This Just In-spiration: Meet Carla Garro

Our makers never fail to motivate us, encourage our creativity, and fill us with inspiration. So, when a new design enters our assortment, we’re always excited to learn more about the people behind the product.

What gets an artist going and keeps them creating is certainly worth sharing, and every great connection starts with a simple introduction. Meet Carla Garro, the artist behind our new sterling silver sea glass jewelry collection: Her Circle of Life Necklace and matching Earrings, Sea Glass Bangle Bracelet, and 3 Stone Sea Glass Bezel Necklace.

When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I have always loved jewelry and enjoyed art in almost every form since a very young age. I always knew I wanted to work in the jewelry industry. I opened my first business at the age of 17 and started creating jewelry professionally at that time as well.

What was the most exciting thing about becoming a professional artist?
I love the range of creativity it allows me. Being able to turn my ideas into a piece of jewelry that someone will feel beautiful wearing is most rewarding for me. Sea glass seems to represent very precious memories for a lot of people. It captures a day spent at the beach with family or enjoying a walk and collecting sea glass and beach treasures. The most exciting thing for me is being able to bring those memories to life through preserving the sea glass into a piece of jewelry.

What does a typical day in the studio look like?
A typical day for me starts early and ends late. My studio is filled with beach-inspired objects and uplifting music to keep a light ocean feel. I start out my day by responding to emails and customer inquiries. Next is overseeing the shipping and making sure we are on track to get all retails orders out with in 24 hours. The rest of the day is spent sorting sea glass – organizing and laying out new pieces of sea glass to be drilled or set in silver according to the orders we are working on filling that day.

I try to keep each area of my workshop in an assembly line-type of set up to keep things running smoothly and orderly. We have check lists for each area of business always inspect each and every piece of jewelry before it leaves the studio. Every night I like to end the day with sketching new ideas in my design book. Sometimes it’s a new layout for the website, a new sea glass jewelry design or even just an inspirational quote.

Is there a trinket, talisman, or other inspirational object you keep near? If so, what is it and what does it mean to you?
I have a red hammer that I keep on my work bench. It belonged to my grandfather; he gave it to me when I moved out on my own. He said everyone needs a good set of tools and a hammer is essential. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but over the years it has become a very special tool that I use both making jewelry and just around the studio for various purposes. I love knowing that he used it throughout his life and work, and feel a comfort of keeping it in in my work space as well.

Imagine you just showed your work to a kindergartner for the first time. What do you think they would say?
“Ohhhh, pretty! Can I have one?” My daughter is 4 and every time we find a beach treasure, a shell, piece of sea glass or even a pretty stone she wants to make it into jewelry. Most kids can really relate because chances are they have found little beach treasures themselves. I find they are fascinated with it and usually want to make something!

What quote or mantra keeps you motivated?
I have a few. I’ll share my favorite: “Be Uniquely You.” It’s about staying true to myself and my vision. I think the most successful and happiest people in the world are the people who are not afraid to be themselves and embrace this fully. For me, that’s staying true to what I was inspired to create and what I strive to accomplish through my business.

Staying true to me means showing my customers how much I appreciate them by creating meaningful, unique and quality jewelry. I try to run my business on every level with that appreciation in mind. Each piece of sea glass jewelry is created with attention to detail and lots of patience and love. Never underestimate the power of good old hard work! I want people to say “WOW” when they receive their jewelry, I want them to be ecstatic with their purchase and with their over all shopping experience from start to finish.