Today we’d like to introduce you to Peggy Li.
Peggy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been crafty with my hands for as long as I can remember. But it was when I was living and working in Los Angeles as a writer for a teen website as their pop culture and entertainment reporter that I turned my craft into a business. I loved the fashion on the “Buffy, the Vampire Slayer” TV show and did a story with the costume designer.
I also happened to be making my own jewelry at the time, and after the interview, I decided to drop a few pieces in the mail to the costume designer. A few weeks passed and then to my utter surprise, I received a phone call from the costume department asking for more pieces! Not only that, but they had given my name to a reporter from USA Today who would be calling me. The reporter asked where people could buy my jewelry and I said, “My website.” After I hung up the phone, I knew I had to build a website!
I worked on my jewelry business for many years while working full-time, and then working part-time, and finally went full-time with my jewelry business just a few years ago. My connection to Hollywood and costume designers has continued, even after I moved to San Francisco (to be closer to my family) and is a huge part of my jewelry business and because I love TV and film, it keeps me close to that fun.
Has it been a smooth road?
I struggled a lot with feeling like my business was “legit” – I grew up with parents who wanted me to be a lawyer, scientist or engineer. I rebelled and moved to Los Angeles to be a screenwriter and then lo and behold I end up starting my own business. My parents were skeptical at first but eventually became fully supportive.
Even with that support, I was embarrassed for a long time to tell people about my side hustle – I worked off my coffee table, and it just didn’t seem to be in line with what I envisioned for myself. Amazing customers and opportunities my business gave to me eventually got me over that feeling! I now love sharing that I have my own business and I always encourage others to follow their creative passions.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I have not done things the traditional way with my business – it was a side hustle for a long time, and therefore it grew slowly and organically along with what I wanted to do with it.
My style has evolved from chunky, found objects to more delicate, feminine jewelry designs, often with a touch of whimsy. I like experimenting with cold connections and deconstructing/reconstructing elements. I also like wearable, pretty things. My work is a bit eclectic because I let my interests or the materials take me where they want me to go.
I’m definitely proud that I’ve made it work despite not following traditional business routes. I’m also proud of having worked with so many amazing creatives in TV and film – it’s fun to collaborate, and helping someone else complete their vision is amazing.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I feel like jewelry and accessories are becoming more and more personal and less traditional – although there will always be a place for traditional.
People are looking for new and innovative ways to wear favorites like diamonds and pearls. I think new materials, up-cycled materials, and more sustainable fashion will HAVE to become the future. It will be exciting to see.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peggyli.com
- Email: info@peggyli.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plcpeggy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peggylicreations
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/plcpeggy
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