Great Service Brings Repeat Buyers
about: LEE CHU LING
I am a stained glass jewelry artist and a full-time mother of one girl, or rather 2 girls (one more, arriving in 3 month’s time).
I used to sell my works at craft shows and rented carts at shopping malls, but now I sell them mainly online because it gives me more freedom to do things at my own pace.
Where are you located?
Singapore
What do you do when you are not designing jewelry?
I will play with my little daughter. Children are very creative in their own ways, and I’m always surprised by what she creates with the materials around her. I also enjoy coffee with friends.
What drove you to become an artist/ designer?
Doing craft has been my passion since I was young, and receiving compliments on my works gave me great satisfaction and motivation, so I think it’s natural that I’ll be an artist one day.
Tell us about your unique artistic style and the creative process behind it?
It never crossed my mind that I’ll be doing stained glass jewelry. It all happened suddenly, and I knew that was what I wanted to do. I was browsing in an art book store one day, and bought a book on Art Nouveau Jewelry.
I was so fascinated and very much inspired by the flow of the design on every piece of jewelry. I yearned to learn and make a piece for myself, but back in those years, there was no one in Singapore who teaches metal smithing and enameling.
A few days after I bought the book, I read an interview on the newspaper about a lady who makes beautiful stained glass lamps. Immediately, it kind of clicked and I knew I can use stained glass and incorporate my Art nouveau inspired design on it.
If you were not an artist/ designer, what would be the alternative career path you choose?
I’m a caring person, I always have an urge to help people or lend a listening ear. So I’ll probably work in a childcare center, be a nurse or a counsellor.
How do you promote yourself?
I don’t really do advertising, but I just want to say a big thank you to my customers. I think advertisement comes from them.
They wear my jewelry, and when friends ask, they will give them my shop’s address.
Some of my customers “advertised” my products on their blogs and I think that helps to bring in sales too.
What’s your way(s) to balancing work and life?
I feel that self-discipline is very important. I try to give myself a schedule and follow it.
Weekends are my family days, but if I happened to be working on weekends, I’ll just take a day off during the weekdays and spend time with my family.
Could you share any insight for people just entering the profession?
If you are selling online, it is important that the photos of your work stands out.
Great customer service brings repeat buyers.
Who is the person that you look up to in the professional world? Why so?
Nobody in mind.
What music are you listening lately?
Bossa Nova, Jazz.
Name 3 your favorite books.
I wish I have time to read.
What do you like the smell of? Why so?
The air after the rain and the smell of my little daughter. It just makes me happy.
Link(s):
My online shop: http://LingGlass.etsy.com
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