Seaworthy :: A Giveaway

Comments closed :: The winner is number 11 :

I like all the homemade stuff~ Brenda

Congrats Brenda! Marisa or I will contact you with info. Yeah!

Today, I have a first for you.... a giveaway!! I don't know why I haven't done one before; maybe this will be the beginning of a new era, so watch out!
This giveaway is from on of my oldest friends. You know, the friend you have dear childhood memories about, but somehow you guys drifted apart in junior high. We were great friends all through elementary school, and I have some of the best memories from our time. The first time I ever went camping was with her family!! Without further ado...

Here is a little question and answer with Marisa of Seaworthy ::Marisa and her Great Uncle at First Thursday in Portland, Oregon

:: Tell us a little about yourself. Where you live? what you like to do?

I have always called Oregon home and I currently live in Portland. I own a tiny (and adorable, if I do say) 1900 Victorian home in NE Portland. I've made a lot of changes in my life in the last year in attempt to keep life simple and open for opportunities that bring happiness to myself and those I love. I am addicted to yoga and practice nearly every day, whether it's a 90 minute class or a couple sun salutations. It has saved me mentally and physically. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and now live nearly pain free with the help of yoga. I also try to get some writing and editing in whenever possible. I work with Momentum Magazine out of Vancouver, BC which helps connect people who love to ride bikes (like me!) with ideas and opportunities for expanding their love. My other loves include junk stores, black and white photos, red shoes, wake boarding, running, rusty metal, clear glass and vanilla candles.:: How (and why) did you come up with the name Seaworthy for your shop?

The actual word, Seaworthy, was thought up by my boyfriend, Clyde. I knew I wanted my company to have a nautical name. I've always been fascinated and humbled by the ocean. I grew up visiting the Oregon coast. We'd spend hours investigating tide pools and digging in the sand for creatures. My name, Marisa, has a Latin root, which means "of the sea". My brother's name Dylan, means "born of the sea" or "son of the sea". And (sorry, there is more) both of my parents grew up in Southern California, on the beach and in the ocean. I guess you can say, the ocean is just a huge part of my life.
Seaworthy means that a vessel is fit for travel. I like to think of my jewelry in the same way. That something old can be new again and be given a new opportunity for a journey.:: Where does your inspiration come from? Inspiring people?

I find my inspiration in the strangest of places. I love old photos and I'm always inspired by the way women dressed in the 40's and 50's. There is something so innocent yet strong about women from that time period. I'm also very lucky to blessed with a wide range of beautiful, charismatic and unique female family members and friends. I'm always inspired by their varied styles and personalities.
I try to avoid pop culture as much as possible. Keeping my designs authentic and true to myself is a must. I only make things that I would feel good wearing.:: What has been your favorite piece?

I really love wearing a long key necklace layered with a chunkier vintage chain. That has been my go to piece these days.:: Where do you see yourself and Seaworthy in 5 years? 10 years?

I spent my 20's doing all the things that I thought I was "supposed" to do. My 30's are about taking risks, having adventures and making memories. Perhaps I'm doing things a bit backwards, but all of my past experiences have led me to this point and I'm just going for it.

:: Has there been some rough ground you have traveled since starting your own business? Anything you would have done differently? Any advice for others starting their own business?

Quitting a very stable and lucrative job to start a jewelry business and work as a part-time editor took a toll financially. But, I've learned that my quality of life is not directly connected my checking account (who knew!). At this point, I wouldn't change a thing. Maybe I could say that I wish I would've done it sooner, but I think that would be silly. I have a lot planned for 2011 based on what I've learned so far and if things were any different maybe I wouldn't have learned so much.
My only advice to someone thinking about starting a creative business would be to have confidence. There are so many creative people out there doing their thing and making a go of it. You're not going to be discovered unless you put yourself out there. Not everyone is going to understand or appreciate what you do. But you have to LOVE it. You have to love it enough to keep practicing and learning and improving, people will appreciate that in your work.:: How do you unwind, reward yourself?

I really enjoy a nice home cooked dinner with my boyfriend with a glass of wine and lingering conversation. I also like walking around our neighborhood with our pup. Yoga and reading also do the trick. I always go back to my favorite poet, TS Eliot and his Four Quartets. I find his words grounding and humbling, just like the ocean.


Marisa is offering a $10 gift certificate for her etsy store. To enter to win, go to the store and find your favorite piece, then leave a comment on this post. For a second chance, mention this on your blog. For a third chance, mention it on your status on Facebook. For a fourth chance, become a fan (or "like") Seaworthy on Facebook. For a fifth chance, become a follower of Seaworthy blog. That is 5 (five) chances! Please leave a comment for each of your chances.

I will leave this open until early evening, Tuesday August 17th; and pick a winner (Tyler will choose a number) shortly after that evening!

Good luck!

My favorite piece right now is this (or below). It reminds me so much of Clifford. (oh, I forgot about my story!!)