In the years after graduating, I became increasingly disenchanted with the career I worked for in college. As a result, I found myself spending more and more of my free time revisiting the creative habits of my childhood and adolescence. I come from a family full of creatively resourceful women, who nurtured in my youth an admiration for handmade goods, a can-do attitude, and a tireless work ethic. My grandmother, Josephine, taught me what DIY was before I ever knew there was a word for it. She made extra money for her large family in Natchez, Mississippi as a seamstress. For decades, she made elegant and colorful garments for the women in her community when she wasn’t cooking, tending to her seven children, or working in her garden or at the pecan factory.
My upbringing planted a seed for my creative drive, but for years I left it unattended, and convinced myself that I wasn’t a creative person. A couple of years ago, however, as I poured tons of energy into decorating my house, I realized that color has been my constant creative outlet. My home has always been a colorful oasis where I retreat from the day. And in public, I’d often get stopped by strangers compelled to compliment not just my clothes, but the colors I wore like armor. My bracelets were my signature, and I started making my own just to suit my wardrobe needs. As I peeked into the handmade rabbit hole, Etsy gave me the little push needed to expedite my descent. In the community, I found inspiration and empowerment. I hadn’t always thought there was a place for me on Etsy, but my inability to find the colors and textures I craved on the massive site lit a fire in me to fill the void. I had a naggingly clear vision of what was possible and every reason to leave the job that was turning me into someone I didn’t want to be.
Etsy has served me well by providing a thriving and supportive community to facilitate my development as a jewelry designer and seller. That said, I am currently looking at opportunities to expand my reach elsewhere – both online and in brick-and-mortar establishments.
While I love trendy looks and appreciate all types of jewelry, I want Local Color Creations to be THE destination for those who define their own style, and don’t always need expensive gems and precious metals to feel adorned. Local Color is made for those with a broad world view and a strong sense of self – women who aren’t afraid of standing out in a crowd. I take pride in making jewelry that is distinct and distinguished by its unconventional use of color, materials and techniques.
My designs borrow from timeless and widespread practices, near and distant cultures, and the universal language of color to create pieces that comfort and spark curiosity. From the appropriation of ancient basket-making techniques to the authentic African block prints made using processes developed in Indonesia –every piece has a story informed by generations of cultures and traditions being shared. When accessorizing with Local Color’s unique items, those stories become a part of your own personal mythology.
*Like my passion for quality craftsmanship, my name was handed down to me as well. I’m named after my beloved aunt/godmother, who goes by Jackie, and I won’t feel comfortable going by that name until I can begin to fill her shoes.
– – –
