Today's featured independent designer is Therese Nguyen of Sand Jewelry, who is also an avid surfer and ocean lover. While she utilizes high quality materials in her work such as sterling silver, semi-precious gemstones and freshwater pearls, Therese is especially careful not to use coral, as the mining of coral damages the reefs which she loves so much.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. My overall approach to life is to keep things fun and interesting. My designs reflect that philosophy, giving Sand Jewelry a light happy feel. I love colors, and gemstones have the prettiest colors you can find in nature. I really enjoy working with semi-precious gemstones because you never get the same stone twice. Every gem has its own unique characteristics, like the women wearing the jewelry. When designing, I keep in the mind the women who will wear the jewelry and keep it simple yet unique. I want moms, sporty women, young girls and older women to feel their wardrobe has been refreshed when they wear my jewelry, that it almost doesn't matter what you are wearing because your outfit has been completed with a touch of sparkle.

How did you get started as a designer? It was kind of an accident. I decided not to surf one day and check out a swap meet I'd never been to. Just across the way was a jewelry trade show and I went in just to take a look. Once I entered the show, I discovered a whole new world. Everything was gorgeous and sparkling -- I wanted it all. I decided I'll invest $100 into my renewed hobby. I started to wear the items to work (spicing up the bland corporate casual dress code) and girls started asking if they were designer earrings. Next thing I knew, I sold my first necklace. Since then, it grew from a hobby to a business.

What inspires your work? Nature inspires much of my work. Just take a close look at an orchid, a coral reef, a patch of wild flowers and see how all the colors come together to create such a beautiful image. Everything compliments each other, especially colors you wouldn't think to match up. Within each individual organism, is another picture full of colorful details. When designing, I usually have a reference to something in nature, from color combination to structural design. It's all about the bigger picture.

Who are your favorite designers? For jewelry, David Yurman is really cool. He combines that classic vintage look with a modern twist. Clothing design is a whole different story: anything that fits right. I feel fit is more important than who makes it, especially since I'm shaped unlike most girls: petite (4'10") and naturally well endowed. If I could fit into anything, Gucci would be my first choice. I just love the clean lines. For now, the surf brands are giving me a good style for my budget, since many of their designs are inspired by the runway designers.

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? Skin care: Shiseido Elixir Series and Shiseido Sunblock SPF55, Queen Helen Mint Julip Mask, Eminance Eight Greens Phyto mask (gives a fresh glow). Make-up: Lots of mascara (always trying new brands), Nars Blush, Neutrogena Mineral Compact SPF 20. I always wear my jewelry with comfortable casual clothes. I'm very simple when it comes down to fashion. The jewelry is my outfit.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? Try different things, variety is important to keeping the ideas flowing. Don't give up, just be smart about how you spend your money. It's amazing how far I can make $20 go now! If you want to have a business, know it will take financial and personal sacrifices, especially if you still work a full time job like I do. Sleep will become secondary to everything if you really want to make it happen. Most importantly, follow your heart and know it's ok if you don't get it right the first time.

Where can people find your work? Online at www.shopsandjewelry.com. There are a few stores carrying my designs, also listed on the website. Hopefully, soon you will find it everywhere.

Anything else? Always believe in yourself and know true direction comes from within.

We love all of the amazing independent designers out there and we wanted to find out more about what makes these creative types tick. If you do too, check out more of our Indie Designer Interviews.