The first time I saw this lady’s work a month ago on Twitter, I knew our frochic readers had to see it. Guys and girls, meet supertalented jeweller, Siya Stofile.
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Siyanda Stofile, and I’m a lover of all things chunky, difference and beaded. I managed to turn a hobby into a business and now make extra ordinary jewellery for women all over the country.
What are you all about?
I am all about jewellery. I enjoy experimenting with different stones and colours and creating something breath-taking. I simply love jewellery and the challenge that comes with making something bold and different.
Your work is stunning. Tell us more about your business, how it all started.
Butter Jewellery tries to provide a personal service to men and women all over the country. When a client sees an item they like, be it on my website, on Twitter or even Facebook. They can email me and place their order and their piece will be sent to them. We deliver at your doorstep. The aim was to be a personal jeweller to people who seldom find time to shop and are busy juggling work, children and a household but have functions and weddings to attend. I try and offer a sort of relief for them. I custom make jewellery for brides, bridesmaids and mothers of brides. If it has to do with jewellery, you can trust Butter Jewellery to get it done for you.
What inspired you to start Butter Jewellers?
Making jewellery has always been a hobby of mine. It was the compliments and the appreciation people showed that made me consider taking it further. It was early last year that I turned my hobby into a business and I haven’t looked back.
Tell us about the different types of accessories you design.
Most of the jewellery I make is very chunky and bulky. I enjoy experimenting with different colours and different stone sizes. My work is mainly beaded and exotic, this is because simple jewellery is available all over and I know that most women prefer to stand out rather than to blend in.
Does your business only cater for South African customers or do you have customers in other countries as well?
I currently cater mainly to South African women. I recently launched a men’s line so I’ve included men as well. I’m slowly starting to branch out into other African countries, however I’m pacing myself. I don’t want to get too excited and expand too soon only to end up overwhelmed; there will be time for that.
And how is it doing so far?
So far business has been exciting. Through Butter Jewellery I have met some amazing people and have created some awesome friendships. I learn something new everyday and I’m growing with every experience. Simply put, I’m having fun.
Challenges?
It wouldn’t be a business if it didn’t have challenges, but I’ve learnt that every obstacle brings me closer to something bigger. I admit that in the beginning there would be times where I’d want to quit, but I was fortunate enough to have a strong support system and they encouraged me to keep pushing. When I look at all I’ve experienced between then and now, I get excited at the thought of what’s still to come. I believe that my Creater has great plans for me and every challenge is a test of how badly I want His plan to unfold.
Highlights?
My highlight has definitely been having my work shown on Top Billing. It was the most amazing experience and as everyone watched, they saw the celebrities in my work, but for me, they were my support system that day and they ‘forced’ me to enjoy that moment and to accept that I had put in the work and those were some of the rewards.
How does one get a hold of your creations?
They can order via email: [email protected]
Most of the celebrities you used on your catalogue wear their hair natural. Do you have a “thing” with natural hair?I actually didn’t notice that everyone at the shoot had natural hair, (2 of the men had dreadlocks) until you mentioned it. I promise it was a mere coincidence.
My hair is natural right now, but that could change next week. I’m really very easy going when it comes to hair; as long as it doesn’t require too much maintenance. So far this year I’ve had braids, but generally, I have natural hair as well.
Please share any fashion tips with our readers out there.
If I could give fashion tips, it would be obes that I follow as well and that is to adjust with your body. Sometimes your wardrobe needs to change when your weight does. Denial is a terrible thing. I also love animal print when included subtly. I love an animal print belt, scarf or shoe, for those who know how to keep it simple, it always looks fabulous.
Anything word to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Words of inspiration: Word hard and pray hard.
Website: www.butterjewellery.com
Twitter: @butterjewellers
Facebook: Butter Jewellery
Place orders: [email protected]
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