Hello!! Welcome to LightShine Designs Jewelry & Photography!
In October of 2010 my Great Grandmother, who had lived with me most of my life, became ill and at the age of 91 passed away after long-term care by me and my family. It was a new chapter opening in my life as she was the backbone of our clan. I was upset, and needed a creative outlet-- a hobby. I found one in November of 2010 and it eventually led me to opening my Etsy shop in early February 2012. My passions (photography & jewelry/gemstones) have turned into my own business :)!
I have always enjoyed raw gemstones, minerals, nature, and anything of that sort. In fact several times a year I go camping, or mining for gemstones in upstate North Carolina or South Carolina. So I already had bags full of gems which I have collected over the years. My boyfriend suggested I start working with wire. He bought me a few rolls of copper wire and silver plated wire from a hobby store and I set to work basically teaching myself how to wrap the raw stones I'd found. That's how it started, wire wrapping pendants. I'm completely self-taught.
I found that I kind of had a knack for it, and decided to start my own business Facebook page. I had to think of a good name since you couldn't change them once you made them. I wrestled with this decision for at least a week or more. I wanted something that I wouldn't tire of hearing. I also wanted it to be memorable and uplifting.
One night as I was laying down to go to sleep and had just finished saying my prayers a light bulb went off. Suddenly, the old children's gospel hymn "This Little Light of Mine" came into my mind. I chuckled to myself because I had not heard the song in so long. But what stuck was the meaning behind the song, to use to talents God gives us and to glorify him. Thus, LightShine Designs Jewelry & Photography was born.
After creating my Facebook business page and gaining a rather large following, I opened up my Etsy Shop in February 2012. Creating and running my business has given me a great feeling and I don't plan on looking back. I offer custom order requests, and have a vast inventory of supplies to create all kinds of beautiful jewelry in all style ranges and mediums. I work with various materials, and make men's, women's, and/or children's jewelry (although I specialize mostly in women's). I also make sure to add new pieces often. I hold giveaways and offer incentives at my website and Facebook business page. I also have auctions on my Facebook page where I give great deals through starting bids that are below my retail prices. I do that in order to thank my loyal fans/clients. So if you aren't already you should definitely visit my FB page and give it a like---that way you won't miss out on deals you may not otherwise see from me.
It's only going to get brighter from here! Thank you for reading my story, I hope that you enjoy my shop and come back to see what is new! Please favorite the shop if you feel it's worthy and contact me if you'd like something to be custom made, or if you have any questions/comments. I love hearing from fans/clients/customers/observers. :) God Bless!!