Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Tourgeman
Hi Kelly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Wow, life is messy. Violet Tiger, formerly known as Messy Jewelry, came out of nowhere, just like my diagnosis in Fall 2013 of MS (Multiple Sclerosis). During my recovery, which is a daily practice and completely unpredictable, I began to create jewelry. Well, the story is a bit longer than that. My then six-year-old son was taking a jewelry-making class and he came home with amazing stuff AND he would not let me wear any of it! So, I said “Fine, I can make my own!”
During what I call my first generation period, creating jewelry became addictive and helpful when I needed to downtime to recover from fatigue (a major debilitating symptom of MS and most autoimmune diseases), or I could not feel the tips of my fingers and the tops of my hands (darn it hands, you are working!), and/or my brain was foggy (better mental exercise than Wordle).
Second generation began when people started complimenting me on the jewelry I was wearing, and one day, my friend suggested I make jewelry, sell, and donate a portion of the proceeds to MS and Autoimmune Disease research. The name Messy Jewelry came about as a rift on MS and the fact that I can be the most impatient, hyperactive, un-crafty person–essentially messy!
In the almost 11 years of being in business not only have I grown as a “creative,” and businesswoman, so has the brand. The Violet Tiger tagline is “VT, your online destination to discover exotic & elegant jewelry for the enlightened bohemian.” Many of the key words here, form my life ethos which is to travel to any exotic place, be it my backyard, DTLA or Sayulita, Mexico! Fill yourself with the new, life is always inspiring. And lastly, enlighten and evolve–I
could choose to be “stuck” in one place, but stagnation isn’t my thing. OK, do I sound like a boho hippie?
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
What started as a hobby, became a full-fledged business, and that alone has presented challenges. But fortunately, this is not my first rodeo. I worked in retail during my high school and college years, and then ran a successful Pilates studio for many years (which was featured in this magazine!). Nowadays so much business is conducted online, so I had to adapt as it is not face to face, and I love talking and meeting people. But I have tried to keep the shopping experience personal and personable. I like to tell stories about the jewelry I sell, perhaps, about the gemstone qualities, or the history of a vintage piece. I want my customers to feel as if they are shopping at a unique foreign bazaar, and that they just discovered a one of a kind jewelry souvenir.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I keep going back to evolution. A few years ago I wanted to incorporate more “metals” and chains into my jewelry designs. Somehow, likely at 3am when the best ideas happen, I thought, “Why buy brand new chains and charms? When I can find antique and vintage pieces to incorporate into my creations?” These thoughts are reflected in my newest collections. I repurpose everything from pendants, to chains, even fabric. I am proud to say I am saving a bit of history and more “junk” from landfills.
And my latest collection is all about beach, surf and sand! I am a born and raised Angeleno, and like to say I got my sun damage at Malibu’s 3rd point. And I will continue to do as I will be selling “live” at the Malibu Farmer’s Market Vintage, Art & Brunch starting October 13, 2024, and then every first Sunday of the month thereafter.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Well, maybe you have read about gemstone properties and powers? I was a bit of a skeptic, but yes, the power is real. There are days when I gravitate toward a certain gemstone, and it was just what I needed! Some stones have the power to mellow you out, and yes, that is when it can take me two hours to hand-knot a 108-bead gemstone mala. There is a real positive mental and physical benefit of working with gems and of course with your hands!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.violettigershop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violettigershop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violettigershop
Image Credits
Modeling photos credited to Erika Bierman Photography.
Jewelry display photos credited to Violet Tiger.
