Cherish and Lacy | Literary Blooms

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

We are from Portland, OR which we think has a direct impact on our business model and our work. Portland is known for being an environmentally conscience and responsible city, with an emphasis on recycling and reducing waste. Around 320 million books end up in our landfills each year… 320 million! Our goal with Literary Blooms is to reduce book waste by transforming old, damaged books that would otherwise end up in the landfill, into beautiful paper roses that will last in your home forever!

Portland is also the home to one of the country’s largest independent bookstores, Powell’s City of Books. We are avid book lovers and readers, often spending our weekends and extra spending money on new and used books!

That is so many books! Who/what is your biggest artistic influence?
Our biggest artistic influences are the authors who write the books that we make our flowers from! We started Literary Blooms for Lacy’s wedding, by selecting books that were special to her and her husband. We love making flowers from classic, timeless stories like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. We also love making flowers from children’s books with beautiful illustrations like Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success as an artist is an ever-fluctuating thing. We both consider ourselves lucky and successful to have Literary Blooms be our full-time jobs. But the biggest meter of success for us is connecting with fellow book lovers. When our flowers cause an emotional response from people who love the stories we love and appreciate seeing them brought to life in another medium, there is no feeling like it!

What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

The hardest part of our creative process is time. Every single one of our petals are hand drawn, cut by hand, curled individually, and then glued onto our stems one at a time. Each flower takes us about an hour to make from start to finish, and we’ve been making them for over six years! We have experimented with different tools to streamline our process, like the Circuit machine and die-cut machines, but our flowers are as special as they are because we take so much time making sure illustrations are featured and that titles and character names are easily seen. As soon as you look at one of our flowers, we hope you instantly recognize what book they are made from. That is something that can only be accomplished in our step-by-step, handmade process.

That is very cool. How has your style changed over time?

Our goal with Literary Blooms is to honor the stories we are using and to make our flowers look as realistic as possible. When we first started, we used thin, plain floral wire, and our petals were smaller which didn’t allow for much of the story to be easily recognizable. We have adapted our petal shapes and sizes to be large enough to feature as much of the stories as possible, and our stems are now on a thicker, green stem with rich, dark green leaves. One of the greatest compliments we receive is how realistic the flowers look now!

What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

One of the best things about our product is that it is so easily customizable! We often get requests for custom orders and our favorite thing is to see what other people come up with creatively! The greatest honor for us has been making flowers for weddings. We make bridal bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and more! Being able to help happy couples add a personal touch to their big day by using stories that are important to them is always so special for us!

What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena is one of our favorite areas in LA! We love the diverse, artistic community. Pasadena is also home to one of our favorite independent bookstores in Octavia’s Bookshelf. This bookstore celebrates Black authors, queer authors, and dozens of independent artists. It is a beautiful, welcoming shop that always has an amazing selection!

Find Literary Blooms at Jackalope Pasadena on April 27th & 28th, 2024.

Website: Www.literaryblooms.com

Instagram: @literaryblooms

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

Alicia | 3H Nails

I was born in China and raised in Walnut, California. This has allowed me to blend Western and Eastern artistic cultures, shaping my identity as an artist. My travels to various places have also inspired me to explore different styles in nail design creation.

Who/what is your biggest artistic influence?
In the current US nail design market, I predominantly see machine-made press-on nails. Even in nail salons, the range of designs offered is quite limited. My inspiration for change stems from this observation. When I examine those machine-made press-on nails, I feel they lack the soul of art. I am motivated to create nail designs that originate from an artist who is dedicated to designing increasingly beautiful nails. I also believe everyone deserve to have their own nail style.

We love that! How do you define success as an artist?

I view success as the capacity to creatively express oneself and derive personal fulfillment from one's work. It also involves connecting with and impacting an audience, whether through exhibitions, performances, or social media interactions.

