North Shore Soap Factory Interview

Click here to see a recent interview with North Shore Soap Factory in Japanese!!

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Evolution

I’ve been receiving a lot of press this year. Which is a good thing, for business. It makes my company seem more legitimate, or, as people say, BIG. But is being “BIG” what it’s all about?

It’s an interesting thing…growth. I’m only 27 years old, and I’ve owned my own company for 5 years now, living and sustaining myself on purely jewelry sales alone, aside from occasional modeling jobs.

But what is really interesting to me is the questions that are asked of me during interviews. I enjoy being asked questions that I don’t hear everyday in the normal tasks of daily life. What I enjoy most about being asked the questions are pondering my quick responses. I am challenged by the questions, to remind myself of why I began designing jewelry, and what my inspiration is. Normally I might say that I am inspired by the beauty of the natural world which is evident in my designs which emulate leaves or colors of the sea, or natural materials of shell and pearl and stone. But what most inspires me these days, are the connections that I am making with people, and helping empower women to be beautiful.

The signature Anuhea earrings-sea-colored turquoise woven into a leaf shape

I think that my jewelry is a statement of beauty, to help accentuate every woman’s natural beauty. And I think that is one of the simple truths of life, that we are all beautiful, if we just feel it.

customer Tomoko and I at the Haleiwa Farmers Market.

I love to see happy customers return after some time, still wearing an older design and loving it. Recently, a customer, Tomoko, visited my booth at the Haleiwa Farmers Market still wearing her Delia’s she purchased a year ago. I know that as a human being living on this planet, it is part of my duty to serve. And if making women feel good is part of my service, I am happy to please!

Here are some of my anwers from a recent e-mail Q&A interview from SMART Magazine founder, Molly Watanabe.

1. When did you start designing jewelry?
I began designing jewelry as a little girl, beginning with embroidery string friendship bracelets, then in college I began wire-wrapping, with found objects such as shell and buttons. I’ve always enjoyed creating anything with my hands.

2. Describe your style when it comes to your jewelry.

Having grown up in the Southern United States, I have somewhat of a conservative, elegant and classic style, with a twist of Island style (having a Hawaiian mother, and spending summers in Hawaii) I always like to use elements of nature in my designs, whether it be in the shape of a leaf, or inspired by colors and objects from the sea.

3. Decribe your personal style.
Functional, comfortable and colorful, while still being very feminine. I’m an athlete and somewhat of tom-boy, so it’s important for my clothes to be practical in whatever situation. Plus I have a 2.5 year old son, so I need to be ready to squat down to look into his eyes and run quickly next to him while he rides his bike down the street.

4. What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?
I have an intense sweet tooth. I recently found out I’m gluten-intolerant, so I’ve been preparing lots of raw food lately, and I have the best recipes for raw brownie balls and apple pie.

5. What’s your favorite food?
Arugula salad with fresh toppings from the garden…beets, carrots, sprouts. And any kind of seeds…pumpkin or sunflower.

6. Describe your dream vacation.
I think I’m already living it!! Growing up in North Carolina, I always wanted to live in Hawaii. I’m here.

Click here to view my most recent video interview from WhereTV, to be aired in January. Thanks Seychelle for coming to visit my jewelry studio!!

My favorite part of being a designer on an island is connecting with all of my fans at shows and events! Please come visit me at some of my upcoming events for the holiday season. Click HERE to see where I’ll be.

Happy Shopping this Holiday Season!!

Check out my newest design, the Anuenue earring. “Anuenue” means “Rainbow” in Hawaiian:)

Anuenue earring of faceted semi-precious stones...Garnet, Citrine, Lemon Quartz, Peridot, Apatite, Iolite, Amethyst.

Remember that everyday is a Rainbow Day in Hawaii, we are so blessed to live in this island paradise!

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Fall 2010 Photoshoot

We headed off to Waialua around 3:30PM: myself, Jubilee (a 3 in one combo of friend, neighbor and photoshoot assistant), and Lauren (the photographer). My girlfriend Jenna had referred Lauren as a North Shore female photographer and I called her up, excited to meet her. Little did I know, she was already a customer of mine! She has the Delia earrings and looks sooo cute in them!

I had scouted out the location a few weeks prior, and noted the beautiful fall colors in the landscape. A brushfire had ravaged the few trees that existed, leaving the barks black and gray, with ash all over the ground, mixed with the red Waialua dirt. A perfect combination of colors for a fall photoshoot.

We came upon the remains of the old St. Michael’s Catholic church. Two towers stood erect, with dilapidated walls, and stones astrew on the ground. This must be the place…

the old St. Michael's Catholic Church in Waialua

Lauren, Jubilee and I quickly got to work, as we knew our light would be fading fast, and there were lots of pieces to be shot. Here are some of the amazing images Lauren shot:

A classic combination: the Delia earrings in small gold and Lody necklace

The DELIA EARRINGS and LODY necklace are a favorite combination of mine, along with the Madeline bracelet, pictured below!

Turquoise teardrops...and the Madeline bracelet

It was fun to creep around the old church ruins, and Lauren was great at capturing the movement and the alluring features of the space. I particularly like the angle of the shot in the above photo! Nice job Lauren!

My newest necklace design: Carina Necklace- turquoise teardrop inside a handcrafted wire hoop

The NEW Carina Necklace!

Carina Necklace

The Angela earring: Mother of pearl and turquoise on 14k gold filled chain

Click here to see the ANGELA earrings

the Aloha Necklace: Mother of pearl Open Heart Design

I LOVE the lighting in this shot!! The Aloha necklace is eco-friendly and fashionable, as the mother of pearl is sourced sustainably since it is a byproduct of the pearl-farming industry!! The open heart design is a reminder for the wearer to keep an open heart and be compassionate towards all creatures.

Hot Pink is in!! The Laila earrings and Necklace.

The Laila earrings and Necklace are handcrafted from hot pink faceted chalcedony stone. Available on both sterling silver and 14k gold filled chain, and adjustable to wear long or short, or anywhere in between. I love hot pink, and it goes great with black, white, indigo and turquoise (or whatever you feel like matching it with)!!

New PERE earrings, named after North Shore beauty Katie Pere.

These are one of my newest designs, the Pere earrings. I have been wearing them everyday for the past few weeks, as they are very lightweight and versatile. They match EVERYTHING and symbolize our harmony with nature, as the mother of pearl is ethically sourced.

the Laneika bracelet and earrings

I love the movement of lighting of this shot, as well as the complimenting colors of browns with turquoise. The colors of the turquoise and freshwater pearls is amazing in the Laneika earrings and matching bracelet.

Praising the sky for another beautiful day in Hawaii

The photoshoot ended quickly when the sun disappeared. We were exhausted after lots of running around, doing outfit and accessory changes. Lauren captured some beautiful images, the above photo being my favorite, as an expression of gratitude and beauty! Mahalo ladies for your help in completing the Fall photoshoot for Noelani Designs!

Check out more of Lauren’s work at LK Photography on Facebook.

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