Interview with a Maker: Mili Tyler of Love Letters

Mili Tyler of Love Letters is a maker at our July 31st show at PRI.

You can find her jewelry here.

Meet Your Maker (MYM): Describe what you make and how you got your start.

Mili Tyler (MT): I make hand stamped sterling silver (mostly) pendant necklaces. So far the majority of what I have stamped are the names or initials of my friends' children. I like to add gemstones, they can be the birthstones that go with the names, or whatever a person loves. I got started by lusting after jewelry I saw in catalogs and on TV stars (especially Sundance, and shows like Weeds). I knew I could not afford what they had, and thus my search began! I am loving experimenting with different materials and exploring new techniques, learning as I go.

MYM: Is this your largest source of income or do you have another job?

MT: I work outside the home 3/4 time.

MYM: Any advice to someone about making the leap from hobby crafting to selling?

MT: If you really love it, you should go for it!

MYM: Have you had any big breaks? How did they happen?

MT: The greatest benefit I have had from making these necklaces has been the amazing amount of support and encouragement I have received from my family and friends. I wasn't even thinking about this in terms of selling, then one day I casually mentioned my hobby to a fellow pre-school Mom. She turned out to be Shannon, the owner of Bambini, and she invited me to sell in her store! She has been very enthusiastic in her support, and made me feel even more excited about what I was doing.