💍FMS 2: For Ethany

Adam Cadette’s jewelry in the West Indies

Ten years ago, through a friend and the magic of social media, I befriended Adam Cadette. Adam is from St. Lucia. It has been fascinating to see the differences in lifestyle between the U.S. and the Caribbean. I have watched his family grow and suffer seemingly insurmountable losses. I have also watched his life and business blossom.

Adam started Ethany’s Creative Designs in April 2016 as a side business to help ends meet. He creates handmade and personalized jewelry. The inspiration behind his business and its name was his daughter Ethany. She was born with Down Syndrome and a hole in her heart. Ethany spent a large portion of the beginning of her life in the hospital. But she kept smiling and never dimmed her light. Sadly, Ethany passed away in October of 2016. She was five years old.

Even though he was grieving the loss of his daughter, Adam wanted to continue his jewelry business. He wanted to use it to ensure he could pay proper homage to “Ethany’s endurance and strength, despite the many challenges that she faced”. He made his first pieces from knotted and braided paracord. Paracord is strong and durable. He says he chose it as his first symbol of Ethany’s strength. 

Adam started selling at the weekend markets in Castries. He walked up and down the roadside, jewelry in his hands. “I was out there, every Saturday, in the blazing hot sun,” he said. It was worth it. He found acceptance and the small successes at the markets that inspired him to continue.

Six years later, he has his own kiosk at the mall and he has expanded from his original paracord braided bracelets to wire wrapping raw gemstones and personalized laser engraving. Adam has no plan to stop creating new things.

Adam makes doing new things a way of life. He stepped out of his comfort zone, and put a face to his name in St Lucia by becoming a model. He didn’t do it for long but he enjoyed it, plus it gave him and opportunity to make connections he normally never would have.

Adam found it hard to be a full-time employee. He was in and out of work, seeking an employer that valued him, but he never stopped selling his handmade jewelry. He told me that in his last job he gave his all to the company. After six months of employment, he was crushed to learn that despite his work ethic and efforts, his contract would not be renewed.

When many would have given up, Adam found new motivation in his losses. He laminated the termination papers as a reminder to keep his promise to himself to never work for someone else again.

I asked him what the most interesting part of his work is. He said, “I have customers from all walks of life. But, they all find the same special and sentimental value in something that is personalized and handmade.” He says that the happiness on his customers’ faces when they receive something they envisioned brought to life is the validation and motivation he needs.

Adam knows the work he is putting in and the quality product he is providing is important. It is what has driven his growth. He also knows it is important to elevate Ethany’s Creative Designs to keep his promise to himself and to Ethany. “If I stop now, what do I do next,” he said. “Where does that leave me? This keeps a part of my daughter alive. She is my inspiration. That is what keeps me going and gives me the strength to carry on.”

I asked Adam if there was something that people automatically assume about owning a small business like Ethany’s Creative Designs. He said, “People only see your success and what is on the surface. They assume you are making all this money because you have traffic in your shop, orders to fill, and customers. But what they do not see are all the struggles and failures that it took to get me to where I am today. It is not always as it appears.” He told me that it has not been easy but he has to continue to see and believe in his vision even when it feels like no one else does. 

The journey has been full of ups and downs but what has not changed for him are the places he sees himself going. “When I want something, I think about it, day and night, finding ways to make it happen. Quite actually manifesting things into existence.”

You can find Ethany’s Creative Designs on Facebook and Instagram.

Adam’s song choice

Allez means “go” in English. Adam is going, and it doesn’t seem like he will stop any time soon. Go. Do, inspire, create, and discover.

Follow your curiosity

Adam’s daughter Ethany received care from Child Development & Guidance Centre. CDGC is volunteer therapists and physicians that contribute thousands of hours, to ensure that children in St. Lucia have screenings, assessments, and support they need. They can always use more volunteers and support to help the kids.

Tammy Powley’s First Time Jewelry Making: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide is a great resource offering detailed descriptions of materials and easy step-by-step instructions for making earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more.

Skillshare is loaded with jewelry-making classes and you can try it for a month free.

Imagine having the drive to make your child’s legacy into art. The best inspiration fills your tank and fuels your drive to get to your goals. Never stop chasing your dreams.

Chase slowly (so you don’t miss anything)
Skyler