Motherly Feedback.....Women who Inspire me

Wow..when I look back at some of the first pieces of jewelry I made...I literally cringe.  YIKES......but I guess you have to start somewhere....and I was fortunate enough to have super supportive women in my life who...actually wore it!  Without them and their feedback, both constructive and negative, I would never have grown and challenged myself both technically and aesthetically.
My mom, Margaret, was my first guinea pig.  I gave her all sorts of crazy stuff that I was playing around with and she wore it.....and...... loved it. Go figure.   But more importantly, she got what I was trying to do and would sit with me for hours working on designs and looking at gemstones.....discussing components and techniques...until I was literally over it!  That's my mom....... and I love her for every question she has asked and criticism she has given.  She is my rock!
Because of my mom, I began to really think about my designs and who I was designing for.
But when I met my husbands mother, Jean Davis, ...... she loves jewelry as much as we all do........... I had another fan/critic in my family.  Both Jean and my mom were quick to point out that I needed to think more about the different women who were wearing my stuff.  When you're in your 30's, you're not really thinking of droopy earlobes, face shapes and all that stuff.........but they made me stop and consider it.  Thank god they did!  A lot of my current designs came straight from their ideas and it put a fire under my butt to diversify my looks.  I really do strive to create pieces that work for all women and tried to explore that in my current collections.  I hope I did okay!
I think that at the end of the day....I am so lucky to have these 2 amazing "mothers" in my life.  They have really been there for me on so many different levels.  They have given me amazing insight and helped me to grow creatively.  Much love ladies....and thank you!

My Mommacita & baby boy Jalen

Margaret & John (my step-dad)

 

Jean (sans hat) with Mary and Captain Jackson

Jean

Women Who Inspire Me - Part 1

If you had asked me when I was 10 what I wanted to be when I grew up.....well..that was easy..a Marine Biologist...without a doubt.  Then life started happening....and through travel, life  experience, and supportive relationships...I found my calling....TAH-DAH...jewelry design!!
I really do have sort of a nerdy brain and I love solving problems..but I also love creating.  So when I started making jewelry... it all  made sense. I had all of these components incorporated into one profession and everything finally came together......

It was my grandmother, Mom Eileen - Leeny, who really introduced me to the imagination and fun of accessorizing.  Her cabinet of jewelry was limitless....and my play space.  I would put on her snake arm bands and bold rings...... and in my mind become the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. I would entertain myself for hours in her closet......and of course she ways always there...encouraging me to keep playing and dreaming.  

When I was 15 years old I lost my grandmother and  I was given...... and left with pieces of her jewelry collection to remember her by.  Old Navaho Indian bracelets and rings with unreal details that to this day...still blow my mind.  

So...while I have found my calling later in life.............I really feel that I owe it to this woman......my grandmother.....the true starting of my career and passion!

Leeny & Crazy Me

Leeny & My Dad

Out of Leeny's Closet!

By the way...........this is by far.......the most emotional post I have ever shared.  I am feeling it.......for sure.  So parts 2.3.4 etc.  of women in my life are coming.....believe me ...with alot of thought ..............xox