March 2011: 
Dada's Candy interview with Lindsay

1.What is your favorite color and how does that color make you feel?

Brown, I love the way it looks with my eyes.

2.What is your favorite season and why?

Fall, I love the crisp cool air and the leaves falling.

3. Which personal values are important to you?

Family, Independence, Honesty and in my business it is Customer Service!

4. How do you feel that women can be more empowered?

By being independent and having self-respect.

5. Why did you choose this particular Dada's Candy?

It reminds me of nature.

6. How do you feel when you wear it? Safe.

7. What is your advice to other wonderful women who are looking to further empower themselves?

Be true to yourself and never let anyone tell you that it can't be done!


Lindsay Aronstein
Business owner
Rebecca and Drew of Texas

February 2011: 
Dada's Candy interview with Maria

1. What is your favorite color and how does that color make you feel?

I don't have one specific favorite color. I like bright colors in general.

2. What is your favorite season and why?

I like summer, because I like the sun. I  love to see the sun everyday.

3. Which personal values are important to you? 

I value honesty and courage.

4. How do you feel that women can be more empowered? 

I think that education is the key to empowering women. In the US, there are a lot of educated women and empowering is not a big issue. In developing countries, however, it is more of an issue because of the lack of education. 

5. Why did you choose this particular Dada's Candy?

I like the way it is made: never before have I seen a piece of jewelry with this look.

6. How do you feel when you wear it? 

I don't feel different. It's pretty and I get a lot of compliments.

7. What is your advice to other wonderful women who are looking to further empower themselves?

To value themselves as women, to love themselves in
order to give love to those around them. 

Maria Eugenia Sanchez

January 2011: 
Dada's Candy interview with Julie

1.What is your favorite color and how does that color make you feel?

My favorite color is black. I love the richness and depth of the color; that I can wear it so many ways and with so many things... even by itself. 

2.What is your favorite season and why?

Summer. I like to be warm, to take walks, bike rides or just lounge in the sunshine. It's a happy season with all the beautiful floral colors outdoors. It's easy to be mindful of things I am grateful for. 

3. Which personal values are important to you?

Overall, I value a lifestyle and mindset which enables us to show up as having an awesome relationship with God through His son, Jesus Christ. Kind Integrity (being gracious in word and deed while seeking and speaking truth). Pursuing a positive outlook through all things. Asking for help or assistance from those who are able to provide this in a healthy way. Helping others when able and appropriate. Self-respect leads to personal discipline and enables us to walk away from unhealthy habits and people. 

4. How do you feel that women can be more empowered?

When women mentor girls and young women with life skills, we all benefit. Teaching girls how to think like women who are emotionally strong enough to participate in creating a life plan for themselves that includes developing healthy relationships with others, we give them a tremendous gift. As a result, girls can enter adulthood thinking, rather than feeling their way through the maze of life. They will be better equipped to develop and seek healthy relationships in work and play. As they create space for their own personal and professional development - and allow that same space for others, they will attract opportunities and people that will make life a great adventure. 

5. Why did you choose this particular Dada's Candy?

I love to wear a different ring each day. My two favorite Dada's Candy rings are a multi-colored one and a peridot/white ring.

6. How do you feel when you wear it?

They make me smile each time I wear them. 

7. What is your advice to other wonderful women who are looking to further empower themselves?

Learn to live by participating in the direction of your own life. I believe life is an adventure. It's not always the adventure you'll want, but it is still an adventure. The events we experience are sometimes ones we've created and this can be a wonderful thing! Or not so much of a wonderful thing. As to the experiences which do not bring a smile, make them an opportunity to learn the skills needed to create better experiences. Each smile you give creates a smile in those around you. The events which bring smiles help us move forward, reduce unnecessary struggles, be kinder to ourselves, attract healthy people into our lives, and give us the confidence we need to repeat the cycle. Participate in your life so you are better equipped to learn what you need to do in order to make it the adventure you want to live. And, along the way, show up FABULOUS!   

