Sisters find Stellar relaxation activity

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/11/2016 (3220 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The first thing you notice about Stellar Designs Jewelry’s Cheryl Lashek and Alison Hanneson is that they laugh. A lot.

Since 2003, the sisters and Sage Creek residents have created fun, customized, handmade jewelry for clients across Canada and around the world. The business started as a hobby and grew.

“We really enjoy being around each other, feeding off each other’s goofiness — we try to be serious but it doesn’t work,” says younger sister Hanneson.

“This is our chance to be creative and get away from stress and worry. I’m in finance and my sister is an engineer.”

As young, professional women and mothers, Lashek and Hanneson now focus efforts on their online business and major events such as the upcoming Signatures Craft Show & Sale and Third + Bird Christmas Market.

“We love being at craft shows. We debut a new product at each one. Meeting our clients, working with them and hearing their feedback makes it feel like a little family,” Hanneson says.

Stellar Jewelry Designs offers hand-stamped aluminum, sterling silver, and gold earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets. Think simple yet stunning, suitable for home and office with names like Wonky Daisy and Mama Bear. Clients directly inspire many creations.

“Our stacking rings remain our most popular product,” Lashek says.

“Last year a client was looking for a family ring, without traditional birth stones. She wanted to showcase actual names of loved ones, see them spelled out each time she looked at her finger.”

Lashek designed a one-millimetre ring with a nameplate. Each letter is stamped free hand with a hammer, no stencil. Spacer rings with tiny balls or hearts are added to the stack.

“We made a dream reality. Who knew that a modern spin on a classic ring would be so popular?”

Stellar Designs Jewelry is a multi-generation affair. Lashek’s five-year-old daughter Lexi helps pack up “mommy’s store” at the end of craft shows. The sisters’ mother, Lynda Kerr, an Island Lakes resident, looks after shipping and packaging jewelry.

“Mom helps out a lot and she’s our biggest fan,” Lashek says. “She’s never missed a show, even cancelling trips to be there for us. She will work 9 a.m. to 9 p,m, making sure everything’s presented properly. People call her ‘mom.’”

The Stellar Sisters will be at the Signatures Craft Show & Sale at the RBC Convention Centre Nov. 24 to 27 and the Third + Bird Christmas Market at Winnipeg Centre Vineyard on Nov. 26 and 27.

Readers can also visit www.stellardesignsjewelry.com

Tanya Misseghers is a community correspondent for Royalwood.