Well said. What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

Keeping up with recent trends is the most challenging aspect for me. I can't just create nail designs that appeal to my personal taste; I also need to research new trends and adapt them to nail art. Additionally, since some nails can be quite small, drawing on them is also a tough task.

I bet that could be difficult, patience is key! How has your style changed over time?

Since I also offer customization, my styles have evolved significantly. Some of my designs are inspired by my 9-year-old daughter, who is a natural painter with a consistent passion for drawing and creating art pieces.

Very fun. What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

My favorite creation is the 'Magical Kawaii Claws,' which holds a special place in my heart. This design was inspired by a drawing I made two years ago when my daughter was diagnosed with COVID-19 and had to stay in the Long Beach Children's Hospital for a week. Since I couldn't stay with her, I missed her terribly. To stay connected, I drew several pictures and wrote notes for her to read during her stay. The 'Magical Kawaii Claws' was her favorite among them. I believe the drawing gave her strength, helping her to recover and regain her health. This design brings back a flood of memories and love for me.

What do you love most about Pasadena?

I often visit Old Town Pasadena for shopping, as the city always exuded an artistic and cultural ambiance, particularly with its architectural styles. The primary reason I didn't relocate to Pasadena was due to the high housing prices. My favorite activity there is attending the Rose Parade, a colorful and festive event unmatched by any other location.

Anything special you’d like to share?

Last year, I created four nail collections: Mommy and Me, Teen Dream, Eclipse Edge, and Heart Hue. Currently, I'm working on my new collection inspired by the zodiac. I'm excited to share it with all the nail enthusiasts soon.

Catch 3H Nails at Jackalope Pasadena on April 27th & 28th, 2024.

Website: 3hnails.com

Instagram: @3h_nails_official

Carey Appel | Once Upon a Storybox

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I’m originally from Los Angeles, but it is Ojai, California that inspired my art. We raised chickens there and my love for them combined with my love of miniature sparked this endeavor.

Aside from Ojai; who/what is your biggest influence in creating?

My BIGGEST art influence is Virginia McCracken – a Santa Barbara artist who creates miniature scenes in vintage cigar boxes with luscious art backgrounds and handmade animals and accessories.

How do you define success as an artist?

“Success” as an artist is the ultimate satisfaction of placing your art in homes of patrons for whom it resonates. That being said, success is also achieved, I think, simply in seeing how people are enchanted by what you design/make.

What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

The hardest part of the creation process for me - -  is incorporating a bit of whimsy, or the unexpected, into each storybox.  Because it’s easy to go for what is aesthetically pleasing. But it must be more than that.  It must tell a story within the storybox.  With a quote, or a scene, that reveals something else that may be going on . . . .

How has your style changed over time?

My style has gotten more sophisticated . . .I’ve begun making my own wooden doors, stucco, and stone, incorporating my love of old doorways.  Additionally, the intervention of AI allows me to design more intricate interiors to make a more 3-dimensional background to the miniatures in the scene.

That is so fun! What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

My favorite is a real toss up – but I love this one because of the bougainvillea climbing the windows and the chick peeking out from the inside . . . I love the color combo.  It has sold; but I will work on another!

Very cute and colorful! What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena is special to me.  I had a home store (Salutations Home) there for many years until I retired to Ojai in 2015.  I love the gentility of this charming community – it’s art, culture, beauty, historic homes . . parts of Pasadena remind me of a bygone era from my childhood.

Catch Once Upon a Storybox at Jackalope Pasadena on April 27th & 28th, 2024.

Website: www.onceuponastorybox.com

Instagram: @onceuponastorybox

JoeJo+Nebria Home Fragrances Team: Marco, Christine, and John.

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?  

Our mix of backgrounds is pretty cool—there's Marco, the artist from the Philippines; John, the visionary from Scotland; and Christine, the business-savvy yet creatively-driven designer from Los Angeles. Together, we blend seamlessly, creating a well-rounded team. We all bring something different to the table, making it a perfect match.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?

