

Wow, this is so beautiful!
I love the pearl drop earrings - exquisite!

allibob1(at)gmail.com

Annelie said...

I absolutely love this jewelry! Very beautiful! Thanks for the opportunity.

LipGlossAndLetDown678 said...

I love pearls so this jewelry is great :) I love how the pearls re clustered and organic looking.

lipglossandletdown678 at gmail.com

Maria said...

so unique! love the cluster ring! :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful pieces! Thanks!

jones41704@bellsouth.net

Boog the Groupie said...

The jewelry is gorgeous, but my favorite is still the necklace in the last picture!

boogthegroupie@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I love this style! I actually saw a ring like this the other day and loved it. Your work is beautiful.

Lily said...

how pretty!!
Lmhoot@flash.net

bison61 said...

the jewelry is just beautiful-I love the cluster earrings

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

minishoes1 said...

An amazing shop and the prices aren't bad! I would be proud to own a piece of jewerly from the shop. thanks!jacquecurl1@gmail.com

Pearl Jewelry said...

I absolutely love those cluster earrings and the ring. So beautiful! There is so much depth to her pieces. Thank you for sharing. I love supporting handmade crafts!

Lauren said...

That is a gorgeous ring!

The Nanny said...

They are just beautiful! I love all her pieces :)

theonlinenannyATgmailDOTcom

Bex said...

Beautiful pieces! I love all of the cluster pearls and they are so well done - just lovely!

Savi said...

Gorgeous pieces, I love pearls- my weakness...you are extremely talented, I wish you all the very best with your Etsy shop - I'm sure you will be a hit!!!!

xoxo

Amy L. said...

This is a beautiful set of jewelry! I'll definitely be returning to this shop again.

petitefig at gmail

Michelle said...

Great interview and gorgeous jewelry! Keeping my fingers crossed... Thanks for the chance to win!

aerialkabuki said...

Beautiful cluster necklace and ring.

ktkins said...

These pieces really caught my attention amid all the other lovely jewelry on etsy.

orangegirl779@hotmail.com

Michelle said...

Love this ring!! Gorgeous!! Would LOVE to have it!

mandm_2002 at hotmail dot com

Colleen said...

What a beautiful ring!

picnut1512@yahoo.com

Amber said...

What gorgeous jewelry! I would love to please be entered!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

lionhearted said...

The pearl cluster ring is beautiful! I love your work. :) raquelita[dot]leon[at]gmail[dot]com

Eva Joy said...

I am a TOTAL pearl girl at heart. I LOOOOOOVE that cluster ring!!!!!

evajoyb@gmail.com

Carapace said...

Wow, what fantastic work! Hearting the shop, for sure-- maybe I'll get one of those necklaces for Christmas!:D

carapacenator(at)gmail.com

Liquidambar Studio said...

i hearted your shop (kittysartandstuff) It looks great!!
contact@liquidambarstudio.com

Lisa said...

so classic! i love pearls! beautiful. =D
lmm_lisa@hotmail.com

gedert said...

these are so simple and beautiful! thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Wow, this jewelry is lovely! Thanks for the giveaway!
efrafafuinle@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love your jewelry. It's feminine, stylish and original without being flashy.
ghainskom at yahoo dot com

roro said...

Lovely!


Thanks for the giveaway!<3



xx
Rossi
youmey0u at yahoo.com

Melody said...

The designs are so pretty.

melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

Abie said...

Oh my gosh! The cluster ring is gorgeous!!
abigail.lee {at} gmail.com

Linda Kish said...

I love the cluster ring

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Alison said...

The ring is so awesome. I've been meaning to buy a great cocktail ring and think Koukla Mou Designs just nailed it! Pearls are fab!

Lizzie said...

Love these...soooo pretty and would go with so many things!

smrtmouse at yahoo dot com

Halle said...

Beautiful jewelry!! The ring is so fun...

~Kimberly said...

I heart the cluster ring! Your pieces are absolutely gorgeous! Good luck with you etsy shop!
the5turners@gmail.com

Suburban prep said...

The pieces at the site are just stunning.
I have to say though that when in doubt I always go for my pearl stud earrings. pearls go with everything--casual to dressy.
msgb245 at gmail dot com

Steffanie said...

This jewelry is very beautiful, I am sure you will be successful.

jakiesmom said...

i love the ring...beautiful

Michelle Frame said...

I love the ring. Everything in the shop is beautiful.

Unknown said...

Wow, your collection is beautiful. Good luck with your etsy shop. Thanks for the opportunity to win! Victoria.muhs at gmail dot com

Mandee said...

Your work is amazing. I wish I was as talented as you.
jerzycat99@yahoo.com