We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.

Today's interview is with Anna Sofia Poirier, creator of chic, handcrafted glazed paper jewelry. If you like Asian inspired prints and bold, funky jewelry that really makes a statement, her one of a kind creations will be right up your alley.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. I'm a jewelry designer - I make glazed paper earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. My jewelry is all about color, pattern and shape. It's for women who crave lots of color, pizazz, freshness and flair. All of my jewelry is one-of-a-kind. It keeps it interesting for me, and gives my customers the benefit of having their own unique creations. I do custom orders where people can select the desired color/pattern, shape and size of their jewelry.

How did you get started as a designer? I've been an artist in one form or another for a long time and I've always loved creating with my hands. I started making paper jewelry almost four years ago, got totally hooked (especially to the paper!), and continue to have a blast doing it. Getting a website was one of the best things I did. Every time I sold in person I got the same questions - "Do you have a website?" "When are you gonna get a website?" "Oh, I wish my friend in California could see your stuff... If only you had a website." So that was good motivation, and I dove in and did it. It's awesome to be able to reach people via the Internet.

What inspires your work? I'm very inspired by the papers that I use - the papers from Japan are SO gorgeous and I'm always in search of new designs. I love to see the transformation from a two-dimensional piece of paper to a stylish piece of jewelry. When you see vintage Kimono fabric (which a lot of the patterns in the papers are inspired by), you really see the similarities and the history. I'm inspired by music, rhythm, shape, sound, dance, fashion.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? If you have a passion for what you do, and you have discipline and self-motivation, I say go for it! It's a lot of work, but you can start slow and do one little thing at a time and build momentum and experience.

Who are your favorite designers? I adore Becky Oh's handbags . I love how she incorporates color and pattern and shape into her work. I love Hadley Hutton's paintings of birds and blossoms. Photographers Thea Coughlin and Alicia Bock are both uniquely awesome. Jennifer Maestre's pencil sculptures are amazing - they remind me of prickly, colorful sea creatures. And for non-indie - Missoni makes my heart go pit-a-pat.

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? Boot-cut Levi's. And drawstring velour pants in all colors. Scoop-neck tees, hair scarves, neck scarves. Alba Hawaiian lip gloss in pineapple and coconut, and Burt's Bees lip shimmer in different shades.

Where can people find your work? Online at Anna Sofia Designs - www.anna-sofia-designs.com
At Beech Tree Gallery in Hyannis, MA; Ouvrez La Porte in Brooklyn, NY; Ooma in San Francisco, CA; and biannually at the MassArt Spring Sale and Holiday Sale.