Our next Spotlight Artist is Heather Romine of January - Jewelry for your Shine. We’re so happy to have Heather joining us at the Spring Bash this year!
What led you to start your business. How did you get started and how has the journey been so far?
I started making jewelry in college and loved it. I was well into my degree as a designer at Savannah College of Art and Design when I started jewelry making classes as electives. After graduation I worked as a designer and a small business owner for years. Later on, I began making jewelry for friends and family, which kept me inspired. Fast forward to 2017, January is my established jewelry business. You can find me at shows and festivals all across Texas and online.
Tell us more about the products you make.
I make necklaces, bracelets, and earrings by hand. The pieces are whimsical, hippie chic or a combination of the two. Many of the items have handmade links, rings closures, and ear wires. Most pieces are made from glass, metal, and semi-precious gemstones. I also use a combination of vintage beads, hand-painted and artisan-made pendants, and focal beads for a unique look.
What does your art-making process look like?
When I am planning a new series I sketch out what the first several pieces will look like, and plan the colors and style combinations. I search for beads in shops, online, and bead makers and artisan glass sites. I look for the right gauge wire to make links, closures, and metal beads from time to time then I find the accent beads and get to work.
What is your favorite product that you create?
I don't have a favorite product but I do love working with the little glass birds and flowers. It is hard not to smile when you are working with something so bright and sweet. I also love finding vintage hand-painted beads, making a piece of jewelry come to life with something so unique.
Do you have a dedicated workspace?
My dedicated workspace is in my laundry room. It was quite a large room with cabinets and shelves running down the entire wall. It sounds funny but with all the storage it made for a pretty good spot.
What is your favorite part of running your business?
My favorite part of running my business is doing shows, getting out there and meeting people. The crowd, the physical work the general craziness, it is an interesting break from working at home.
What inspires you and how do you stay inspired?
I am inspired by art and nature, I love going to art museums and seeing what Egyptian queens wore or seeing the way colors and shapes work together in paintings. I love the illustrations in old books and children's stories and am equally excited when I see colorful birds and flowers in the park or shells on a beach.
Why do you think people are drawn to your style?
People are drawn to my style because of the colors and the uniqueness of design. I think most people would prefer to wear jewelry knowing each piece is an individual work of art not a mass produced item.
When you aren't running your business or creating, what do you spend your time doing?
When I'm not making jewelry (or all the photos, writing, social media, doing shows, and misc. other stuff associated with jewelry), I am hosting a morning workout class, doing bookkeeping and HR for our family business, sewing clothing for myself or drawing and painting.
Since Mother’s Day is coming up, which of your pieces do you think make for a meaningful gift?
I think most all of my pieces would make nice Mother's Day gifts. Each Mom has unique likes and dislikes, each piece is designed as part of a series created in various styles; everything from hippie-chic to whimsical.
