We love all of the amazing independent designers out there and we wanted to find out more about what makes these creative types tick. If you do too, check out more of our Indie Designer Interviews.

Today's featured indie designer is Mary Elizabeth of Bad Cat Jewelry, who donates a percentage of each sale to a charity that supports children with cancer.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. I am a married stay at home mom who worked full time in health care for years. I got incredibly burned out and when we moved I decided to not take another job in my field.

I have always been interested in fashion, even from a child. When I was in high school, I would devour issues of Elle, Vogue, Mademoiselle (showing my age), and Glamour. In college, I took one art course, because I was focused on my major; but for study breaks, I would head down town to a local store where I could make my own jewelry. I always got compliments.

Right now I am focused on making things that I would wear. My real love is seeking out beads that others may not have found. I love going to flea markets and finding a "treasure". Yeah, I think that is called shopping.

How did you get started as a designer? I was inspired by another jewelry maker. I said to myself, "I can do this". In addition, I love working with colors. It was either get a job as a makeup artist or make jewelry at my own pace, in my home, and be with my son.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? Don't get sidetracked by life. Be true to yourself.

What inspires your work? Colors. I love color. I might see a bag, a painting, flower arrangement, and it gives me a spark.

Who are your favorite designers?
Nanette Lepore: she's very fresh and girly-chic.
Chanel: classic. Does it ever go out of style?
Michael Kors: I think his style is very All-American
Armani Prive

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves?
Fashion:
- A pair of good fitting denims with stretch.
- White and black t shirts, cotton, v or scoop neck. Sleeve length varies. - Cute shoes that are comfortable and that I can run after my kid in without tripping and breaking a bone or two.
- A Satchel bag.

Beauty:
- High SPF Moisturizer.
- MAC cosmetics: they have the best range of colors out there for all skin tones. My brand of choice.
- Drugstore mascara
- Ysatis de Givenchy: I've been wearing this scent since I was 16. My grandmother gave me a sample. I've strayed, but I always come back.
- A good haircut

Where can people find your work? www.badcatjewelry.etsy.com, www.badcatjewelry.com, www.indiepublic.com