Designer Spotlight: Gabriela Artigas

I first came across Gabriela Artigas on Sincerely Jules' blog and was instantly taken by the stunning designs and unique, edgy pieces. After a little investigating on my own, I found her website and the many other beautiful pieces of jewelry she has to offer. I needed to know more. I reached out to Gabriela and she and co-owner and Sales Director, Tere Artigas, graciously answered my questions. Here is an inside look into the Gabriela Artigas jewelry line.

Take us back to the start. How did you get into jewelry design and what is your training? 

T: Everything started very unplanned, Gabriela was 21 leaving in Mexico City when our mom needed a necklace for a wedding, she didn't wanted to wear her usual jewels because the city wasn't at it's safest. We bought some gems and Gabriela made her a coral and silver necklace. The two of them came to LA for a little holiday and a recognized buyer bought that same necklace for our mom's neck, then we knew something was about to start. 

 

G: Tere has always been a sales person, she would sell everything to her friends, even my clothing when I was away! She enjoys the experience and the thrill to sell, that's why we make a great team. Together, we started running the company in 2008.  Before that it was me with my brother and my mom. It's been a family business but now is just the two of us. 

 

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

 

G: Everywhere. It's more about the experience than the inspiration. We try to do as many trips as possible and we drive a lot, so its pretty much from there that I get inspiration, from the laughter in the car, from the driving stories, to the places we visit. We are always researching new ways to have fun with pieces.

Who would your dream client be? 

T: All of our clients are really nice. When you are dealing with someone who is appreciating what you do, that speaks for it self.  The people that we deal with are people who have a lot in common with us and our aesthetics. We are thankful for that.

 

Being a jewelry designer, what do you like best about your job? What are some of the most challenging parts of running your own business?
 

Running your own business it's always very hard, it takes a lot time, money and effort. Whenever you are about to start something, think it through and start it with ambition, but always be planned and thoughtful.

 

Always keep in mind that you are never at the top, even if things are going great for you, sit back, breath enjoy where you are and keep working hard.  Remind yourself that you are never at the top, you always have to fight to get a little closer to it, but you never reach it. 

 

Don't take things for granted, Be humble to learn from others and from yours mistakes. 

 

What is your typical day like?

 

G: Work, work and work.

 

T: We wake up early, try to workout every morning if we are not exhausted, have a freshly squeezed juice and start or day. Believe me is not always fun to run a business, but at the end of the day it totally worth it! 

 

If you could go back and give your 20 year old self some advice, what would it be?

 

Enjoy it! Your 20's go so fast!

Thanks Gabriela and Tere! Please enjoy some photos of their favorite blogger-muse with her Gabriela Artigas jewels. All images from Sincerely Jules.