Julie Bartlett
Fashion Consultant

December 2010: 
Dada's Candy interview with Melissa

1.What is your favorite color and how does that color make you feel?

Blue. Elegant.

2.What is your favorite season and why?

Fall, the weather is cooler and the holidays are always fun!

3. Which personal values are important to you?

Honesty and a positive outlook. If you maintain both of these you can't go wrong.

4. How do you feel that women can be more empowered?

Education and self-esteem. If one believes in their self-worth, they can achieve anything.

5. Why did you choose this particular Dada's Candy?

It has a great story behind it and I love the way it looks on me.

6. How do you feel when you wear it?

I feel unique and beautiful.

7. What is your advice to other wonderful women who are looking to further empower themselves?

Believe in yourself and take chances because you never know what amazing things may happen!


Melissa Farr

July 2010: 
Dada's Candy interview with Alyssa

1. What is your favorite color and how does that color make you feel?

My favorite colors are bright colors. They make me feel vibrant, energetic and radiant.

2.What is your favorite season and why?  

Fall is my favorite season for various reasons. During the fall season, the weather is just right. It is not too cold or too hot. In addition, I like the color change of the leaves during this time. I am a fall baby so this is what makes the season even more favorable.

3. Which personal values are important to you?

Ambition, camaraderie, honesty, hard work, happiness, loyalty, passion, and respect are some significant values in my life.

4. How do you feel that women can be more empowered?

Best way is to motivate them to value themselves. Once women reach this point, they increase their self-worth, self-confidence, self-respect, and self-esteem. These aspects are important to women empowerment. Women need to feel that they are powerful, strong, and admirable. Additionally, women need to feel that they have a voice. When women establish a sense of self-confidence, they feel empowered to conquer anything and nothing seems impossible.

5. What attracted you to is this particular piece of Dada's Candy?

I love Dada’s Candy because of its uniqueness, rarity, and distinctness. I have never seen any jewelry that closely resembles this style. I love how Dada’s Candy is hand crafted, and I always think of Dada’s Candy as being made with love.

6. How do you feel when you wear it?

When I wear Dada’s Candy, I feel elegant and distinguished because very few people have this jewelry line. I like to think that I am attracting others and setting a new trend for jewelry fashion.

7. What is your advice to other women who are looking to further empower themselves?

June 2010: 
Dada's Candy interview with Heidi

1. What is your favorite color and how does that color make you feel? 

I almost always wear black, but my favorite color is blue. Blue has a tranquilizing effect on me because it always reminds me of being on the ocean.

2.What is your favorite season and why?  

My favorite season is summer because we spend most of it in Malibu.

3. Which personal values are important to you?

It is important for me to have enough time to spend with my family.

4. How do you feel that women can be more empowered?

Nobody is going to do it for you.  Empowerment comes from within.

5. What attracted you to is this particular piece of Dada's Candy?

It is a very happy and playful piece.  

6. How do you feel when you wear it?

I feel a little younger.

7. What is your advice to other women who are looking to further empower themselves?  

May 2010: 
Dada's Candy interview with Davorka

My favorite colors are earthy colors. I prefer brown and color of sand, but I also like orange because orange makes me feel alive and brings some kind of joy to me.

2.What is your favorite season and why?

My favorite season is spring because of the nature. Everything and everyone is waking up: green grass, beautiful flowers all around us, and the weather is warm. After the cold winter, we come out in the spring. I spend a lot of time outside with my children, playing, walking, rollerskating or riding bikes, enjoying the weather and nature. I also like plants and I usually do planting in the spring. My balcony looks great after that.

3. Which personal values are important to you?

Self-confidence, honesty, courage, empathy, kindness, care for family.

4. How do you feel that women can be more empowered?

I think that women have to educate themselves in the first place so that they can be financially independent and therefore secure. Women must know how valuable they are for their family and also at work. Women also must try to find balance between so many obligations at work, in their family life and try to keep their life in their own hands, so that they can be happy and enjoy life as much as possible.

