Meet Tara Hagman | Silversmith & Jewellery Designer

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

Hi Tara, how does your business help the community?
When I was starting Hello Luna Creative it was very important to me that I was being as sustainable as possible. I wouldn’t feel right doing something that added to an issue I feel so passionately about. Jewellery and fashion can be beautiful and sustainable at the same time. I did extensive research to make sure I was sourcing my materials from the best possible places. I use mostly recycled sterling silver that is produced in a solar powered warehouse and I recycle all my silver scraps. The stones that I use come from ethical sources that don’t harm the earth or the people working there. The last step that I made sure I was being conscious about is the material I package an item in when it is to be shipped out. I don’t use any plastic packaging, down to the packaging tape I use. Some day I hope to have a workshop that is Solar powered as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It all started with a random decision to take a silversmithing class while traveling. In 2016 I traveled to India for a yoga teacher training and stayed for 8 months. My travels took me to Dharamshala where there was a man teaching silversmithing. One of my friends was already taking the class so another friend and I decided we wanted to give it a go. I was hooked immediately. Creating jewellery out of sheets of metal and fire was thrilling. After a few days I decided to buy all the tools right then and there to take home and keep this passion going. When my travels were over I moved back to Maui to be with my sister while she had her first baby and set up shop in a jungle hut. We were living on a property that ran on solar panels so the shop I was in had no power, which meant me polishing everything on the floor of my sisters patio. Doing what ever I could to gain as much skill as I could in this new outlet for creativity. Then about 3 years ago I moved to Phoenix where I set up a workshop in my bedroom. Working as a server and making jewellery when I could I started to fine tune those skills. When COVID hit, I lost my job but gained all the time I needed to really hone in on turning this passion into a business. I opened an etsy and started there. When things opened back up and I went back to serving, I found it just wasn’t what I wanted in life. After a few months I made the scariest decision I have made and quit my job. I signed up for as many craft fairs and markets as I could and poured everything I have into creating my dream. A life that I can create and share those creations with the world. There are so many lessons I’ve learned along the way that I couldn’t possibly fit them into a short answer, but one big thing I’ve learned is to never give up. It’s ok to feel down for a bit, but don’t stay down. If what you’re doing isn’t working, change the strategy, don’t quit the game.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit I would take any excuse to have at least a full day in Sedona hiking around in the beautiful scenery. Then coming back to Phoenix we could eat and explore our way around. There are so many places to eat I don’t even know where to start. The Giving Tree Cafe is one of my faves followed by dessert at Nami. My all time favorite food is sandwiches and the best place for those is Ike’s Love and sandwiches. They have so many options theres something for everyone.

Over the weekend I would go to one of my favorite yoga events at the Phoenix Star Tower or Self Care Sunday at Kellys Cottage. Then during the week we could hopefully avoid the crowds and hike camelback or bring a picnic to Papago.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To say that I am surrounded by the most amazing support group is an understatement. From my family to my friends there is not one person that lets me doubt myself. My sisters and partner are always there for me whenever the imposter syndrome starts to creep in to remind me of how far I’ve come. My mom and grandma are some of my best customers and biggest advertisers. Then there is the amazing community of artists here in Phoenix that are full of inspiration and support. I would not be where I am without the people in life and I will forever be grateful to every one of them.

Website: www.hello-luna.com

Instagram: helloluna_creative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellolunacreative11/

Image Credits
Emily Nagy Photograhy