Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Cannon.
Hi Shawn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Holly Mack Designs was born out of a desire to create. I started my business in 2011, when my youngest daughter started full-day school. Coming from an HR background in an office environment, I wanted my next chapter to offer more flexibility and allow me to work from home. I took a few jewelry-making classes, and from there, the passion grew. Here I am, years later, with my own business where I am both my own boss and the sole creator behind my work.
Holly Mack Designs is named after my daughters, Holly and Mackenzie. My designs are inspired by the things I love most in life: the sea, nature and travel. My goal is to create pieces that bring joy and become keepsakes that can last a lifetime. I believe jewelry can stir emotion and sentiment and hold memories. Travel is also a big source of inspiration, and I love finding ways to incorporate those experiences into my collections.
Most recently, I started venturing into shell art. I’m a big collector of seashells, sea glass and sea pottery, and I love finding ways to incorporate those pieces into my work. I’ve really enjoyed exploring this new creative direction, and it has taken off recently, resulting in several commissioned pieces.
Whether I’m creating jewelry or shell art, every piece is handcrafted by me in my home studio. I work with high-quality materials including sterling silver, gemstones, freshwater pearls, sea glass, shells and leather.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not always. There have been times when I’ve had to take a step back from my business to focus on family. I never stopped creating, but there were times when the business had to take a back seat. Being a mom was always my most important role. Now that I’m an empty nester, I have more time to focus on my business and create.
I also opened a brick-and-mortar shop in Ridley Park in 2017, where I sold my designs along with other handmade creations. COVID played a big part in my decision to eventually close the shop permanently and refocus on my original business plan of selling online, through stores and at art shows.
The recent rise in metal prices has also affected my jewelry business. Jewelry artists have had to raise prices simply to continue creating. That has been an adjustment, but I’m continuing to find ways to create work I love while keeping my pieces accessible to my customers.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create handcrafted sterling silver jewelry inspired by nature, the sea and the places I’ve traveled. More recently, I’ve also started creating shell art. I love working with things I’ve personally collected, including seashells, sea glass and sea pottery, and giving them a new life through my work.
What I’m most proud of is that I’m still finding new ways to stay inspired and evolve creatively. I don’t want my work to ever feel stagnant. Whether I’m learning a new technique, experimenting with a different medium or finding inspiration while traveling, I’m always looking for ways to bring something personal into what I create.
I think that personal connection is also what sets my work apart. Everything is made by me, and much of what inspires my work comes from experiences, places and materials that mean something to me.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
What works for me is building a community. I have a community of artist I can turn to for questions, advice, share losses and triumphs with. We bounce marketing ideas off each other. Many I have collaborated with also.
Also, staying inspired by learning. I take a good amount of classes. Jewelry classes to learn new techniques and skills. Pottery classes. Painting classes. Staying creative in other areas of art helps me stay inspired and meet more artist to network with. Through classes I have met many people that have become mentors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hollymackdesignsjewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollymackdesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollymackdesigns
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/hollymackdesignsjewelry