5. Why did you choose this particular Dada's Candy?

I chose several pieces of Dada's Candy because I find them all very nice and special. The moment I saw this particular piece, I wanted to have it because it is really unique, it looks good on me, and it goes very well with lots of my clothes.

6. How do you feel when you wear it?

I feel great, I feel calm and happy.

7. What is your advice to other wonderful women who are looking to further empower themselves?

Enjoy every good moment in life, enjoy when you watch your children playing, enjoy every good book that you read, don't think about bad things all the time. If you can, change everything that makes you unhappy, step by step, because life is to short to be miserable. I really admire women like Dada who had a very bad period of life and after that became stronger, and found something to make them happy and fulfilled.

Davorka Malenica
Mom of three boys, Bank Risk Manager, active RODA member (non-profit advocating for better childhood)

March 2010: 
Dada's Candy interview with Margaret

1. What is your favorite color and how does that color make you feel?

I love color, its impossible to name one as a strong favorite.  I’m drawn to one color one day and another the next.  But, I do favor certain combinations of colors, especially earthy greens, golds, and copper browns or aquatic greens and blues. Those combinations elicit feelings of warmth, serenity, comfort and strength. I suppose it’s not coincidental that I look best in these colors, too.  

2.What is your favorite season and why?

My favorite season is autumn.  Since we don’t have a strong autumn in Dallas, TX, I usually try to take a trip during late September or October to a cooler area with lots of trees where I can immerse myself in extreme autumn colors in leaves, foliage and flowers. I lived in Pennsylvania for many years and never truly appreciated the natural beauty of the area-- especially in fall, until I moved to Dallas. Even more than spring, for me, fall represents new beginnings. September is the start of the new school year and the month of my birthday.

3. Which personal values are important to you?

Integrity, Growth, Beauty, Peace, Humor, Balance, and Courage

4. How do you feel that women can be more empowered?

Financial independence is hugely empowering. Education is the key to financial independence and power.  

5. Why did you choose this particular Dada's Candy?

I make jewelry myself, and I am always interested in seeing other jewelry artists’ designs. I so admired Dada’s work that I bought 2 pieces. I love the beautiful Croatian netting work in which she specializes, and was particularly drawn to the colors of this piece and the flattering shape of the design. At first, the necklace appears to be consistently gold in color, but it actually is made up of a subtle blend of several shades of gold, bronze and amber. Another unexpected feature is the varying sizes and shapes of the crystal beads. The way Dada has blended the colors and the bead sizes, and the overall design make this a standout necklace. I wear it proudly. I only wish I could say that I made it! 

6. How do you feel when you wear it?

I feel artsy, elegant, and powerful when I wear this piece.  

7. What is your advice to other wonderful women who are looking to further empower themselves?

First, staying focused on her own personal values and finding a personal style that resonates with those values is a fundamental key of self-empowerment for a woman.  

Second, for women at any stage of life, continuing education at any level, in any area of interest stimulates growth, energy and confidence. I recommend learning a new skill or developing a talent for a natural boost in power and satisfaction.

Margaret Culgan
Peacemaker, Artisanne

February 2010: 
Dada's Candy interview with Tomica

1.What is your favorite color and how does that color make you feel?

It varied throughout my life. As a child, I preferred deep blue, as a student I was fascinated by dark purple and now I enjoy wearing gentle colors such as bright violet, icy blue and grassy green. They make me feel tranquil and refreshed.

2.What is your favorite season and why?

Definitely summer. I grew up in Dalmatia, a part of Croatia that lies on the Adriatic coast. Sun and sea are ‘in my bones.’

3. Which personal values are important to you?

Curiosity, creativity, courage and compassion. These 4 C’s fuel my life with meaning and purpose.

4. How do you feel that women can be more empowered?

Most women feel fulfilled by giving to others and find it difficult to give care and gentleness to themselves. They often neglect their needs because of a habit to serve others. I think women can be more empowered by realizing that self-love has to be their everyday priority. Being No. 1 to oneself is not narcissistic. It’s a necessity. If we don’t take proper care of ourselves, we will have no capacity to take care of others.

