Success for local woman comes from her love of work

by Liz Shirey
THE POST

One creative, ambitious woman, passionate about her art – one studio nestled in the basement of her Athens home, filled with sterling silver and gemstones. This is Colette's Designs.

In 1989, Colette Harrington came to Athens with a bachelor's degree from the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Fla., and a master's degree in gemology from the University of Florida under her belt. For almost 10 years, she worked at the Dairy Barn as a geologist.

"I worked with other artists doing grant writing and publicity," Harrington said. "But what I really wanted to do had less to do with that sort of work and more to do with the creation of beautiful art."

Two years ago, Harrington went after her dream and created Colette's Designs, a silversmith business specializing in sterling silver jewelry set with gemstones. Most of her work consists of earrings, pendants and bracelets.

Harrington is not just a working woman and an entrepreneur. She said her first priority is her two children.

"I'll only work in the studio when my kids are at school," she said. "That's only about 50 percent of my time, which isn't that much; as soon as more time becomes available, I plan on making full use of it."

While her market is currently only in Athens, Harrington said she foresees plans of expansion in other parts of Ohio. The thrill and enjoyment she receives from the hands-on work of designing and making the jewelry is the reason Harrington will keep Colette's Designs strictly a one-woman show.

Debra McBride, director of the Small Business Development Center at Ohio University, said she doesn't wear a great deal of jewelry, but she owns four pairs of Harrington's earrings.

"I will wear only silver earrings, and the quality and simplicity of Colette's designs keeps me coming back for more," McBride said. "The pricing is incredibly reasonable for what you get."

As a supporter of small businesses, McBride also applauds Harrington's business sense.

"Going into business alone certainly is a good way for a crafter to do what she loves to do and to get a little extra money doing it," McBride said.

Harrington's pieces can be found at arts and crafts fairs and the Dairy Barn Gallery Shop. Jewelry lovers will also see them firsthand at The Convo during Mom's Weekend and at the Women in Business Art Expo.

Gallery Shop manager and Dairy Barn volunteer coordinator Rachel Bingar said she gave her approval this summer for Harrington to bring her pieces to the shop.

"Colette has designed very wearable jewelry. All different types and sizes of people can wear her designs; they are very versatile," Bingar said. "Her design lines are very graceful, and because her pieces are so affordable and classic, she does well."

Bingar said Harrington has been selling enough of her jewelry that the Dairy Barn has gone from taking the pieces on commission to buying them wholesale.

Wishing to share her experiences with other women, Harrington often attends the Women in Networking luncheons, organized monthly by a volunteer group of businesswomen.

With a lifetime of experience as her guide, she advises young female entrepreneurs to go after what they want, as long as it is something they enjoy doing.

"So many people end up with jobs making a lot of money, but if they don't enjoy what they are doing, they will not feel fulfilled," Harrington said. "My business is small, and although I'm not making tons of money, I am happy with my success. Because I love what I'm doing, I know that this has become a life endeavor for me."