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

Hi Anna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my own business because I had an idea that I was passionate about. The more I moved towards that idea the more successful I was. In the beginning I worked on my business part time while I held another “real” job part time. Eventually I realized I really only needed to do a little more business than I already was to replace the 20+ hours of low paid work that was sucking up my valuable time. As soon as I let go of my security blanket the universe supported me with more business and I was able to go fully on my own and I haven’t looked back!

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.
My art literally came out of my passion for beekeeping. I was already a jeweler but once I started keeping bees I tried casting honeycomb and that was the beginning of a beautiful creative life. However, the life of an artist and an entrepreneur is not easy. I wear many hats and I am the only one holding myself accountable. There is always work to be done but I feel grateful that it’s the kind of work I want to be doing!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Austin and there is a ton of fun stuff to do here. I think if we had just a day to explore it would start with breakfast tacos from Veracruz Tacos or Taco Deli, Then we’d go for a walk/run on lady bird lake. If it was hot outside we’d spend some time at the Blanton Museum or take a dip in Barton Springs. We’d go for happy hour at the Salty Sow, then take a stroll down South Congress Ave stopping in a local shops and ending up down at the Congress Bridge to see the Mexican Bat’s fly out for the night. Then I think we’d probably go home to enjoy a glass of wine on the front patio along with some good conversation.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would have to say that Milk + Honey Spa and the owner, Alissa Bayer, were my number one supporters. They were the first big company to buy my designs wholesale, plus the owner has been a mentor for me. They also supported my crazy idea to start a rooftop apiary and beekeeping apprenticeship program for them. I also have a dear friend and owner of Spirit, Merrie Martin in Santa Fe New Mexico who has had a big influence on me. She took me under her wing in college, was the first boutique ever to buy my jewelry before I even really had a business, and she showed me how to be a successful but also kind-hearted business woman. She also gave me my first jewelers torch which I still use today!

Website: www.beeamour.com
Instagram: @LoveBeeAmour
Facebook: @BeeAmour

Image Credits
Paul Galvan