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

Hi Dana, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
This is really a tough one! There are days when I am sitting at a windy market and there are only ’Lookie Lous’ in my tent and I think “What am I doing?!” But then I have to remember that that is only one day of many. There are going to be all sorts of face palm moments when you run your own business and I think it comes down to two bottom lines: Are you making enough money to support yourself and is this feeding your soul in some way ? As long as I can do both I continue on- wind or no wind !

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started making jewelry 16 years ago and I’ve learned a lot about myself and business along the way . I’ve come to realize that if I want to make a living at this I need to pay attention ! Not simply make that I find pretty . I’ve really had to ferret out who my customers are and what sorts of things they want as well as staying on top of trends. Whatever I make is always going to have my mark on it but at t he same time I need to remember to grow as an artist and business person..

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much to do in and around Boulder! There’s hikes in the flatirons or a stroll on the Pearl Street Mall. Breakfast at Tangerine or dinner at Blackbelly. Saturdays at the farmers market or maybe a drive to the mountains to go skiing. The possibilities are endless!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would dedicate this to my many loyal customers! Im not kidding! Not only do they keep me in business but they are also just so kind to me. Sometimes making anything is like living in a vacuum and you wonder if anyone’s going to like it. Then you see your loyal customers who make you think you’re making something of beauty and value and that is ab amazing feeling which truly only they can provide ! You know exactly who you are !!

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

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

Image Credits
Kirsten Boyer Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.