Amber Jones, designer of Purple Paparazzi jewelry, is a one-woman beading machine. Her designs are bright, bold, and definitely make a statement. Named after a color she believes really stands out (purple) and glam photos that people tend to remember (paparazzi pics!) her line is just that - bold and memorable. Keep reading to learn more about Amber's journey as a jewelry designer.
How did your career as a jewelry designer begin?
My stumble into
jewelry design was literally that. My dear friend Carla, who I happened to be
roommates with while attending college in NYC years ago, was dabbling in
jewelry making and she had the patience to show me how to make my first pair of
earrings, which was all I made during that phase. Carla's were beautiful and
mine were laughable. And well, the rest is history. I have zero formal
training though. I have never taken a class, a workshop, nothing of that sort.
I have been lucky enough to grow over time being self-taught and through lots
of trials and errors and necklaces that would never make the cut.
As for my
transition into jewelry making, I definitely took the slow and steady approach.
For me, that just worked out better because I was freelancing as a Bridal
Makeup Artist for so many years so I never really knew I would turn my jewelry
hobby into a full fledge business back then. But kudos to the designers that
jump right in, go after it for sure!
What inspires you and your designs?
Ohhh, the inspiration question. I know it might sound cliché but I really am
inspired by so many things. I draw lots of inspiration looking at fashion and
lifestyle magazines and blogs. Sometimes the pretty images alone can drum up
designs in my head. I am very inspired by jewelry in general. Who is wearing
what and how it’s being worn. Sometimes, I will go in stores and peruse the
jewelry counters and displays. For me, I love seeing all the pretty jewelry
pieces and that literally inspires me. It can be the simplest thing, like maybe
a color used in a piece or a type of stone that triggers inspiration. I love
being inspired, it’s such a great process from conception to completion. I LOVE
IT!
What is your typical day like?
My day starts EVERYDAY at the computer and getting on my emails to see if I
have anything pressing I need to respond to. I collaborate with a lot of people
overseas on different time zones so I usually have tons of emails I have to sit
and reply to first thing. During this time, I’ll make a batch of fruit and
vegetable juice and that’ll get me through my morning. I typically go to Zumba
early morning everyday, YES everyday, so that helps rev me up for my work day.
At some point, I try to do some blogging on my blog and then I do my daily
checking of my favorite blog sites.
Truth be told, I
do not make jewelry everyday, not even every week. But on the days when I do go
into the studio, its usually for hours. I never force going into the studio
because I don’t want to make things just to add to the
collection. On a studio day, I zone out and tune out distractions.
I’m usually blasting tunes, beads and stones are everywhere in the studio, I
have projects sprawled out. I love the process of it all. Can we say, an
organized mess!
I spend a lot of
time online though. I have been focusing a lot of my energy on [trying] to
collaborate and work with other bloggers and businesses.
Currently, I am
working on several bridal orders which I enjoy. Bridal season is
happening right now, which is great because then I am getting more brides
interested in custom work. I am also collaborating with a Swimwear
Designer in Miami who is using the Purple Paparazzi jewelry in a fashion show
in NYC in a few weeks. I am trying to grow Purple Paparazzi, all while being a
one-woman show, so it’s very, very busy on my end but I love it.
What is the best part of your job as a
jewelry designer?
The best part about being a jewelry designer is that I get to design and
create whatever I want. I love being able to make things that women love. I
enjoy the satisfaction of seeing how women respond to the pieces. When they get
excited, I get excited. I absolutely love seeing how they wear Purple Paparazzi
and I love that they support the business, that is really rewarding for me.
What advice would you give a young
designer or someone toying with the idea of starting their own business?
My advice for
anyone interested in jewelry design is very simple: be patient. Nothing is
going to happen overnight. Take time honing your craft, design everything that
comes to mind, you will hate some things later on and look back and laugh but
you will grow and so will your design skills . These early things will help
sculpt and mold your designing over time. You are going to make mistakes, you
are going to doubt yourself. Just be patient. If you love what you do and are
passionate about it, keep on trucking.
