Meet Cierra Tucker: a recent graduate of Colorado State University, proud Austinite and founder of a socially driven jewelry company called Little Pieces of Hope. Not only does Little Pieces of Hope create one-of-a-kind for bohemian spirits, fashion-minded beings and concert goers alike, but Little Pieces of Hope donates most of it’s proceeds to charities. Little Pieces of Hope started when Cierra was educated about Africa’s water crisis back in high school. She noticed the disparities in clean water and diseases around the globe, and decided to make a change (while also creating some amazingly cute jewelry)! She partnered with Charity: Water, and since, has helped build water wells in Ethiopia. She also engineered a fundraiser that was able to send twenty-five foster and adoptive children on a free ski trip in Colorado! Even more, Little Pieces of Hope has raised money for The American Cancer Society and The American Red Cross!
Cierra finds her inspiration through a multitude of outlets, and has been on Etsy for almost two years now. Be sure to check out her shop, order one of her unique pieces (or custom make one with the designer herself), and show her some love online through the social media outlets mentioned at the end of this article! Cierra was gracious enough to answer some questions I had for her, and here’s what the artist had to say:
CYM: What direction do you take when it comes to finding your products and materials?
LPOH: I love buying local and American-made products. It doesn’t always happen, but I really make an effort to buy items made in the U.S. Luckily, Austin has some AWESOME bead shops so living here is such a blessing when it comes to Little Pieces of Hope.
CYM: How do you decide how much of your proceeds to donate and what is the average donation percentage?
LPOH: The amount I donate varies depending on events/situations/channels of sales (for example retail consignment, wholesale, Etsy, flea markets and private parties all range in percents). The percentages range from 15%-50%, but I am always donating to a charity in need. There is never a time where I am not fundraising.
CYM: How do you decide what you’re going to make?
LPOH: I have no real design process. I usually just go with the flow, and keep my fingers crossed that it comes out amazingly. I have to admit I have made some total flops, but I like think most jewelry makers have.
CYM: Where do you find your inspiration?
LPOH: I find inspiration EVERYWHERE–through traveling, fashion, music, movies, everywhere! I also love fashion blogs. Those help me a lot! My favorites are Free People, Treasures and Travels, and Spell and the Gypsy collective.
CYM: What are your favorite pieces to make?
LPOH: I really enjoy making the Bohemian Breastplates. You don’t see those everywhere and they require a lot of attention and detail. Most of the breastplates end up being one-of-a-kind pieces. I love making jewelry that makes women feel beautiful, while also having the opportunity to help a charity in need.
CYM: How many hours a week do you spend working on Little Pieces of Hope?
LPOH: Since I graduated I have made Little Pieces my full time job (30-40 hours). A bit risky compared to the “ideal road” you’re supposed to go down but it’s something I am truly passionate about. I can’t wait to see where it leads me.
CYM: If you had to choose, what is your favorite piece you have created and why?
LPOH: Every time I create a new piece it’s my favorite…until I make the next “new” piece and then that becomes my favorite. I am currently making feather head crowns for Austin City Limits festival and I can’t wait to debut them.
Thank you so much Cierra- for taking the time to talk to Compose Yourself Mag, to help children who really deserve it, and for making us such fabulous jewelry to flaunt on the daily, as well as at the many, many festivals and events we attend :D Keep up the amazing work!