5. Why did you choose this particular Dada's Candy?

It’s a very sophisticated piece. It looks like the finest lace… It adds warmth to my look. I love wearing it. Thank you, Dada.

6. How do you feel when you wear it?

December 2009: 
Dada's Candy interview with Kim

1.What is your favorite color and how does that color make you feel?

It has changed over the years. I think it is red now. It seems exciting, energetic, and bold. It is kind of where I am these days in my life. Red makes me feel bold.

2.What is your favorite season and why?

Winter, because I like warm comfortable clothes. I love warmth and homey environments, and heat always feels like it brings good energy on the inside.

3. Which personal values are important to you?

Treating people you like want to be treated. Doing unto others as you want done upon you. It is from the Scripture, Matthew 7:12. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”.

4. How do you feel that women can be more empowered?

Wake up and realize their power within. Stop living through emotions. Start living through reality.

5. Why did you choose this particular Dada's Candy?

It is fun, it is chunky, it is unique. Its uniqueness attracted me to it.

6. How do you feel when you wear it?

I feel unique and different. There is so much here in Dallas that is standard. Dallas is a very trendy place, and when I get a chance to step out of the trend, it makes me happy.

7. What is your advice to other wonderful women who are looking to further empower themselves?

Dream and work. Dream, have hope, believe and WORK. Work your 100 percent. When you do your 100 percent, God steps in. I believe in it!

Kim Edwards
Business Owner

November 2009: 
Dada's Candy interview with Aryn Michelle

1. What is your favorite color and how does that color make you feel?

I have lots of favorite colors! I think I go through different color phases in my life. There was awhile back when all I want to wear was purple, or I only wanted to write with purple ink. I've gone through similar phases with dark red and cerulean blue and muted gold. Right now I'm really feeling green! I think certain colors at certain times can give me an inspired feeling. 

2. What is your favorite season and why?

My favorite season is probably summer. Its hot, I know, but I love long, lazy, sunny days and flip flops, and "get togethers" with friends and family, and grilling out and just the general sense of joy and peacefulness that you find that time of year. Summer to me is about spontaneity, possibility and exploration and I love all those feelings. 

3. Which personal values are important to you?

To love others and cherish their worth. To being committed to start what I finish. To work hard and to the best of my abilities. To not give up on my dreams even if achieving them seems difficult or impractical. 

4. How do you feel that women can be more empowered?

I think women can be empowered by identifying their own personal gifts and then using those talents to better themselves, their family and community. There isn't one set career path that is the best; I think its all about flourishing with what you've been given and working hard to do something that makes a difference in your life and in the lives of those you love.  

5. Why did you choose this particular Dada's Candy?

I love this particular piece because it is both bold and delicate. It’s vibrant, intricate, and interesting! I love telling people that it is hand made with love. 

6. How do you feel when you wear it?

Wonderful! I feel fabulous, beautiful, unique and strong. 

7. What is your advice to other wonderful women who are looking to further empower themselves?

Discover what you love doing and then work hard at it, celebrate it and share it with others! Being an independent musician is difficult, but I couldn't picture myself doing anything else. I believe the pursuit of your passion is worth all the hard work, struggles and toil it takes to make it happen. Also, I think reaching out for help can also be very empowering. Everyone is not good at everything. Find the people who can help you pursue your passions and work collaboratively with them. 

8. Which one of your songs reminds you the most of our piece of Dada's Candy and why?

My piece of "candy" always reminds me of Dada's story and what a strong, creative and inspiring women she is. The first song of mine that comes to mind is "City Life," because the chorus of this song says, "City life you get what you make it, can't wait for little lucky breaks. Every day so ripe for the taking, no good could come from your complaining, so don't you say its just one of those days." I think that chorus really aligns with Dada's message of empowerment. We've got to face each day anew with a positive spirit and a will to work hard and not make excuses. I think that message is so important to having a fulfilling life.

