Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Michele.
Valerie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, my great grandma had a playroom with all of her jewels which I would spend hours layering on and creating new looks. I was always fascinated that a strand of beads could make such a statement. When I was 13, I made my first “real” piece of jewelry for my grandma’s birthday. My mom took me to a bead store and we spent a few hundred dollars on the stones and supplies in hopes I would be able to create something as I had never really tried to make jewelry before. After that day, I had completely fallen for the craft. As I grew older, I would find ways to get into bead shows and jewelry conventions so I could uncover all their goodies. It was like a treasure hunt, I always wanted to find the most bold and daring pieces.
My love for jewelry was carried through to my love for fashion, which leads me to school in the fashion industry. After finishing school, I went off and played around in the real world which unfortunately took me away from fashion for a little bit. Luckily that absence didn’t last long and I was back to my roots of creating jewelry, which I had been away from since high school. Fast forward a few years and Valerie Michele Design was finally born, a true reflection of who I am.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My biggest challenge so far has been the timing of it all. I have many obstacles in my life that sometimes slow down my design path, but fortunately it doesn’t keep me down for long.
Please tell us about Valerie Michele Design.
I have always desired more unique and special pieces to fill my jewelry collection. When I began wearing my own creations out, strangers would ask where they could purchase my jewelry. After receiving many inquires about my designs I decided to start up my own small business out of my home in Southern California. In my current collection, you’ll find all your bohemian necessities to antique brass creations. Everything designed to complement your wardrobe and make a daring statement. I believe that one’s true expression should be bold, extraordinary, and one of a kind.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wish I would have gone to school for jewelry design rather than fashion design. I feel it can be such an intricate art form and being self-taught leaves me in the dark a bit when it comes to new techniques.
Contact Info:
- Website: Valeriemicheledesign.com
- Email: valeriemicheledesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: ValerieMicheleDesign
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