For Brooklyn metal worker Mia Anter, ‘feeling around in the dark’ is part of the process

Born in Turkey, this fiery little Brooklynite is a restless maker.

Whether she's styling a film shoot, soldering her latest medieval looking metal creation, or mindlessly glueing sequins on a bodysuit at the dinner table just to keep her hands busy, it's hard to describe Mia Anter as anything but someone who just goes for it.

So it's no surprise that her fledgling jewelry shop, PLUTONIA BLUE, is attracting buzz. Every piece is handmade by Anter, and shaped by her dark and whimsical tendencies.

We spoke to the young artist about her work, the piece she's most proud of and the importance of holding on to your creative spark as part of our #SheMadeIt project.

Mia Anter | Jeweler & Owner, PLUTONIA BLUE | 28 | Brooklyn, New York

Across Women's Lives: What do you make?

Mia Anter: Metal jewelry

AWL: Why do you make it?

MA: I’ve asked myself this question time and time again. The short answer is I can’t not do it. I’m hoping the long answer will reveal itself to me as I progress in this trade.

AWL: What is the toughest challenge you've faced as an entrepreneur?

MA: Assimilating to this new identity, “the entrepreneur.” There are thousands of books, articles, lectures, etc. on the subject. Many peers and mentors to look to and look up to. But the sheer amount of information can be alienating and paralyzing. Most of what I do involves a lot of feeling around in the dark and learning through making mistakes.

AWL: What's the product you're currently selling that you're most proud of and why?

MA: The Empress Ring. It’s a more refined version of one of the first rings I ever made. I messed up the original one so many times, but it was still vaguely wearable, and I was so excited about it that I wore it to sleep. A year later I decided, with all my fancy new skills and experience, that I should tackle that demon again. I somehow managed to make more mistakes the second time around. After all that work, I don’t think I’ve sold a single one. I gifted one to my mother and a few other very special women. I consider it a friendship ring of sorts, a physical symbol of a metaphysical alliance.

AWL: Can you share a piece of advice for fellow women who would like to start their own businesses one day?

MA: Don’t forget to make time for play. Remember why you started in the first place, and keep that fire burning.

If you know a female maker selling her work online, let us know! Just message us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #SheMadeIt — or leave a comment below—and we'll amplify your pick. By the end of the week, we hope to create a crowdsourced database of women worth giving your business to.