Carly Smith of Darling Yes has made a splash in the Ottawa handmade community. Darling Yes is a homegrown business, selling jewelry and hand-drawn art creations crafted in Smith’s home workshop. I had the chance to interview Smith about the building of her brand, her designs, and if she had any advice for those looking to create a business of their own!
Apt613: Tell me a little about yourself!
My name is Carly and I’m the owner and designer of Darling Yes. I have a Bachelor of Architecture from Carleton, and I’ve always loved to make things with my hands. Because of this, I decided to make it my career.
How did you begin to build Darling Yes?
I started the business in 2009 while I was in school as a way to make a bit of extra money. I was working at Sassy Bead, and making jewelry seemed like a good creative outlet. After doing some research, I decided to start my own business, and have been doing it ever since. While I began as a jewelry brand, I’ve also started my own hand-drawn greeting cards and art prints.
What challenges did you encounter while first building your business?
I was finding a bit of trouble figuring out the right materials to use, and what voice or aesthetic I wanted my work to be. After that, I had to work out the nitty-gritty of sourcing materials, determining where I wanted the business to go, and all of the usual boring business stuff that you’d expect.
What do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw a lot of inspiration from Art Deco and Age d’or. I love vintage designs and making them new again. I get a lot of inspiration from vintage advertisements, old maps… all sorts of things.
What type of person wears your jewelry?
She’s got a personal sense of style that is really classic-inspired. She probably lives in Westboro or Mechanicsville. She has an arts degree, or something similar. She likes to keep in touch with old friends and send them birthday cards. She’s your best friend.
What are the advantages of owning your own business? Disadvantages?
I love having creative control over my designs, and having freedom to experiment and explore without necessarily needing to have it work out as a business move. I enjoy developing different styles for different lines, and, of course, I get to do what I love.
As for a disadvantage, I once heard someone say, “Entrepreneurs are the only people who work 80 hours a week to avoid working 40 hours a week.” That’s definitely true. It’s a lot of work, but I do love doing it.
Do you feel that there is a strong hand-made community in Ottawa?
Yes, absolutely, and it’s been really growing over the last few years. Everyone works really hard to support each other, and there are new markets coming up all the time in new neighbourhoods, too.
What do you love most about crafting your creations?
It’s not so much the crafting, as it is the people. I love hearing people’s stories, who they are buying for, why they like it, that kind of thing. In terms of actually making product, I love coming up with new designs, trying different things, and finding new inspiration.
If you could have any celebrity (dead or alive) wear your designs, who would it be?
Darling Yes isn’t really a celebrity brand. I think there are two broad categories for jewelry: one that is about outward expression and making a statement about who you are, and the other is more sentimental and meaningful to the wearer. Darling Yes is definitely the second type. I don’t make huge statement pieces; my style is more personal. It’s designed to make you think about special memories and private moments.
What has been your proudest “Darling Yes” moment?
Honestly, it’s really about hearing people’s stories. I like hearing that I make someone think of their friends or loved ones, and I like that I can bring people together.
Are there any new products on the way?
Yes! I’m going to be coming up with some new art prints, new cards, and some brand new lockets featuring my original art.
What are some exciting upcoming events for Darling Yes?
We’re going to be selling with Etsy at the Calgary Stampede, which is going to be a lot of fun. We’re going to be at the Ottawa Makers Market in August, and I’m also in Flock and Workshop if you’re looking to find me in stores.
Do you have any advice for somebody looking into starting his or her own design/jewelry business?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People are very friendly and helpful, both online and in-person communities, and we’re all here for each other. The market is competitive, but we don’t have to compete with each other. I hope we all make it!
Q&A has been edited for clarity. You can find Darling Yes online at www.darlingyes.com, on Twitter at @shopdarlingyes, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DarlingYes. Samantha Lapierre is a writer, zinester and feminist heartthrob living in Ottawa. You can visit her website www.samanthalapierre.ca or tweet her @samanthamarg.
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