Student turns trinkets into custom jewelry
Not many people can say they absolutely love their job. Some people choose a career that ensures a steady salary, while others decide to work in an environment familiar to them, although not necessarily enjoyable.
Entrepreneurs like Joy Barba, 22, 3-D media, get paid to do what they have a passion for.
Barba made a career out of making jewelry, something that has been a favorite past time of hers since her high school years. When she is not at one of the three schools she attends, Irvine Valley, Saddleback and Orange Coast College or working part time at Jamba Juice, she is creating one of a kind accessories at the request of her customers.
“People ask for something specific and I make it,” said Barba. “I just finished making a necklace made out of foreign coins, a byzantine chain bracelet for my mom, and a pair of byzantine chain earrings.”
Barba favors body jewelry over fashion jewelry, but is willing to make whatever she is asked to as long as it is posssible. “I’m really into making chains right now. It’s addicting,” said Barba. “I could sit there for hours and work with it, but I’m about to start a necklace for a co-worker.”
As for the future, Barba said she has considered opening a store to sell her work, but would rather have a low key booth at festivals, along with a Web site devoted to her jewelry.
“I’ve thought of different names for a jewelry store but I haven’t come up with one that I really love,” Barba said. “I plan on having a Web site soon where I will sell some stuff.”
Barba hopes that by having a Web site to show her work she can increase the number and the variety of her customers. MySpace alone has helped Barba’s business.
“I have a link for my deviantART page on MySpace,” said Barba. “A woman contacted me asking for me to make her a peace sign necklace, so I did.”
Barba’s deviantART page contains pictures of jewelry she has made. The photographs are taken by her boyfriend and right hand man, Matthew Baldon, 23, photography.
“I photograph her jewelry and could be good with a pair of pliers,” Baldon said. “But other than that I haven’t gotten the opportunity to physically help her make anything.”