Today we’d like to introduce you to Catalina Restrepo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Colombia, a country with so many contrasts and influences! When I was studying my career, I wanted to learn a new hobby, so my university had a lab specialized in jewelry, I took several courses there and fell in love with melting metals! When I moved to Florida, I couldn’t keep it up as melting metals is not something you can just do on your garage, so looking to learn something as part of an active meditation, I found brick stitch or peyote, a technique claimed by many cultures, but adapted to jewelry on a very personal level where I can express myself and give life to the culture within myself. I started making earrings for myself and my friends and family, then people saw my pieces and started asking if I would sell them or how could they get them thus I created my brand, initially as a getaway of the daily routine and now out of passion and dedication.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been a process of learning, mostly a smooth road, time has been my main struggle as being a mom takes most of my free time and I make the pieces myself which are very time-consuming.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in earrings but also make any type of jewelry. When people come to me, they bring their outfit so I can make something to match, so I tend to create pieces in different colors that are unique to each person. I love to think that I create a journey between my own feelings and art expression to the heart of my customers.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Pretty jewelry tends to be very heavy, my creations are the lightest you can find, also, it goes with a basic daily outfit or adds elegance to a nightgown.
Contact Info:
- Email: catarestrepo30@gmail.com
- Instagram: @catalinarestrepohandmadejewels
Image Credits
Valerie Moreno Photography
