Today we’d like to introduce you to Juliette Contreras.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Juliette . So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always been shy and looked for ways to express myself through my creativity. One way I channeled my creativity has been through fashion, and my own personal style. In 2014, I started studying fashion merchandising at California State University, Long Beach. At the time I think I wanted to study design, but I didn’t feel confident enough with myself to be a designer.
I also had a lot of anxiety as an introvert to put myself, and my work out there, and the pressures of the fashion industry. In 2016, I took a jewelry class where I learned sterling silver metal smithing techniques. I had so many ideas for my jewelry, and I really wanted to make each a representation of myself. I was so interested in jewelry work, and the outlet it gave me. Instead of creating anxiety, like I had felt in fashion design, it was soothing to me. I spent time on each piece focusing on every small detail. I was proud of my work and loved the feeling of fulfillment it gave me. Since then I focus primarily on jewelry work, and I have continued to learn different techniques to incorporate into my personal style. I’m still a beginner to the jewelry industry, but I’m so excited to learn more and grow.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the most part, it’s been really great and therapeutic for me. It’s so soothing to just zone out, and focus on a repetitive chain pattern. Bringing just a pile of jump rings together to form a detailed jewelry piece is so fulfilling and healing to me. I love having the chance to meet so many different people all from my jewelry work. I’m an introvert so it can be hard for me to put myself out there. But the possibility of having my work supported, and worn is such a great feeling. It’s worth the anxiety
Please tell us about Blooming Blood Jewelry.
Blooming Blood focuses on handmade jewelry. My first collection was several sterling silver turquoise pendants. I was inspired by Mexican sterling silver jewelry and had intended to focus on that aspect of silver jewelry work. When it came time to find the chain for the pendants I made, I couldn’t find a chain that really spoke to me. I had heard about chain mail and started doing research. I was fascinated with the history of it going back to the 3rd century. Chain mail was originally crafted as a protective armor. One by one, each jump ring is open and closed to be linked together in a repetitive pattern creating a chain.
I use chain mail weaves to create jewelry, but I also branch into other areas such as belts, bras, and harnesses. I just kept practicing chain mail and currently, I focus primarily on chainmail jewelry. For my inspiration, I’m interested in the dualities between masculine and feminine styles. I think I show this in my work with the contrast between hard and soft elements each complimenting each other, and coming together in unison to form a unique piece of jewelry. I try to ensure each piece is cared for, and I hold myself to a high standard before sending off my jewelry to its new home. I also try my best to have my jewelry accessible to everyone with a good range of lower price to higher price items.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Cooking with my grandma, as she told me stories of what the city was like back in her day.
Contact Info:
- Website: BloomingBlood.com, depop.com/blooming_blood
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/blooming_blood
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