Interview with Kim Evans from Divergence Design

We are thrilled to welcome jewelry designer Kim Evans from Divergence Design to the Happening Hands Blog! You can find Kim’s work on her website.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?  What’s the story behind you and your business?

I have a BFA degree in directing, but in the 80’s it was still hard for women to get a non-traditional jobs. So after years trying to get somewhere in corporate America, I decided to “give up” and try to make a living in the arts. If I was going to be broke, I might as well be broke doing something I loved.

Where do you draw inspiration and motivation from? How do you stay creative?

I like modern design, specifically Mid-Century Modern. I grew up in a mid-century home. My parents were quite creative, but I don’t think they realized it. I have no problem staying creative. Being creative is a joyous experience regardless of how it expresses itself.

What does your creative process look like from start to finish?

Ideas come to me all the time. Sometimes I get them down on paper, sometimes not. I just sit down and make stuff. Complicated designs, ones that require multiple steps, are sometimes put away and not resurrected for months, until the correct way to complete the design comes to me. So I guess that might be considered a process.

Name one thing not many people know about you.

The first time I tried to drill a pearl (without a pearl vice to hold it in place – I didn’t know any better at the time), the drill bit slipped and I drilled completely through a finger.

What are your top three values in life?

Be kind to people and animals. Dreams cannot be realized without effort. Listen to the birds, take time to smell the summer rain and marvel at sunrises and sunsets.

Do you have any business challenges and/or goals you’re hoping to crush over the next 6 months?

I’m currently trying to decide whether to keep moving in the direction of creating high end designs, or wholesale fast, easily made jewelry.

Do you have any advice for all the small handmade business owners out there who are just getting started?

Don’t let setbacks prevent you from realizing your dreams. Learning how to deal with setbacks are what will make you and your business stronger.

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