Probably a blend of Jo Malone and Diptyque fragrances, drawn not just from their captivating brand identities, but also from the sheer elegance of their scents.

How do you define success as an artist?

We believe that achieving success as an artist involves a blend of creative fulfillment, recognition, validation, financial stability, and leaving behind a lasting legacy

Well said! What is the hardest part of your creation process?

The most challenging aspect of the creative process lies in precisely matching each scent to its corresponding location. Our goal is to transport our customers to these places so convincingly that they can almost feel as if they were there themselves, fully immersed in the experience.

Very cool. How has your brand changed over time?

As a new company, we're in the process of honing our style and brand identity. Rather than making changes, we're focused on maintaining a dynamic approach, constantly evolving to stay current, fresh, and innovative.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

Our most prized creation undoubtedly lies in our vegan repurposing containers. Meticulously designed to showcase our delightful array of scented candles and home and body sprays, they are ingeniously crafted for multifunctional use. These containers seamlessly transform into homes for various items such as jewelry, lipsticks, makeup essentials, cotton, medications, and treats for your beloved pets. From candies to mints, nuts to edibles, the possibilities are endless! Additionally, they offer a perfect solution for keeping your workspace neat and organized by conveniently storing paperclips and small accessories.

Awesome! What do you love most about Pasadena?

What we adore about Pasadena is its proximity to the vibrant energy of the big city while offering the serene charm of a distant, picturesque town. From its eclectic shops and exquisite dining spots to its diverse architectural wonders, Pasadena encapsulates a captivating blend of urban excitement and small-town allure. And, of course, the Huntington Rose Garden Tea Room stands out as an absolute gem, adding to the city's undeniable charm and appeal.

Catch JoeJo+Nebria Home Fragrances at Jackalope Pasadena on April 27th & 28th, 2024.

Website: https://joejonebria.com

Instagram: @joejonebria

What makes Branch and Vine so unique?

When you visit a Branch & Vine booth at one of their farmers markets, festivals or fairs, prepare yourself for more than just purchasing a delicious product; prepare yourself for an exceptional EXPERIENCE! 

This small, family-owned company is a genuine hidden gem founded by just two owners, Ray Brown and Kalie Nguyen. They understand the significance of having the freshest, highest quality ingredients to create a final product that is truly extraordinary.  Over the course of the years, the couple has created and curated a symphony of flavors coming from several sources. They thoroughly enjoy sharing their knowledge of all of the infused flavors they offer, from infused Olive oils sourced from  Napa Valley, CA to their premium barrel aged Balsamic from Modena, Italy. With over 36 flavors of Olive Oils and Balsamic vinegar, 7 salt infusions, several 100% honey blossom flavors, 25 loose-leaf teas and balsamic jam, flavor options will always be plentiful in your kitchen. 

We love the wide variety! What is your biggest influence in creating?

I used to be a bartender, server and a restaurant manager, so food, and hospitality is what I know.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success to us, is when a customer can experience our products and see for themselves how it makes their meals, and life, better.

How have you continued to develop your skill?

As a former bartender, I learned how to mix multiple flavors together and make people happy. Now we are able to do that on a daily basis with olive oils and balsamic.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Constantly creating different flavors and innovative products that keep our customers coming back for more, and educating people on how our products are different from the rest.

How has your brand changed over time?

We started with just 9 flavors and have built and evolved into 38 flavors and added multiple products of sea salt, tea, honey, and balsamic jam.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

Seeing a multitude of customers faces happy and following us to different festivals, fairs and markets.  No matter where we go, there's always a supportive group following us; it’s humbling, and it feels great!

Love that! What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

We love our barbecue combination! It has our garlic olive oil, hickory smoked balsamic and brisket rub. It's amazing on the grill.

That sounds so delicious! We’re so excited to taste all the goodies soon in Pasadena and Burbank!

