SD: Were you creative as a child? Tell us a little about your background.

Erin Håkansson: I was born in San Francisco and raised in Tucson, Arizona. I was surrounded by a lot of creativity growing up. I spent most of my summers working at a Fine Arts Camp and teaching kids about everything from music to dance to painting to the history of the world’s greatest artists. My mother was the artist in the family, so she always encouraged us to explore the Arts and tap our creative energy.

I received a liberal arts degree at DePauw University, specializing in Communications. Over the years, I have had the luxury of living in a variety of fun places around the world including London, Madrid, Buenos Aires, Denver, Savannah, Tucson and have been in San Francisco since 2002.

SD: How long have you been designing and makng jewelry?

Erin Håkansson: I started making jewelry about four years ago. My mother is an amazing water color and oil painting artist and has always been really creative. She taught me how to make jewelry and combine different colors and gemstones. I fell in love with jewelry design from the very beginning.

I had done a few pieces for friends and family and ended up making all of the jewelry for my bridesmaids at my wedding. I had such a strong positive reaction from the pieces that it gave me a lot of confidence to start selling my work. It was on our honeymoon that I decided to put a line together and sell pieces that were tailored to stylish women who already have a sense of style, but are jus looking for pieces to accentuate their wardrobe.

SD: What inspires your jewelry design?

Erin Håkansson: Most of my inspiration is gained from traveling. My husband and I have done a lot of traveling through Europe and South America. The styles and stones I find internationally are fascinating and unique to things we have in the US. When I go on a trip, I check out the stores to see what women are buying as well as what they are wearing on the streets. Sometimes, a single piece will give me inspiration for an entire new line.

SD: Is your work influenced by any other designers?

Erin Håkansson: I haven’t found a specific designer that I use for inspiration. Everyone has such a unique style that I usually get inspired by a specific feature on a necklace. To keep on top of evolving trends, I do make a point to attend local fairs and jewelry shows to see what other artists in the Bay Area are doing.

SD: Why have you chosen jewelry design to express your creativity?

Erin Håkansson: I felt connected with jewelry design from the first necklace I made. It is a fantastic creative outlet that allows me to experiment with color and design. It is tremendously rewarding to create pieces that people want to wear and that make women feel glamorous. I have found that being creative is addictive. Since I started making jewelry, making other things has become easier and I have started making everything from hair accessories to cards to belts.

SD: What do you like to do when you're not making jewelry?

Erin Håkansson: As you may have guessed, traveling is one of my favorite things to do. It is so invigorating to check out a new place, especially one that isn’t that well known. My husband and I went to Buenos Aires for the first time in the spring of 2005. We were so fond of it that we have been back twice since then and have spent extensive amounts of time there. There are few things I appreciate more than meeting new people and discovering the culinary treasures of a city. When we go someplace new, we always have a list of new wines to buy when we get home.