Meet Thea Miller of DRU. in West LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Thea Miller.

Thea, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I had always dabbled in jewelry design, but it was during a transition in my life in the fall of 2016 when I began to take it more seriously. Designing jewelry is one thing, but making a business out of it requires a completely different skillset. I knew that I had a lot to learn, so I made it a point to keep an open mind and to ask a lot of questions. I had gone from being a teacher—where you get to give all the answers—to be in a position where I needed help. I would say the real turning point was my first Metal and Smith show in New York in May 2017. I entered it as an observer. Then, I took all of that observing and prepared myself for the next Metal and Smith in August 2017.

From there, I just kept going. I made a lot of mistakes, but after getting to know many other designers, I learned it is part of the process. It has been deeply humbling and incredibly challenging at times, but I have been blessed in the relationships I have made and in the lessons, I have learned and in the many ways my resolve has been tested.

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?
Smooth road? My goodness, no. I’m not sure there is such a thing. DRU. is based on struggle–internal and external. That is the brand–and the brand has evolved to reflect not just the struggles in one’s personal life, but the struggles that currently define us as a nation. I think if there had been a smooth road, DRU. Would not exist. Name a struggle, and I’m sure I have had to deal with it–building a cohesive brand, managing social media with zero experience, engaging people when there are so many other brands, paying the bills, handling production deadlines and mishaps, keeping the ship afloat when self-doubt rears its ugly head, dealing with the copycats and the haters and the snake oil salesmen. All of this while taking care of my own private life–health issues, family conflicts, maintaining relationships. But, my experience is not unique. It’s the cost of doing business.

DRU. – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am the owner and designer of DRU., which is a jewelry company that uses symbols, icons, words, and phrases meant to empower and embolden the wearer and provides strength and solace, hope and inspiration. Designed to be worn as armor, DRU. is drawn to duality: the fragile lines separating the light and the dark and the interplay of the two. Like the hidden meanings in many of my pieces, there are also subtle details that are meant to engage one’s curiosity and wonder: colored gemstones in unexpected places and unique shapes that play with structure and architecture.

I think DRU. is known for its authenticity and edge, and it resonates with people because it is honest and at times raw. People also appreciate the irony and tongue-in-cheek humor of many of my pieces. I like pretty things, but most importantly I like things that make a person think and inspire a person to act, and that’s what I try to do with my jewelry. In an age of impulse and with our current administration of hate and ignorance, we need to think and then we need to put those thoughts to action.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I am most proud of not giving up. That really is the truth. I am also quite proud of being awarded first place in Gold by INSTORE magazine for the Nightingale Conservatory Signet, which was a collaboration with Propter Vos.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.drujewelry.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @drujewelry

Image Credit:
Alain Simic

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