BOMBita Designs keeps double-day lifestyle in check

As a creative small business owner, it’s all too easy to get in over your head when you’re trying to scale your business—especially when you’re rocking a double-day work schedule.

But Carly Herman of BOMBita Designs keeps entrepreneurship in check with an optimistic outlook that involves putting family first.

“In life, you will always have to make sacrifices for your passions,” says the Philadelphia designer. “Family must remain at the forefront of your decision-making. After that, everything else will fall into place, because you keep love and compassion as your motivating mantra.”

We asked Carly to share a slice of her DIY business story:

DIYBA: How long have you been making jewelry?

Carly Herman: I’ve been making sculptural jewelry for over a decade and attended Tyler School of Art at Temple University for my BFA in Metal Smith/Jewelry Design. BOMBita Designs was manifested in winter 2011 and cultivated by my artistic mother, who always encouraged a creative environment. The name BOMBita originated as a childhood nickname and continues to pay homage in honor of “mi Madre.”

How do you feel about being a DIY business?

I absolutely love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. One of the primary reasons I got into jewelry design was because I love using my hands—it’s an integral part of the creative process.

I’m continually fascinated with age-old techniques, like forging metal, a technique that’s been used by ancient jewelers and blacksmiths for over 1,000 years. It’s the handmade object that reveals the character and flaws of the maker, reminding us that there’s beauty in imperfections.

Do you have a day job in addition to BOMBita?

I work a few part-time positions in Philadelphia—one as an assistant production designer for a jewelry company in Mount Airy and as a local sandwich artist in Northern Liberties. These jobs allow me the flexibility to pursue my passions and dedicate my time to BOMBita.

Where do you sell your jewelry—anywhere else besides Etsy?

BOMBita Designs & Limited Edition jewelry is sold at craft shows all over Pennsylvania and a few boutiques in Central Philadelphia. I really enjoy the craft-show environment because of the interaction with customers as well as networking opportunities in the local community.

Do you have a favorite entrepreneur or small business that you look up to?

One entrepreneur I worked for in the past owned a handmade leather goods company and this founder was my first mentor in the design industry. I respected his leather-smith innovation where he combined elements of metal to embellish the accessories he created. His engineering knowledge and technical experience was invaluable, and I learned the importance of passion, dedication and being resourceful.

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BOMBita Designs on Etsy |  Facebook.com/BOMBitaDesigns | BOMBita on Vimeo

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On Mondays, DIY Business Association features a stand-out self-starter as our DIY Business of the Week. If you or someone you know is rocking an awesome small business in art, craft, tech, food, media—you name it—we want to know about it. Tell us about your DIY business on the DIY Business Association Facebook wall, or email stories@diybusinessassociation.com with a short description and links to the DIY business website and social media.

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