DR: How long have you had your shop, Mindful Design?
GS: After a non-planned, health induced retirement as a Financial Advisor and District Manager from American Express 9 years ago, I started making jewelry as a hobby. It evolved into a more serious passion for design, which I did for friends and family. It was after repeated suggestions and encouragement that I opened the shop June 2011.
DR: What do you look for in a piece for your shop?
GS: Ideas for pieces come to me everywhere, everyday, sometimes nonstop. Did I say it was a passion, or obsession? While some of my designs are what I consider the “normal” marketable piece, some are not. Some are, well, unique. I am particularly drawn to vintage (old), used, broken, leftover, and discarded materials. Not sure how it happens but a vision simply appears, almost like the piece is speaking to me, revealing it’s ultimate beauty.
DR: What inspires you to do what you do?
GS: Taking something that may be deemed useless and converting it into something desirable inspires me. Initially I did not make the connection that my love of utilizing discarded materials was related to my desire to help discarded animals. It just is. We have been fortunate over the years to adopt several rescued pets, and, currently have two brother cats and a female chi weenie. These precious creatures are worth everything to us. But to someone, they were considered worthless. Mindfuldesign is my way of helping other animals in need. It’s purpose is to generate money that is donated to local shelters. My small way of giving back.
DR: What are your plans for the future?
GS: My entire life has been about setting and achieving goals. Now, it’s about doing what feels right in the moment. The mystery of not knowing what tomorrow may bring, to me, is freeing. Like a T.V. show, you’ll simply need to stay tuned to find out what happens next. All I can say is Mindfuldesign provides me great satisfaction.
DR: Which piece is your favorite from your collection and why?
GS: The one piece I’m continually drawn to is the one I call “Blue Ribbon Winner”. It started from one simple vintage brooch in the shape of a ribbon with blue rhinestones. Then one thing led to another and voila, a real “Winner”. This piece represents all of the elements I eluded to earlier, vintage, used, broken, leftover and discarded converted into desirable.
Can you do a post on New Years Dresses/outfits? I can't seem to find the perfect one and I love your style!
i love this:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/84802874/purple-haze-sea-shell-and-fringe-choker
xoxo
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The pearl earrings in the brass cage is great!
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Thank you Devon for drawing attention to Mindfuldesign. We are so happy to be featured in your magnificent fashion blog. Your ideas and styling are refreshing and makes it easy for those of us needing a little fashion direction. Gail Smith, Owner and creator, http://www.mindfuldesignbygail.com
Love the simplicity of the "Swarovski Fuschia" necklace – would look great with a dress OR a blouse!
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Such an amazing outfit, love the pants, the stripes, the boots, the Raybans…such a cool look!
Happy Weekend,
xo Cara
http://www.afashionloveaffair.com
The jewelry is gorgeous! Love that you did an interview, it's always interesting to learn about how designers began.
I like the Reinvented goldtone necklace. Great giveaway!
marylane[at]stylish3[dot]com
very cute, I love the pop of contrast your necklace adds!
Girl in the Poodle Shoes
What a great giveaway. Already following on GFC. [email protected]
That sweater coat = AMAZING! You look so cute, and love the necklaces 🙂
Annie
The Other Side of Gray
you look adorable! love the comfy outfit!
http://ieatyogurtforbreakfast.blogspot.com/
so glad I stumbled across your blog! Love your style!
love love love love your blog! came across it from gal meets glam. such great style lady!!
http://pinkiesandbracelets.blogspot.com/
OOOH I love that coat, girl. And your hair looks gorgeous! xx