Catch Branch and Vine at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th AND at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival on December 7th & 8th, 2024.

Website: www.branchandvineupland.com

Instagram: @branchandvine

Catherine with Slow Stir Foods

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

I was born in Taiwan and raised in the US and I identify closely with my biracial heritage. Being Taiwanese and Caucasian, my multicultural upbringing significantly influenced how I would eventually create Slow Stir Foods. Exceptional cuisine and service to others were principal teachings throughout my childhood, so my drive to create a food brand rooted in seasonal, healthier ingredients that also exudes a sense of warmth and beauty is in my DNA.

How did you get your start?

My professional culinary career began in 2010, however, my lifelong love for cooking began much earlier. My memory of this starts at age four when I learned to bake Great Grandma Ruth’s mace cookies on Christmas Eve with Aunt Michele. Fast forward to December 2019, I finally decided to seriously pursue my dream of launching a food business. It felt like a now or never moment and I am so grateful that I listened to that quiet voice in my heart; because unbeknownst to me at that moment, the global Covid-19 pandemic was emerging and in a twist of fate it was an incredible launching pad for a packaged food business like mine. It was a unique time when people were increasingly buying local, due to supply chain issues from transportation to import, and doing so preferably at outdoor farmers markets when available. That’s my start in a nutshell.

Very cool. Who/what is your biggest influence in creating?

My biggest artistic influence is the seasonal produce I see at the farmers markets – the quality and characteristics of fruits inspire which herbs and spices I want to incorporate, the ratio of sugar or acid used to yield fruit forward products and how much kitchen time is required for the final product to taste and feel outstanding and consistent. And in the professional food world, my biggest artistic influence is definitely Chef Jamie Oliver. Even in his early days as The Naked Chef, his passionate advocacy that healthy, clean eating doesn’t have to feel mundane or be expensive was uniquely demonstrated in his home cooking methods that starred fresh, accessible ingredients to create outstanding family style meals. That really resonated with me on a personal level long before I knew I would have a food business.

What is a typical day like in the kitchen for you?

A typical day in the kitchen is spread through a good 10-12 hours of work that starts around 8 or 9am depending on how much administrative duties I have to prioritize. I produce a variety of seasonal preserves and nut butters, so depending on the schedule I’m crafting one line or both lines of products simultaneously from prep to packaging. I’m pretty heads down when I work so I can easily cook in silence but more often it’s with my favorite music streaming. I believe that our energy goes into everything we create so my environment is important to how I flow through my process and handle stress. From how I feel to the sounds that fill my space and heart, a typical day in the kitchen is basically shaped by intention and mindfulness.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success as a creative entrepreneur in the food industry has been an ongoing collection of milestones, closely intertwined with my personal and professional growth. Making a career out of authentic self-expression has been one of my life’s ultimate purposes. Feeling supported by the new and returning customers helps me see that I am achieving an essential aspect of my life’s purpose. Additionally, responsibly producing high quality foods in a world of fast consumerism and enormous waste is significant, especially in a city that offers a plethora of options and has one of the highest costs of doing business.

Well said! What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Simultaneously scaling production and business can be extremely difficult when all the products are handmade to the highest standards possible. Growing a business such as mine includes hiring people who aren’t simply energized by the culinary arts but also align with my heart-centered ethos and culture. This creative side of relationship building requires deep trust and letting go of the proverbial reins. So even though it’s still a one woman circus with regard to the actual production, I’ve been fortunate to hire retail support who I trust and have huge potential to help the business grow. You will see them representing Slow Stir Foods at farmers markets and special events like Jackalope!

Do your creations with Slow Stir help you in other areas of your life?

