Broke-Ass Artist of the Week: Jewelry Designer, Rozalyn LeCompte Galyean

Brokeassstuart.com proudly presents the Broke-Ass Artists series where we give our readers an insight to the struggle of some up and coming talent in music and art.

Check out more of Rozalyn’s items at SecondlineJewels.com

Are you a broke-ass artist?

🙂 Well, technically, yes…but I am closer than I have ever been to being able to live off of my art.
I started this particular business- recycling Drum Cymbals into jewelry- about three years ago, and it is, by far,
my most appreciated and well received style yet.. I have sold more this year than I have sold in the last twenty combined!

If not, can you recall a time when you were broke and really wanted to pursue your passion? How did you make it happen?

I grew up the oldest of five girls. We were always pretty broke. We shared everything and lived a humble, yet very happy childhood. So, I think my past helped instill a certain thriftiness in me. I’ve always been pretty consistently living pay check to pay check… but, even as a young single mother, I always pursued some form of art, no matter what. My family has always helped me make that happen with their support and encouragement.
I worked during the day, and hung out with my little dude and explored many forms of visual arts,
at night, over the years. It has always been just part of what my daily life is.

How long have you been in the jewelry business?

I started making jewelry as a Freshmen in High School.. so, twenty something years now! I didn’t really care for the things I saw in the mall, so I started making my own pieces. It was an escape from the chaos of a big family.. like my own Zen time. I love gift giving, so soon, all my friends were adorned too, and it just kept growing and evolving from there. Self taught and constantly learning.

Was there seed money involved in starting your business from donors/investors, or was your entire line started from out of pocket?

No, all my own money- which is why I’m starting small and slow, but it’s perfect, because I still have much to learn about running a business. I feel like the flow of business will increase as I am able to handle more, and eventually hire a couple people to help fill orders as needed. I’d like to keep it as handcrafted as possible, because I think that’s a huge part of what folks appreciate about it. Recycling is a huge joy to be involved in, as well as donating a percentage of Signature Line sales to charities.. I think because it’s a full circle process, I can’t not be successful! No matter what your financial situation is, if you can put the Law of Attraction into play in a positive way in your life, anything is possible. You don’t always need money to make money.. there are other tools like creativity, persistence, and faith in your dreams.

What are some of the challenges that you face as an entrepreneur?

It’s such a huge responsibility to be solely in charge of your income! To walk into a place and clock in and collect a check takes way less energy and brain power than constantly hustling for business. There are no set hours… it’s 24/7 in your mind. So, for me to find a balance between all that, and being the best mother I can be to my three kids, and staying healthy and happy.. that’s the biggest challenge. I am non-stop. But, hey, at least I’m not bored!

Do you have a “day job” and if so what?

I have been a Massage Therapist for about thirteen years now. I love helping people, but my body is really worn out from the work. I am really hoping to be able to officially quit my day job this year because of my art. FINALLY!!!!!!!!

If you’d like to be featured in our Broke-Ass Artist of the Week series, please contact Freddie Cosmo at nyc@brokeassstuart.com.