We had the good fortune of connecting with Aisha Formanski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aisha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 2013 I moved back to Minnesota after a few years in California. I was restarting my life, and I decided to lean into my jewelry making. I got a tiny 10×14 square foot studio in the Northeast Arts District and started making pieces that made me proud to wear.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Aisha has been creating heirloom-quality jewelry and lifelong relationships with her customers for over 25 years, and started Everthine in 2010. She works from her studio in NE Minneapolis and each piece is infused with meaning, a bit of edge, and the highest quality natural materials.

“I am in business for pretty much two reasons–I have an intense need to create with my hands, and my personal connections with my clients. Each piece of jewelry is a tiny treasure that marks special or challenging times in our lives, and I am honored to be a part of that moment. My business is built on long-term relationships with my clients and it’s what makes me look forward to coming into the studio every day. Plus, I just launched my fine jewelry line, and have opened up my custom design books, so I’m excited to shake things up.

The advice I’d give to newer business owners is to connect with other entrepreneurs who are on the same level, find a mentor, and stay organized (because…taxes!).”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
On a perfect day in Minneapolis, I would start at Al’s Breakfast for pancakes, and then head over to The Walker Art Center for a day of art, and meandering through the Sculpture Garden. Then over to the Northeast Arts District to see the work of our vibrant artist community. Finishing off the day in the North Loop for the best sushi at Billy Sushi.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Sometimes, I slip up and say I’m a ‘one-woman team’, but that’s far from the truth. Without my mentors; Sara Commers, Andrew Bugher and Betty Jager I would still be chasing my tail.

Website: everthinejewelry.com

Instagram: everthine_jewelry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everthinejewelry

Image Credits
Photography by Michelle Bennett

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