[HOH Spotlight]: Lyda82

Meet Lyda.

[and Amélie]

I've known Lyda for many, many years. [Many].

And as long as I've known her, she's had this incredibly unique personal style - one to envy for sure.

So how lucky are we that Ms. Lyda has launched her own line of super-cool, incredibly affordable handmade accessories?! With a striking marriage of old-school-feminine and goth aesthetic, her necklaces, rings, earrings, and even hair accessories lend just the right amount of unexpected BAD-ASS-ness to any outfit.

Gives me hope that I can be almost as cool as she is... almost.

By way of background, we asked her a few questions:

[HOH]: How long have you been designing?

[Lyda82]: Since 2010

[HOH]:How long does it take you to create each piece?

[Lyda82]: It all depends what piece I am making. It could take a few days, or a few minutes. Thinking about what I am going to design is the hard part, making it is easy.

[HOH]: What designers inspire you?

[Lyda82]: I draw inspiration from Tarina Tarantino and Betsey Johnson.

[HOH]:How's business in the online retail world these days?

[Lyda82]: Business in the online world is fun, but you have to work hard to get your product out there. It has its pros and cons. Pros like free marketing on social networks, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr..etc. Also other community sites like Etsy that helps my store get a little exposure and to support handmade. The Cons are not enough exposure, and hard for people to see the quality of the work. They have to trust images, word of mouth and fan reviews. I am looking to expand and start selling in boutiques.

[HOH]: Could Amélie get any cuter?!

[Lyda82]: Amélie, no she couldn't get any cuter but she does somehow!! I have even started a little doggy collection called 'Vanity Pup,' which was inspired by her. It's a small little collection of

dog charms, but eventually it will grow. She even has her own fan page on facebook, http://www.facebook.com/AdventuresofAmelie . Everyone should check her out, she's a trip.

Here are a few of my personal favorites from Lyda82's fabulous collections:

And, as if her creations weren't swoon worthy enough on their own, Lyda82 is featuring a 10% discount on all purchases until June 1!! Just use the code [Spring].

LYDA82 is based in New York City.

Find her on the web at: www.LYDA82.com, become a fan on facebook, and follow her on twitter!