Photo Credit: Errol John Photography
Did you always know that you wanted to do this? How did you get into this field?
I believe the universe chooses us. We are all born with special abilities and functions that we need to fulfill in life. I am a certified Early Childhood Educator and a trained office administrator, but I have always been artistic and creative. If you met any of my school mates they would describe me as “weird” or “different”, but I guess they didn’t understand that to mean “unique”. About three years ago a started a degree in Creative Arts online, I finished the online modules but I needed to be there physically for the rest of the program, so I put the program on hold until my kids are older and I can travel for an extended period. After I did this I stumbled onto a local fashion design course hosted by Vincentian designer Alex Grant. She gets the credit for reawakening my creative awareness and helping me to realize my true potential. So I guess I didn’t choose this field, it chose me and I am totally prepared to accept my calling and go where it leads me.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by people, I tend to feed off the energy of my family and friends. I am very free spirited so I’m inspired by freedom; of mind, and of movement. I am also inspired by culture, shapes and music. I love rock music, strange I know, but I love bands like Led Zeppelin, I’m also a big fan of Buju Banton. My kids also inspire me, they are artists as well.
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my style as very gypsy, rock & roll, bohemian. I love colour. I guess I wear my personality, I wear who I am on my sleeve so perhaps I say that my style is soft but hard and edgy at the same time. Imagine the street style of homeless person living out of a suitcase, I am very eclectic in my taste. I tend to switch up my hair a lot, I have even had blue hair. I wear my friends stuff all the time so my wardrobe has a lot of items from Fashion is Payne and Ikesha Art.
What is a typical day like for you?
No day is typical, I have an unconventional household and I have teenagers. I usually wake up early and although I have a studio room I prefer to work from my breakfast nook . I listen to music and work on wirebending or string art and I tinker around until I create something I like, people don’t even get to see half of the things I make, I don’t share everything. I don’t really have a set routine, I do sketches or create when I’m inspired. I am what you would call an introverted extrovert. I’m very much inside my own head especially when I get creative, I need that space to recharge and create but it’s also important for me to be around my friends and family because I feed of their energy.
What has been the most amazing moment for Ailocious so far?
Partnering up with other persons who are just like me, I have a close relationship with Ikesha and Jeremy, we work together and each of our work is featured in the other's photoshoot. I love the dynamic that we have, we just “get” each other in a way that nobody else does and I love that. It’s just important to have persons to encourage and share with.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I have trouble sourcing the raw materials to make my jewelry, I love organic stuff and I love my jewelry to have a very rustic organic feel. Also the tools that I use to work the metals are expensive to import and the cost of production tends to be high. My biggest challenge right now is finding a way to be creative on a budget and make a profit. This has challenged me to improvise with materials, I also recycle and re-use material in a creative way. I have also had to find out the hard way that everyone is not around you because they want to help or support. Some persons are very opportunistic, you just have to weigh persons properly and learn from your mistakes and associations. However I think this will be my defining year, I have become more self-aware, I have been putting my products out there and I am becoming more committed and doing the market research.
If you could pick one celebrity as the brand ambassador for your line who would it be and why?
I can’t just pick one. Locally I would have to say that my muse is Zen Punett because she is so free spirited and zen. Internationally, I would have to say Lisa Bonet. They are the embodiment of a lifestyle and essence that I try to articulate through my craft. They’re the vibe I feel when I am creating; freedom, nature, peace and love.
How are you currently marketing your brand?
I primarily use social media and my clients also tell their friends about my pieces so word of mouth helps. Initially, I created my Facebook page as part of a project for a course that I was doing but then it took off and now it’s an excellent marketing tool for my business. People visit the page, they tell their friends and the orders roll in. The response from the public has been favourable, they just can’t get enough of the jewelry.
How would you like to see the brand evolve?
I would like to work with other metals such as copper and to expand the range of my jewellery. However I have big dreams of starting a company that provides support for other Caribbean creatives not only artistically but from a business perspective. I want to leave a legacy of building the industry and providing a safe space for creatives. I want to guide and empower them so they would not be exploited. This company should give a home to artists who have no voice, it should be a safe space where artists can be seen, heard and understood by like-minded persons. This company should be like a springboard to help artists launch into their business.
What advice do you have for aspiring designers/creatives seeking to make a career in your field?
I would tell them to find your inner child, embrace them, love them and then introduce them to the world. You will be criticized but you must be strong for you and your inner child. If your child is collecting rocks, people will wonder and as “why, why? Nobody else is doing it” just ignore them and believe in yourself.
If you are in the market for eclectic handmade jewelry check out Ailocious Jewellery here:
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