Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Gillman
Hi Amy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Broken Things Are Still Beautiful – Jewelry & Gifts was birthed from a broken glass table, a horrible divorce and a creative heart determined to move forward. I watched the broken shards of my patio table glisten in the sun like a million diamonds. Shortly thereafter my marriage shattered into just as many pieces.
Those moments of “breaking” led to the realization that things and people do break, but can be remade even better. I took those pieces of table top and began combining them with empty wine bottles, broken glasses, vases, anything that was going to be thrown out. I have been recycling and upcycling glass ever since, into ornaments, jewelry, paperweights and other bespoke gift items.
My Perfectly Imperfect Hearts, made from recycled glass, have brought me so much joy and so much joy to those that have received them. My customers have told me they share them with friends, loved ones, family members and significant others, for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and sometimes just because.
I have had much success recently from my Thinker Figures made from recycled glass. I have sold nearly two hundred of them in the last couple months. The most popular choice of figures is a multicolored, rainbow inspired, piece of art. They are beautiful, bespoke and show an introspective figure in a thinking pose.
In closing, just like with my recycled glass pieces, we can also put ourselves back together. We can all become our best selves after having been broken. To my beautiful readers, if you are one of the many broken, rest assured, you too will heal again. Your shattered pieces will mend into something beautiful and new. Your future is bright and beautiful. Visit btasb.com to see all of my wonderful creations and find your favorites.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a small business as the sole artist creating all the pieces means long hours and initially very slim profits. It requires a lot of courage to battle the very real fear of failure. It requires determination to push through the hard times and to continue to dream of new beautiful pieces to make.
After starting my business on Etsy (etsy.com/shop/btasb), I have expanded to social media platforms, my own Shopify site (btasb.com) and show my pieces at occasional live events. I have built relationships with people and businesses across the country and slowly but surely, my shop has truly thrived.
My social media presence has blossomed, loyal customers continue to return, new customers purchase from me daily, and if anything, my only struggle now is keeping up with the demand for my beautiful gifts and jewelry pieces. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, creativity and the unwavering belief in following my dreams.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Not only do I have my wonderful business, I have a lengthy background in the corporate world including marketing, advertising, technology and sales. I have worked in industries including media, healthcare, nonprofit, retail and manufacturing industries. I have also completed undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, communication and marketing.
I love writing and am a published author under my chosen pseudonym. I have written three published books and am currently writing two more. I am also credited as the graphic designer of several coffee table style historical books.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I like to think of it more as faith and blessing versus luck. My faith has carried me through the toughest time in life, professionally and personally. I do not much believe in luck. However, my favorite line from a movie is “Luck favors the prepared.” If you truly understand that line from the Incredibles movie, you realize that it means you create your own luck, essentially.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://btasb.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brokenthingsarestillbeautiful
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenthingsarestillbeautiful
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amygillman5254
- Other: https://amygillmanportfolio.my.canva.site
