Meet Nick of weare.Stellar in Sherman Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My endeavor into metal and stone began with a lapidary class at a local Gem and Mineral club. I had always been into stones and the thought of transforming rough/raw materials into beautiful gems, combined with the mystery of never knowing what was truly “in there” had me absolutely hooked from the first class. It wasn’t long after that first class that I acquired lapidary equipment of my own and began piecing together metalsmithing tools. I made pieces of jewelry for myself and my friends at first. Slowly, more and more folks were hip to what I was doing, and as they say, “The rest is history.” What started as a hobby, ok… maybe an obsession, developed organically into what my business is today.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not smooth at all. Haha. I’m sure any artist or creative person would say the same. I tell myself every day, “If it were easy, everyone would do it.” There are many struggles trying to run a small business. I tend to do things the hard way in life, and this endeavor is no different. The methods I use are very traditional, and I handle everything myself. This is my choice of course; I like being in control of each part of the process. That being said, it is very difficult to build a small business, with competitive pricing, in today’s marketplace, while doing just about anything “traditionally.” I think the hardest part for me is this; If you want to support me/my art, I want to make that a reality for both of us! I’m absolutely blessed to have found something I am so passionate about and to be able to make a living off of it absolutely blows me away. I just want to give it all away ya know? If you want to support it, I want you to be able to! But I have to make a living too… that’s the hardest part.

Please tell us about We Are Stellar.
I am the one man band that is We Are Stellar. I specialize in custom, one of a kind, hand fabricated, jewelry. Each piece starts with raw materials. I roll out my own sheet and wire from either gold or silver ingots, I source & cut the rough stone materials I use from ethical miners & dealers, and I fabricate everything in-house. I also offer personalized hand engraving. Hand engraving is yet another way for me to personalize or add embellishments to a piece that truly separates it from the rest. It has taken me years to acquire the skills and be proficient at each of them, so I can have full control over each and every aspect of the creative process. Not many folks do things this way, but it is something I take pride in, and I truly believe it is what sets me apart from the rest.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Cliche no doubt, but I wouldn’t change a thing. The lessons I have learned along the way, are exactly what makes me, and my business, what it is today.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]

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