Definitely! Creating and sharing food is a natural fit for my personality, spiritual development and way of life. My creations are an expression of who I am, my values, and what brings me joy and hope. I shared a bit about being intentional and mindful during a typical day in the kitchen. It's an exercise in equilibrium: to be present, grounded and disciplined which are vital to my success and how I want to move through life. These are important to me because the day can be full of opportunities for distraction when I need to focus the most! So when I feel in alignment while working, which is usually most hours of the day, it supports and fuels me to maintain desirable habits. So my creation process is part of what makes me feel more connected to my overall sense of purpose in life.

How has your work changed over time?

While working as a pastry chef around a dozen years ago, I began creating minimal added sugar jams for clients, and eventually peanut butter for myself. It made sense that any future business of mine would reflect this progression. Slow Stir Foods was founded on preserving local seasonal fruit so this would mean rotating menus around 3-4 times a year. Once I identified growers who made certain fruits naturally available year round, some of my preserves became top sellers as they became more accessible. Eventually, I added regularly available nut butters to my brand. So I went from a heavy rotation of fruit based products to offering a core line of fruit and nut products year round. One of these core items is my line of Pistachio Butters which have been a huge hit. I’m excited for Jackalope attendees to taste healthy nut butters and preserves that are truly one of a kind!

We can’t wait to try them! What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

Choosing a favorite item feels a bit like picking a favorite child! But if I think about the products I reach for daily — the “day-to-night spreads” in my line of preserves and nut butters for their incredible versatility — there are a few standouts that come to mind.

First, our Sweet Pistachio Butter, which I use for a quick fix, stirred into my coffee or to make a unique, creamy plant-based milk — so delicious! Customers have been sweeping up jars to make the viral Dubai Chocolate Bar! This nut butter really stands out from the crowd.

For preserves, as the weather cools, I reach for our Spiced Apple Spread. It’s wonderful in roasted Brussels sprouts or layered into a grilled cheese or post-Thanksgiving sandwich. And I can’t get enough of our Orange Cardamom Preserve, whether it’s on a buttery croissant or used as a glaze for pan-roasted chicken.

We encourage customers to explore Slow Stir Foods products in savory dishes. It’s a great way to see how they can elevate meals from something nice to something unforgettably delicious— which also makes them perfect for gifting!

That all sounds so good! How has your career developed?

In my food career, I evolved from being a serious home cook to professional baker and finally taking the leap to being a food business owner with a lot of ideas. As a result my product offerings have steadily grown and diversified and so has my reach – which created a need for additional help. Naturally, my focus shifted from leading myself to also leading others in new ways. This has felt very different from when I led colleagues on behalf of someone else’s vision and bottomline. Between the time it took to launch Slow Stir Foods and my early work in the culinary arts, I spent a number of years in the corporate space from nonprofit to for profit. So developing this food business became a full-time career at the end of 2019 with 100% involvement in all aspects of it from ideation to the bottomline. I applied every relevant hard and soft skill and knowledge that I gained into creating Slow Stir Foods. There’s more at stake now and being successful has taken on a new and more authentic meaning in my career and in life.

Anything new in the works?

This autumn, we’re excited to introduce a brand-new addition to our line of nut and seed butters: Pumpkin Seed Butter! This rich, nutritious spread is a delightful nut alternative, especially for those with allergies or students on nut-free campuses. Like our Pistachio Butter, it’s a “close-your-eyes-and-savor” kind of deliciousness. But don't just take our word for it—we invite you to try it yourself and experience our entire lineup!

Just like our Pistachio Butters, customers often tell us they can’t stop at just one scoop—and we couldn’t agree more. Each bite brings a burst of flavor that’s dynamic and hard to resist.

For the autumn and winter seasons, we’re thrilled to be able to continue offering our beloved summer preserve Spicy Tomato Jam. This crowd-pleaser pairs the warmth of a little kick with the sweetness of ripe summer tomatoes, balanced by a hint of acidity. It’s a delicious way to add some heat to your winter meals and a favorite among our community!