October 2009: 
Dada's Candy interview with Norma

1. What is your favorite color and how does that color make you feel?

Red because people tell me it looks good on me, so I feel self-confident.

2. What is your favorite season and why?

Spring because it's a time of new beginnings and renewal.

3. Which personal values are important to you?

Being dependable, being organized, and doing my part in all endeavors.

4. How do you feel that women can be more empowered?

By keeping up with skills once learned, by learning new skills, and keeping informed on world issues.

5. Why did you choose this particular Dada's Candy?

This piece of jewelry is not my favorite color, but somehow the muted blend of the gray-green and amber colors appealed to me.

6. How do you feel when you wear it?

I feel proud that I can own something made by a woman who lost her husband and then decided to go back to school to increase her artistic skills, and now owns her own business! Hooray for Dada!

7. What is your advice to other wonderful women who are looking to further empower themselves?

Take a lesson from Dada! If you have a dream, go for it!

Norma Matthews
Peacemaker, mother, grandmother and a teacher

September 2009: 
Dada's Candy interview with Ayako

1. What is your favorite color and how does that color make you feel?

Green. Nurturing.

2. What is your favorite season and why?

Summer. Warmth (and heat?)

3. Which personal values are important to you?

Harmony. Within and around.

4. How do you feel that women can be more empowered?

By realizing that everyone has power to choose one's own perspective.

5. Why did you choose this particular Dada's Candy?

I found out about Dada's Candy through a wonderful lady Tajana. :)

6. How do you feel when you wear it?

Connected and supported.

7. What is your advice to other wonderful women who are looking to further empower themselves?

Know exactly what your true self wishes and know that's what you will experience. Allow the flow of life to unfold itself and enjoy the journey!!

Ayako Ikeno

August 2009: 
Dada's Candy interview with MarJean

1. What is your favorite color and how does that color make you feel?

My favorite color is Orchid.  I especially like this in combination with Indigo.  Orchid makes me feel cool, peaceful  and comfortable.  It reminds me of one of the layers of the sky during a sunset over the ocean.  It also brings to mind the frilly layers of an Iris and many other garden flowers.  One of my first childhood bedrooms that I actually got to decorate was orchid.  Apparently my taste in color has not evolved.

2. What is your favorite season, and why? 

I especially love Spring in the Deep South.  In late March and early April, the Dogwoods and Azaleas are abundant along with Redbuds, Forsythia and Pom Pom Trees.  Iris are everywhere stretching their little faces toward the sunlight.  What's not to love about that?

3. Which personal values are important to you? 

Integrity, kindness and compassion are personal values that I consider to be very important in my life.  Without them, I would feel lost in a sea of chaos.

4. How do you feel that women can be more empowered? 

Women are empowered thru their sense of community.  We have a better understanding of how people interact and maintain relationships.  It is important to us to maintain a sense of order in our world,  thereby creating better management of our time.   This allows us to work and play over and above juggling our family and household commitments.  Women are amazing managers.  

5. Why did you choose this particular Dada's Candy? 

I love everything about the MarJean.  (Especially the fact that it's named after me.  ;-))  The color is firey, yet delicate.  I particularly like the scale of the silver orb encrusted with round coral stones.  I had this piece made shorter than most would wear;  however, I think it would be gorgeous at any length that it was woven. 

6. How do you feel when you wear it? 

I feel sassy and powerful.  Who's going to mess with a gal that can wear such a fabulous piece around her neck.  It's sort of a lead into a room and quite the conversation starter.

7. What is your advice to other wonderful women who are looking to further empower themselves? 

Treat your life with zest.  It's the only one you're given and tomorrow is not guaranteed.  Live, laugh and love to the fullest.  Treat your fellow man with kindness and you will be gifted tenfold.  And hopefully..........some of those gifts will include a piece of "candy".

MarJean Cook
Designer and Business Owner