Life & Work with Karina Velarde of Tucson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Velarde.

Hi Karina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was 10, my mom was pregnant with my brother, and she started making jewelry to sell. During her pregnancy, she taught me how to make jewelry, and then I would go door to door selling what we made. The day that inspired me and was bitten by the “entrepreneur bug” was when I made $100. Making $100 as a 10-year-old by selling jewelry was like winning the lottery; ever since then, I dreamed of having my own business. Then in 2016, after finishing my active duty career in the Navy, I decided that it was time to start putting the effort in to start my business. I officially launched my business in 2021. I started selling at the Tanque Verde swap meet, then at farmers’ markets, and it was when I did an art fair with Spark Project Collective that I could grow my business. Once I discovered that Spark Project Collective is the world’s first and only nonprofit tattoo and piercing shop, I was happy to be part of a great organization when I was invited to be a consignor at their metaphysical shop, Four of Wands. Since starting consigning with Spark Project and Four of Wands, it’s helped me grow as a small business and as a community member because with my sales, a portion is donated back to my local community. My goal is to keep growing and becoming successful so I can keep helping my community.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“Nothing worthwhile is easy. If things were easy, everyone would be doing it.” – Unknown

The road getting me to where I am now has been challenging. I have made many sacrifices, such as relationships, relaxation time, and sleep, just to be where I am. But all those sacrifices are worth it to me because I want success. I want my business to be successful so it can be my only source of income so I can support my family and spend time with them without any financial worries. Although I have sacrificed time with them currently for my business, I’ve been so lucky that they have been so supportive and understanding.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an artist, I like to call myself a “jack of all trades” because I make everything from jewelry, vinyl clothing designs, stain glass, silversmithing, taxidermy with butterflies, and so much more. I can pretty much make anything art related. I generally specialize in jewelry making and witch spell kits. What I’m most proud of is that I’ve been able to finally realize my dream that I’ve had since I was 10 years old and have been able to get where I am on my own with the help and support of my family. What sets me apart is that I’m a local Tucsonan, 1st generation American Latina, Navy Veteran, and a “mother/daughter” team business. Although I do most of the work, I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am without the help and work my mom has put in. She was the one who planted the seed of inspiration and showed me the skills that I now possess and have improved on to be where I am now.

What matters most to you? Why?
Family. My family matters the most to me because I wouldn’t be where I am now without them. They inspire me to be the best version of myself because everything I do is for them, especially my mom. I want to give back so much to her because I would not be the person or artist I am today without her. She is my inspiration—also financial stability. I want to be financially independent and stable so I can spend more time with my family and do things and give them everything they want and deserve.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @seanymphcreations93
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seanymphcreations93?mibextid=LQQJ4d