YEDaily: Sancha Tatlock

After working in event production for years, Sancha Tatlock realized she was de-stressing after a long day by going home and making jewelry. As creating them for fun slowly turned into creating them for special requests, Sancha realized she was finally enjoying something she could turn into a career. And that’s exactly what she did in today’s YEDaily…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I design and make handmade limited edition jewelry using gemstones, silver, gold and copper.

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
Following my post university career in event production, I would come home after an exhausting day of work and unwind by making jewelry. Designing jewelry pieces for friends and family originated as a hobby and creative outlet, but quickly turned into special order requests from people who had seen my pieces. When I realized how much I was enjoying my evenings in my studio, I decided to take the leap and created my first collection as a professional jewelry designer.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The part of my day that I look most forward to is sitting in my studio surrounded by gemstones, precious metals and unique found objects and imagining them in different shapes and forms. The part I find most challenging is keeping up with all the administrative work and emails.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would love to be able to see the growth of my gemstone collection, with the addition of a Sancha fine jewelry line, as well as to see my Love Love project become its own foundation. My 5-year goal is to reach an increase in sales and distribution across North America which will allow me to help create work co-operatives at home and abroad, and to assist in production capacity with an environmental, social, and ethical consciousness/awareness.

What does success look like to you? 
Allowing your passion to guide you into a place of harmony between financial rewards and creative fulfillment. Achieving success while not compromising your value systems.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Shortly after I launched my first collection, I was fortunate to be a featured jewelry designer for a television series called Life Unexpected. I will never forget the feeling of seeing my jewelry on the big screen.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I think it takes a certain strength of character to succeed as a young entrepreneur – it’s not for the weak of heart! Before you actually begin working in your desired field you may have an unrealistic vision of what it actually involves, and even what that career entails.

My advice would be to be led by passion rather than doubt, as difficult as it can be. I always try to focus on the positive aspects of the business and not get discouraged by minor setbacks. I know it’s a cliche, but you really have to follow your passion, your dreams and never give up.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I recently launched the Love Love Project, which was created to give back to diverse water-based charities. I am passionate about all projects associated with water, from saving our oceans and marine life to providing fresh drinking water in developing nations. All wholesale profits from the Love Love Collection will be donated to different revolving water-related charities. Currently all profits are being donated to the drought effort in East Africa, through Oxfam Canada. I believe we all have a social responsibility to leave the earth a better place then when we came into it.

What is Notable to you?
I am constantly inspired by the endurance of the human spirit. Particularly those individuals that stand up for what is right and aren’t afraid to speak out, even when it becomes uncomfortable or inconvenient. I have a special affinity for those that make a commitment to and are advocates for environmental, animal and social rights.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other? 
Haha! I am terrible with technology. I just got my first iPad and am still working out how to use it.