Meet Dana Birke | Jewelry Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dana Birke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dana, what matters most to you?
I value kindness above all else (although humor is a close second!). Whether it’s business or every day life I strive to simply be as a kind as possible. When someone comes into my booth at a show, or orders something from me and has requests or questions I like to make them feel welcome and heard. I do my best to remember names and what people have ordered or what they have their eyes on. I also try to have a kind word for people, whether it’s a sincere thank you or telling them how much I love their outfit! We never know the effect simple kindness might have on someone.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was a kid I was a mop-topped, bath tub avoiding messy Marvin, but I was always wearing jewelry! For as long as I can remember I loved pretty, sparkly things. I just never realized it would some day become my profession. However, in all the careers I’ve had, there had always been an undercurrent of creativity. Whether it was turning my middle school classroom into the globe using duct tape or as a personal chef creating theme cakes for anyone from ages 1 to 80, I simply love to start things and see what’s going to happen! So many other jewelers I admire sketch things, make mock ups etc, but not me. I have gems and metal and findings all sitting on my giant work bench and I stare! It’s like all these pretty things somehow send me messages and I’ll hear the Aquamarine tell me that she really needs to be paired with some sterling circles and man oh man they will make for a beautiful necklace. They’re usually quite right! It’s a funny little love affair I’ve got going on in that studio. But all that love gets transferred into the jewelry and quite honestly, that is my secret ingredient!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, Boulder is truly an outdoors playground. Depending on the time of year I would take them for a beautiful mountain bike ride or skiing up at Arapahoe Basin. Any time of year I could take them for a hike on the many fabulous trails (particularly at Chautauqua) because it’s usually sunny in Boulder. If you know me at all, you know I’m a big fan of Happy Hour and the Pearl Street Mall has plenty to choose from. A couple of my favorites are Jax and the St. Julien, and while we’re down there we could do a little shopping and take in some of the buskers. If it was a summer weekend we would definitely hit up the Farmers Market which is simply amazing! Lastly, for dinner I’d head to one of my 2 favorite restaurants, Santo and Blackbelly, both owned by Top Chef winner, Hosea Rosenberg. ,

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I absolutely have to give a shout out to my husband, Brian Montgomery. He gets up at the crack of dawn with me to help me set up for markets and is always there to help me take down. Everyone else at the markets gets to know him since he also offers to help others with their booths as well! He always has supportive words for me when I start to think I am an utterly talentless imposter and reminds me that my own unique style is the gift I bring to my work.

Website: https://www.danabirkedesigns.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danabirkedesigns/

Twitter: @danabirkedesigns

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danabirkedesigns

Image Credits
Kirsten Boyer Photography