Usually when I tell people that I am a jewelry designer/maker, the first thing they ask me is, “Oh, what kind of jewelry do you make?” It sounds like such a natural and simple question, but to be honest, it is one that I used to dread because I never knew what to tell people. I would usually stumble through something like, “Umm, jewelry that sort of has an island vibe that can kind of be worn casually, but also kind of be worn with a fancy outfit and I guess you could even wear it to the beach with a beachy outfit although technically, you probably don’t really wear jewelry into the water if you are going swimming and I really like using pearls and gemstones and sometimes seashells and I try to make fancy designs that are different from what you see in stores, but at the same time, not too fancy because I also like my jewelry dainty, but not boring.” With an explanation like that, I was usually met with really puzzled looks, so I would quickly change the subject to avoid having to further stumble my way through an explanation that even I couldn’t understand myself. I’ve been in business for about nine years already and my style continues to evolve, but last year, I finally realized that I had developed my skills to a point where I can say that I do have a certain style that is distinct to myself.
To be honest, I think I embody the image of a stereotypical artist where I design based on instincts and feelings rather than coming up with a brand concept and creating pieces those parameters. One of the designs that my brand is most known for is the Skinny Pig Designs Signature Charm Bracelet. I love the way that all of the different colors and textures came together to create something whimsical and feminine and I really do feel like this bracelet is one of the pieces that I am most proud of. I also really treasure the back story of how I designed this bracelet and I always enjoy the way that customers can laugh together with me when I share with them that idea for this bracelet just spontaneously came to me while I was in the shower! I can still remember so clearly how the design just kept coming to me over and over again for weeks everytime I showered until I finally sat down and made it come to life.
The Skinny Pig Designs Bracelet became such a big hit for my brand that it eventually led to the development of an entire collection of jewelry that also includes several different styles of earrings and necklaces. They all consist of the same components of black freshwater pearls, pink coral, white seashells, pink crystals, and aqua glass beads that glow in the dark!
I grew up in Hawaii and even though I’m not a surfer girl or a beach bum, I do think that I live a unique life that has been shaped by these tropical islands. When I went away to college, I hated the way that I seemed like such a naive, small town girl and the people who grew up in big cities like New York always seemed so much more sophisticated and knowledgeable than me. Over the years though, I’ve come to develop a deep appreciation for my life here and I truly feel that Hawaii is a magical place full of amazing people and beautiful surroundings. There is definitely a reason why it is one of the top travel destinations and I’m always reminded just how lucky I am when I tell people from other parts of the world that I’m from Hawaii and they get so excited!
Hawaii is such a wonderful place and I’ve come to realize that the jewelry pieces that I love making the most are the ones that allow me to show off that island flair. I love making feminine, whimsical designs full of that same magical feeling that you get whenever you are here. When you see my jewelry, I want you to be able to smell the sweet scent of a plumeria lei, hear the roaring waves crashing on the shore, and feel the warm sand between your toes. Especially with my Signature Collection, I hope that you feel the same excitement that you might feel when you’re taking in all of the different sights and sounds of Waikiki and when you see the aqua glass beads glow in the dark, I hope it reminds you of the Honolulu city lights twinkling in the darkness at night. Hawaii is truly special and whether you live here, have visited, or wish to visit someday, I really hope that my jewelry allows you to feel a piece of that island magic everywhere you go.