Catch Slow Stir Foods at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival on December 7th & 8th, 2024

Website: www.slowstirfoods.com

Instagram: @slowstirfoods

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

Parisa from Parisa KJ

I hail from Iran, a nation rich in traditional crafts and artistic heritage. Growing up immersed in the rich tapestry of Iranian arts and crafts has profoundly influenced my creative journey. It has sparked a deep-seated desire within me to not only embrace these traditions but to make them an integral part of my life and work.

How did you get your start?

I initially pursued my craft as a hobby, but for the past year, it has become my full-time profession.

Congratulations! Who is your biggest artistic influence?

One of my biggest artistic inspirations was a cousin of mine back in Iran. Her handcrafted leather bag shows, where she sold her creations, sparked my passion for becoming a handbag designer. 

Very cool. How do you define success as an artist?

I believe an artist is someone who creates art purely for the sake of art, without being preoccupied by other considerations. Their artwork captivates viewers, encouraging them to ponder it for an extended period of time.

What is a typical day in the studio like for you?

Typically, I review emails in the morning, attend any online seminars or meetings, fulfill orders throughout the day, and dedicate my afternoons to working on my designs and projects.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Crafting a bag from thick leather, especially when multiple layers require sewing together…

How has your career and art developed?

My journey in both my career and art has been a gradual evolution. Initially, I pursued art as a hobby, but over the years, my passion for handbag design deepened. Taking a significant step, I registered my business and actively participated in workshops tailored for small businesses. Concurrently, I was a student studying Fashion Merchandising, which greatly contributed to shaping my career and business ventures.

Has your style changed over time?

I wouldn't claim that my style has undergone significant change, but I have noticed a growing preference for brighter colors compared to the past.

Very fun. Do your creations help you in other areas of your life?

Absolutely, my involvement in art has significantly influenced various aspects of my life. It has transformed the way I perceive both things and people, fostering a deep appreciation for the intricacies of handcraft. Additionally, participating in art-related events has been instrumental in expanding my social circle, leading to the formation of meaningful connections with individuals who share similar interests.

Do you have a favorite item that you’ve created, and why?

My favorite bag has to be the Moon Purse, one of my earliest designs. Its compact, lightweight, and distinctive design makes it the perfect everyday companion for when you're out and about. It provides just enough space for your essential items when you're running errands.

What do you love most about Pasadena?

I adore Pasadena for its vibrant atmosphere and the diverse array of art and cultural events that unfold throughout the year. What truly stands out is the city's rich mosaic, not just in culture and art, but also in the field of science. Living in proximity to institutions like Cal Tech and the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a source of great satisfaction. However, my absolute favorite is the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair. Here, I have the wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and engage with clients in person, listening to their insights and ideas about my work.

We love hearing that and having you with us! Is there anything special that you’d like to share?

I have recently introduced my online store, offering fans a convenient shopping destination for their favorite items at www.parisakj.com.

Catch Parisa KJ at Jackalope Pasadena on April 27th & 28th, 2024.

Website: www.parisakj.com

Instagram: @handbagsbyparisakj

Vivian Au

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

  I was born and raised in Kansas City and I am first generation American born of immigrant parents. As teenagers, my parents immigrated to the United States from Hong Kong. Growing up as the only Chinese kid in school, my parents made sure that my brothers and I were exposed to our Chinese culture as much as possible. Every few years we would travel to Hong Kong to visit family, which is how we were mostly exposed to our culture. Hong Kong is known for its extensive chains of jewelry stores shinning with 24 karat gold jewelry of all kinds. On those trips, I remember so clearly everyday going to the main streets of Kowloon going into jewelry stores one after an other. Intricate 24k gold chains, pendants, earrings, bangles, and traditional Chinese wedding jewelry was what fascinated me the most.

These memories were my early love for jewelry.

Melody Lil’ Girls fancy bracelet and matching Mommy bracelet

How did you get your start with your own business?

