![\"Judi](\"https:\/\/www.uncommongoods.pro\/blog\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/JudiPowers_studiotour_22-548x822.jpg\")
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When I received the smile-from-ear-to-ear news that I would be visiting Judi Powers’<\/a> workspace for a studio tour, I didn’t even try to hold back my excitment. As the go-to person who organized the design challenges from our Brooklyn headquarters, it wasn’t every day that I was able to schmooze with our talented design challenge winners <\/a>in person. And being Judi’s number one fan girl,<\/a> I knew this studio tour would be a special one. <\/em><\/p>\n I first met Judi at one of our How To Make It<\/a> design events – not knowing that she was one of our contestants who submitted an entry into our Jewelry Design Challenge months before. I complimented the gorgeous necklace she was wearing, and that’s when she revealed to me that she actually tried to submit that same piece into one of our past Jewelry Design Challenges and didn’t make it into the semi-finalist round. I immediately knew which entry she was speaking of – a poorly lit photo that didn’t capture the beautiful craftsmanship I saw in person. I told her to submit again with better photos, and didn’t think I’d hear from her anytime soon. Less than a month later, Judi sent in another submission except this time – with much better photos. After passing through three rounds of judging and receiving samples of Judi’s work, it was apparent that the jewelry judges were in love with the handmade A Tree Grows Necklace <\/a>and crowned her our next jewelry grand prize winner<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n Since then, Judi has repeatedly told me that her jewelry career has blossomed. She’s added two more lovely designs into our assortment (including this eye-catching Ear Climber<\/a>) and has become an irreplaceable\u00a0member of the shared space studios of Brooklyn Metal Works<\/a> tucked away in the streets of Brooklyn — where she creates more of her nature-inspired pieces. Meet Judi Powers, an artist and advocate for sustainable jewelry, positive thinking, and good ol’ second chances.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Where do you find inspiration within this space?<\/strong> What are your most essential tools?<\/strong> What was the toughest lesson you learned as a young designer starting a business?<\/strong> How did you come up with the concept of your product?<\/strong> My education at a Rudolf Steiner High School<\/a> also relates to my product. It\u2019s because of the lessons I learned there about caring for our environment and our neighbors that I decided to do everything I possible to run an environmentally and socially responsible business.<\/p>\n What advice would you offer the you of 5 years ago?<\/strong> How do you set goals for yourself?<\/strong> How and when do you decide to celebrate a victory?<\/strong> What quote keeps you motivated?\u00a0What does that quote mean to you?<\/strong> Where does down time fit into a day in the studio?<\/strong> What are some new skills you are trying to acquire to perfect your craft?<\/strong>![\"Judi](\"http:\/\/www.stlouisschoolnewspaper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Fangirl-660x440.jpg\")
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\nI have two separate workspaces: my drawing table at home and my studio. I intentionally keep them separate. For me, the design process can be a really slow one so once I get to the studio I\u2019m eager to start fabricating in wax or metal. Brooklyn Metal Works is more of a place of motivation for me. I look around at all of the talent, tools, and equipment that surround me and I can\u2019t help but feel inspired to sit at my bench and be productive. Whenever I go to the studio, I\u2019m just happy and excited!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nFiles, my saw, a rawhide mallet, the blowtorch, and my flex shaft are the tools I can’t live without.\u00a0I know I\u2019ll read this later and think \u201chow did I forget to include that<\/em> tool!\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nWell, I’m a “new” designer but not a young designer. I had a 22-year career in publishing that really helped me on so many levels, mostly on those related to business. I suppose the toughest lesson I’ve learned (even though I already knew this) is that you hear dozens of nos before you hear one yes. Also, having a daily schedule is key! It’s amazing how quickly a day passes when there’s no structure in it and, at the end of that day, it’s frightening to see how much you “didn’t” accomplish.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nI thought about the special pieces of jewelry I’d received throughout my life and the memories I have around them. I wanted to create a collection that had special meaning for my customers and me. Every time I create a new design I tell a story about a special moment or place (despite a career in publishing, I never aspired to be a writer, but I do have a desire to tell stories via my jewelry). There are pieces in my collection that are inspired by my childhood in the country, travels in Asia, and my daily life in Brooklyn.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nOh, there’s so much advice I’d give! Hearing “no” is never easy: get comfortable with that discomfort. Build a network of people who are happy to help you via professional organizations and educational settings. Don’t expect to know everything in a day. Be patient and be persistent.\u00a0Stay organized. Don\u2019t judge yourself so harshly!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nThis is an ever-evolving process that I\u2019m still trying to perfect. I think about where I want to be in six months, a year, and five years from now and what I need to do get there. My goals always change but they never fail to be about the longevity of my business.<\/p>\n
\nI know this will sound clich\u00e9 but every day that I get to wake up and live my dream is a celebration. Being a professional jeweler is both my victory and my reward.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nI recently put this quote by Amelia Earhart over my desk: “The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life and the procedure, the process is its own reward.” It\u2019s really scary to walk away from a stable career in order to pursue something you love but that\u2019s completely untested and uncertain. This quote is my daily reminder to confront the paper tigers and to see the process of major change as a component of the joy that comes from having the job you never thought was possible.<\/p>\n
\nDown time usually entails chatting with my studio mates about the projects we’re working on. I’m very lucky to work in a collaborative space with so many incredibly talented people. And, I make the occasional run to Ample Hills<\/a> for an ice cream break. My father instilled a life-long love for ice cream in me and it’s both a reward and a pick me up when I’m working at the studio.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nIf there were countless hours in the day\u2014and if I were a better time manager\u2014I\u2019d take classes ALL THE TIME! I take classes where I learn new techniques, such as various forms of stone setting, and I\u2019m always working to run a better business. Investing in learning both practical jewelry skills as well as business skills is really key to running a healthy business.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n