We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.

Designer Janna Culbreth creates fresh, exotic jewelry designs perfect for livening up those simple summer outfits. Each of her pieces is one-of-a-kind, and while there's plenty of ready-to-wear jewelry to shop from, she also specializes in affordable custom-made jewelry. Now is a great time to check out her work, because Janna is having a special Christmas in July Sale this Saturday, July 26, 2008 in her Etsy shop.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. I make fun, customized and one-of-a-kind jewelry using gems and semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, sterling silver, and gold-plated and brass findings. I also create custom bridal jewelry! You can find my designs at jacjewelry.etsy.com.

One of my objectives is to create versatile designs that people are able to wear with multiple outfits, styles and occasions. Specifically with bridal designs, my goal is to create versatile pieces that the bridal party will be able to wear long after the wedding, and this aspect appeals to the brides, as well as bridesmaids.

How did you get started as a designer? In 2004, while on vacation visiting family, I went to a bead store with my aunt, and walked out of there with a big bag of beads... I came home and made my first piece from those beads immediately. I made a few more pieces after that, but did not get absolutely addicted to jewelry-making until a year and a half ago. Now, I'm hooked and don't plan on stopping any time soon!

What inspires your work? Nature is my biggest inspiration, although most of the time, I buy the beads and findings that I think are gorgeous, without any idea for a design in mind. Combining several colors is as far as I will go when coming up with ideas for designs. Then, I put them together and discover that the most unexpected combinations look the best together!

Who are your favorite designers? From mainstream designers, I absolutely love Marc Jacobs, Custo Barcelona, Nanette Lepore and BCBG Max Azria.

Of course, I love everything handmade, especially jewelry, canvas bags and pottery. There are so many talented artists on Etsy.com – every day I find more and more designers whose work I love!

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? I am in NYC for the summer, and my summer picks are influenced by being able to walk all over the city on a hot summer day! The three things that I absolutely must have in my closet are:

1. Flat sandals – you can't go far without a comfortable pair of flats!
2. Sun dresses in fun colors and patterns – they look great with sandals and are perfect for the hot weather.
3. Fashionable jaC jewelry to instantly dress up any outfit!

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? My advice is two-fold:
1. Be patient. Selling jewelry (or anything else handmade) is a lot of hard work and takes time, and persistence will eventually pay off!
2. Set realistic expectations. Most of us starting out think that our creations will sell like hot cakes. When they don't fly off the shelves, it's easy to get frustrated. But you already know from #1, above, that persistence will eventually pay off, so channel your energy into marketing and promoting your designs and shop!

Where can people find your work? I sell my jewelry online at jacjewelry.etsy.com and at house parties.

Anything else? A big thank you to Styledash for this wonderful opportunity to be featured and a thank you to the readers for checking out my Etsy shop! I look forward to making a jaC creation for you!