Seventeen years ago I was creating jewelry for a local jewelry designer. I learned a lot in how to run a business while having the creative freedom in creating her jewelry line. At twenty five years old, I decided to take the leap of faith to become an independent jewelry designer and manufacturer. Thirteen years in creating your Forever Love Story, that is how Vi Ling Designs was created. 

What is your biggest artistic influence?

My ethnic culture is my biggest artistic influence. Growing up as the only Chinese girl in grade school really made me appreciate my ethnicity. I love to create pieces with influences of Chinese cultural art combining my love of fashion and minimalism. 

How do you define success as an artist?

Success as an artist in my perspective is looking back of all the years prior to and seeing the growth of my business and myself. All the tough times and struggles has built me to who I am today. I didn’t pack up and give up during the hard times. Instead I kept learning different aspects of the jewelry industry to build self growth. 

NEW Lil’ girls fancy bracelets for Spring

What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

There are not enough hours in a day! I break my daily tasks by the hour to accomplish roles such as: email marketing, content strategy, website maintenance, photography, CAD designing and much more. Addition to Vi Ling, I am also a consultant for a jewelry insurance company. With that, it requires a lot of economic research of diamonds, color gemstones, gold and all sectors of the jewelry market. 

NEW! Popular Vi Ling Front to Back style earrings featuring cultured pearls and rough diamonds set in oxidized silver. 

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

At times, the creation process can take longer than expected when a client wants a custom piece giving me the 100% creative freedom. For new clients, it can be challenging to design a piece to their liking or matching their life style. Sometimes clients wants something generic, but I want to put a creative twist to it. Finding that balance can be time consuming and prolongs the process from start to finish of their custom jewelry piece. 

How has your style changed over time?

As I’ve gotten older, my style has changed. I’m not scared of incorporating gemstones into my demi-fine jewelry collection which has also evolved my design style. Crafting jewelry with quality metals, accents of natural gemstones, mean while keeping price conscious is my main objective. Earrings has become my best sellers so I have concentrate in adding to the collection. 

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

My favorite item is the “Front to Back earrings” These earrings can be worn from day to evening and it incorporates all the elements that I follow by in my collections. Modern - Fashion Forward - Classic

Anything new in the works?

Last year I added an in house CAD service for my clients custom creations. This coming month, the addition to one-on-one CAD design services, I will also be providing 3D jewelry mock ups for my clients. This add on service provides extra love and attention to creating their Forever Love Story. 

Is there anything else that you would like to share?

I love Hello Kitty, Pomeranians, llamas, character art of asian culture, harajuku street fashion and anything pink and cute. That is where you will see a bit of my sweet and dainty side in my designs especially for the Lil’ Girls jewelry collection. 

Catch Vi Ling Designs at Jackalope Pasadena on April 27th & 28th, 2024.

Website: www.vilingdesigns.com

Instagram: @vilingdesigns

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

We live in Orange County and could not be more grateful for the amazing women in business we have met through building a strong presence in the local community. These relationships have brought us events, partnerships, and sponsorships which are so vital for local businesses like ours. 

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?

Both my business partner and I had unique permanent jewelry experiences on girls trips in Seattle and Nashville and fell in love with the concept. As for our artistic influences? Our customers! The custom creations they make with us never cease to amaze us and we love seeing what they come up with or what they came in wearing. We strive to make our brand unique to us and encompass who we are and how we want to impact our communities. 

How do you define success as an artist?

Success is doing work that you love. It’s choosing to get up each day and participate in a life you truly enjoy. Getting to work with our customers and get creative bring us both so much joy! We love that Parker J allows us to do that!

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

We wouldn’t say anything is particularly hard, it’s more about finding the right fit and chain for our customers. We get to be a part of their process in curating the perfect piece for them. It’s one of the best parts of our job.

How has your style changed over time?

