TAGazine | VOL. 12 (GBK's Pre-Oscars Event) March 2018 | Page 17

— F E AT U R ED A R T IS A N — What are your favorite design/product trends? I’m pretty clueless when it comes to what’s trendy but I definitely have some personal preferences for design. I love the minimalist aesthetic exhibited by Japanese art, and anything from the Arts and Crafts era usually manages to lure me in with the awesome craftsmanship. How did you approach building your brand? I rely heavily on word of mouth and my reputation. I don’t actually market much, but I’ve been in business for almost 20 years and have built up a loyal following. It’s nice to know that people appreciate and seek out handmade products and that customer service still matters. What’s been your most popular item or line to date? My most well-received line to date is my Zen necklace collection. It’s a simple and minimalist design that makes for a very wearable piece. I am not much for fussy or high-maintenance jewelry. My most popular piece is the necklace that was worn by Elena on “The Vampire Diaries.” What goals do you have in store for the future of your business? I’ve been thinking for a long time how I could combine a collection and a statement. I’m not a very articulate person but I am passionate, and 2017 finally pushed me over the edge of “I really want to have a voice”. So my next collection will be the first to showcase something I feel deeply about. The collection is the complementary juxtaposition of post apocalyptic style brutalism with unapologetic love. It’s my way of expressing pacifist resistance in our current political climate. TAGazine | 17