TAGazine | VOL. 10 (Golden Globes) 10 | Page 18

Erin Zisser Diamonds and Coal Jewelry I have been creating since I was a little girl. My grandmother put knitting needles and a crochet hook in my hand as soon as I could hold them. My small business started as an accident. I was creating jewelry for myself that I couldn’t find in the marketplace, and as I wore it, all different kinds of people would stop me and ask me where I purchased it. That was the beginning of Diamonds and Coal. “Diamonds and Coal is handmade jewelry with an edge for both guys and girls. I love being able to create jewelry that has a bit of grit to go along with the glamour.” What’s the hardest part about running your own business? The hardest part is doing it all! I am the designer and creator first and foremost. But I am also the CEO, the web developer, the graphic designer, the publicist, etc. It is tough to wear so many hats, but I love doing it, so the lack of sleep is OK with me. ;) What is your favorite part in the process of designing products? My favorite part of the process of designing is seeing the piece come to life. Sometimes I sketch out designs, and sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and run down to my studio to create it. Some days I just start playing with different pieces and they come together in my hands like I knew how to create them all along. No matter how the process starts, the end result is my favorite part - knowing that you can take something made up in your head and make it a reality is pretty special! What’s been your most popular item or line to date? My most popular pieces to date have been my Sugar Skull cameos, my meteorite pieces, and my electroformed crystal pieces. DiamondsAndCoalJewelry.com 18 | Vol. 10 | GBK’s Celebrity Gift Lounge Honoring the Golden Globes