When we first started our company in 2022, we stuck to dainty pieces, which are very typical in the Permanent Jewelry industry. However, we chose to branch out and try bolder styles, calling them “statement chains”, and they’ve been a hit so far. We’ve added many charms and connectors along the way, and have even changed up our chains every few months. Our most recent addition has been colored enamel chains that we plan to drop for each season. They’ve been a hit! It keeps our collection, new and fresh.

As for our newest service at Parker J, we just added a customizable charm bar that brings back the nostalgia of building your very own charm bracelet or necklace. Customers get to choose from hundreds of unique charms to create something that’s very meaningful to them. It has been so fun to see what people choose, and we love putting it together for them and seeing their reactions!

Custom Dip Lariat

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

We love creating custom pieces. One of our favorite pieces that we’ve created is our dip lariat. These are custom order only & we absolutely love creating them for our customers.

Is there anything special that you would like to share?

We are just grateful to share what we love to do with others and are hoping to get more people styled and stacked by us at Parker J!

What do you love about Pasadena?

Pasadena has this perfect blend of old-school charm and modern vibe that we just love. Whether it’s grabbing coffee at a cozy spot or strolling through the tree-lined streets, there’s always something new to discover.

Catch Parker J Jewelry at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/parkerj.pj

Instagram: @parkerj.pj

Shannon

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

I'm originally from rural Iowa. Although I've been an Angeleno for decades now, I think my upbringing has influenced my affinity for natural elements and fascination with animals.

What are your biggest artistic influences?I'm most inspired by natural history and old handmade objects. I'm a tactile person and would much rather spend a day touching everything at a flea market than taking in fine art at a museum. I love studying well-crafted taxidermy. I think my favorite piece of art hanging in my house is an x-ray of a viper moray eel – its skeleton is just mesmerizing.

How do you define success as an artist?

For me personally, success is being able to work for myself, doing what I love full-time. It's knowing that whatever I've put out into the world has made a connection with enough people that I can provide for myself with those skills. I'm doing the thing I would do if I didn't have to work.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Creating is the easy part. I use a lot of organic elements, like feathers for example; their natural beauty does the heavy lifting in my opinion. All I have to do is present them in a way that can be worn and appreciated by others. The trick is sourcing materials that are not easy to come by. Perhaps the biggest challenge is carving out time away from the administrative aspects of running a small business to get back to the basics and work with my hands.

How has your style changed over time?

My instincts lean toward dramatic statement pieces, but over time I've come to appreciate the elegance of more subtle designs and colors. Sometimes stripping something down to a simpler version of itself is what makes it more accessible and wearable for my customers. But if I had all the time and resources in the world, I'd probably be making elaborate one-of-a-kind body jewelry pieces and modifying chandeliers, haha.

Snake Vertebrae Wrap Bracelet by Astali

Extra Long Feather Earrings by Astali

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

One of the first pieces in my line (going back 16 years now), is still one of my favorites – the snake vertebrae wrap bracelet. It's always been a conversation piece because most people don't get to see those intricacies of nature up close, much less wear them.

My other favorites are the extra long feather earrings. Those are my go-to accessory when I'm going out for an evening. They're unbelievably soft and silky, and make my otherwise all-black wardrobe a little more interesting.

What do you love most about Pasadena?

I love Pasadena's iconic architecture. There's such a rich history of design to explore in every neighborhood, and I'm a big fan of the American Craftsman architectural movement.

Another great thing about Pasadena is the proximity to hiking and nature – just a quick drive up the road, and you're in the foothills.

It’s a special place. Is there anything special that you would like to share?

Jackalope Pasadena has a special place in my heart because I've been exhibiting regularly since the very first one. I'm not even sure what year that was! I don't do many in-person events anymore, so it's really nice to get to talk with the fair's patrons about my work and get their feedback on new pieces. I always learn something valuable to take back to the studio.

That means so much to us! Catch Astali at Jackalope Pasadena on November 18th & 19th!

Website: ww.astali.com

Instagram: @astalijewelry