Style

It has been much too long since I last posted. Oh how I have missed you!

I’m so excited to be introducing you to a fabulous jewelry designer I met recently through Kristi. I got to attend one of her trunk shows a few weeks ago (held in her charming home on Coronado) and fell head-over-heels in love with her jewelry. Since I’m still saving my pennies to purchase a piece for myself, I thought I’d try to pick her brain a little (I just love creative people, don’t you?!) and share what I learned with you.

Meet Shelly Mantler of Shel.!

What sparked your interest in jewelry design and when did you decide to make it your full-time gig?
While I was a full time Interior Designer, I was exposed to such amazing products and very high end interiors and fashion. I was often in La Jolla working, and long story short, I started making my own earrings for myself, and it turned into a full time thing. I always loved the idea of working at my home with my dog, and now I’m doing it!

How would you describe your style? Where do you go for inspiration?
My style is full of inspiration & styles… Ha! That narrows it down! I love to feel sexy, beachy, glamorous, centered, and sophisticated. Depends on my mood, an event, and even the weather!

My inspiration comes from all of my feelings triggered by yoga, the beach around us, history, art, travel, interiors, fashion, you name it! Right now I’ve been inspired by a lot of Buddhist & Hindu Gods and meditation practices, as well as the Rosary, oddly enough! I love Egyptian, Victorian, Gothic… There’s too much to say!

What are your favorite materials to work with?
That so depends on the occasion and the client! If I’m working on a night out on the red carpet, I love lots of chain & crystals. If I’m working on a spiritual piece, I’m really into faceted jade, garnet & howlite right now! If I’m working on everyday wear, I need turquoise, MORE TURQUOISE!

AND DON’T FORGET, I ALWAYS USE GOLD. UNLESS A CLIENT WANTS SILVER… THAN I GUESS I’LL DO IT!

What is your favorite part of the business (creating, working with clients, shows, etc.)?
My favorite part is dreaming. I love dreaming about what I want to make. Once I’ve made it, I crave more, it’s very romantic to me!

Where can we find/purchase your fabulous work?
Most of my work is word of mouth, and I have created a huge clientele list from attending the La Jolla Farmer’s Market. I don’t do every weekend, but you can often find shel. jewelry there! I do private trunk shows, and am working on doing a show in Paris. Fingers crossed. I also have sold at several boutiques, spas & galleries over the years. For the past year, I have showcased my work at Tina Marie & Company in La Jolla.

Any parting words?
I love making jewelry because it’s relaxing, creative, and it makes women feel beautiful. Making one of a kind pieces, especially for a wedding, couldn’t be any sweeter! I hope to launch more great new lines, year after year!!!

The jewelry part comes easy, I feel challenged as any entrepreneur does because of something else! I am currently struggling to read an accounting book which anyone could probably breeze through! Guess that isn’t one of my talents… Much work to do there… When you understand your business and the books, you can do so much more, I know this, and I am learning.

Thanks so much, Shelly!! Check out more shel. jewelry on Shelly’s website, blog, and etsy shop!

{ 1 comment }