Designer Jewellery for the “Everyday Woman”
July 27th, 2009 1 Comment
Niki Green wrote,”Women always tell me when they wear my jewellery, it makes them feel happy. I think it is because I am happiest when I am designing and creating jewellery. I feel at peace, content and excited about what I am doing all at the same time. I often can’t wait to see if the actual finished product matches the vision that I have pictured in my head.
When I first started making jewellery it was 10 years ago. I was teaching elementary school full time in Toronto and raising two small children. The days were long, noisy, and very busy. I found that I needed an outlet at the end of the day so I could just “chill out” quietly while doing something that was creative and peaceful. I began to make jewellery, which quickly became my therapy and solace.
Since I dressed very simply, I was always looking for a little something that would amp up both my work and casual clothes. I wanted my jewellery to be fun and comfortable to wear, and somewhat casual. My goal was to dress up a simple white t-shirt and jeans with a great necklace or a bunch of interesting bracelets. The clothes became a backdrop, or a blank canvas, and the jewellery became the focal point of the canvas.Within days of wearing my creations to work, all the teachers and many of the moms at school wanted to order some pieces for themselves. I quickly realized that I had just unwittingly started a small business, and began to design jewellery for what I like to refer to as the “everyday woman”.
Women that want to throw on something interesting and unique while they run errands, pick up their kids from school, go to work, or meet their friends for dinner. Pieces that they could wear out to a casual dinner in the evening, or to their book club meeting or a “girls’ night out”.
Within a few years, I was making jewellery full time out of my house, which was wonderful because I was able to spend more time with my children and I loved what I was doing. My work never felt like work, which is a gift itself.
I have recently moved to Victoria and I am in awe of the sheer physical beauty of this city. I love how friendly the people are, and the pace and casual vibe suits my personality. I love being close to the ocean and the mountains, and especially all the wildlife that I encounter on a daily basis. I am truly filled with peace here. I look forward to designing and creating jewellery for the “everyday woman” in Victoria, and all who are fortunate enough to visit and experience this paradise that I now call home.”
You can see Niki’s superb work at http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/catalog/niki-green-m-80414.html
