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.

We love these earrings by today's featured indie designer, Jaime Pickering of Bella-Bijou Jewellery. These precious sterling silver studs would be sure to make us feel like a queen for a day! And at only $30 for a pair, our regal aspirations aren't entirely out of reach.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. My name is Jaime Pickering, and I am the owner and designer of Bella-Bijou Jewellery. I've been working on my little gems since October 2005, and I work with semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, sterling silver, 14k gold fill and 14k gold. I'd say my items are 30% beadwork and 70% metalsmithing, and are mainly nature inspired.

How did you get started as a designer? Funny story actually! I started beading back in 2005 when I first moved out of my parental home. My boyfriend at the time kept saying I needed a hobby to keep me busy (we had just started to live together and I guess it was a bit too close for comfort he he). One day I walked up to the bead and gem store a few blocks from me and picked up some supplies and before I knew it, I was hooked!

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? Don't get discouraged and keep in mind that it's never ending hard work to run your own business! One of my favorite quotes is "There is no elevator to success, so be prepared to take the stairs". If you truly are meant to do it, it won't seem like work at all.

What inspires your work? Mostly nature, leaves, flower colors etc. Vancouver, where I live, is absolutely beautiful, full of mountains, ocean, valley - not hard to be inspired!!

Who are your favorite designers? I LOVE matt & nat purses! They are a Montreal based brand that make completely vegan purses. It's not the vegan part per se that draws me, but more the style, and functionality of their lines. All the bags feel like buttah - even though they aren't real leather. Their color choices are divine and they always come with a little spot to snap in your keys!

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves?
Beauty must haves :
MAC bronzer, eyeshadows and brushes.
Smiths Rosebud Salve
Avene Skin Recovery Cream
Revlon eyelash curler

Fashion Must Haves :
7 For All Mankind Jeans
Adidas superstar shell shoes
matt & nat bags

Where can people find your work? My own website www.bella-bijou.com and on etsy at www.bellabijoujewellery.etsy.com