This summer while staying with one of my friends in Columbus, Ohio I got to experience many different things about the city of which I never knew. I heard that the food was good, although I wouldn’t have imagined that Bon Vie and Press Grill would become two of my favorite restaurants on the planet. Bon Vie particularly for the truffle fries and cocktails. And I was taken many places. One being the Community Festival, or “ComFest,” and it was a lot of what I had been told it was going to be by my friends. I didn’t expect all of the great jewelry and awesome German food. One jewelry tent stood out to me the most, so much that I ended up going crazy for five minutes purchasing almost everything I saw. For those who know me, they know this is unusual because I don’t really like jewelry nor do I ever wear it. Clothes, shoes and bags have always been the priority for me. I always felt like a big chunky necklace is just a cover up for a so-so outfit, and that it takes away the natural beauty of the person in the clothes and the clothing itself. Like a costume instead of pret-a-porter. I’ve just never been a fan, because I want to wear the clothes, not have them wear me. I feel like jewelry should be there to compliment someones skin or facial features, and that’s really hard to do (and probably sounds really strange). So when I found Red Giraffe Designs, I got very excited to be out of my comfort zone and into a new, shinier zone. I love that this jewelry is moveable, that you can personalize it and look down and be reminded of the important things in life, that it’s completely affordable, and matches all of my stuff and myself. I found Kate Steven’s designs and I knew I had to talk to her and thank her for inspiring me to wear a little more than just my watch everyday. Her jewelry is extremely wearable, and below is the interview I had with her and the pictures from the shoot taken by my friend Christine LaClair. Hopefully you will be inspired to wear it too!
Where does the name Red Giraffe Designs come from?
This is by far the question I get asked the most by my customers! It basically comes down to my favorite color is red and my favorite animal is a giraffe. When I was in college, one of my school projects was to come up with a business plan for some type of retail business. The name of my company for that project was The Red Giraffe. When I started my real business I found that the name The Red Giraffe was taken so I changed it to Red Giraffe Designs (RGD for short).
Tell me a little bit about yourself?! What do you do for a living (other than making jewelry?) about things you like, where are you from, how old are you?
I am 29 years old. I am originally from Pickerington, Ohio, but now I live in Columbus with my husband Jeff and two dogs, Max and Molly. When I first started RGD I was working for a small wholesale company. After a few years of working both jobs it just became too much and I knew that if I wanted to grow my business I was going to have to put 100% of my time into that. I started working for myself at RGD fulltime about a year and a half ago and it was the best decision I could have made. When I am not making jewelry or doing something RGD related (rare!) I usually like to spend my time with my friends and family. I play in a volleyball league with friends and my husband and I are trying to improve our golf skills. However, I usually prefer spending my time at home with my dogs and husband watching Netflix.
How long have you been making jewelry?
I started making jewelry about 6 years ago right after I graduated from college. Making jewelry was never something I thought I would end up doing as a career, but I have always loved making things and being creative. It was one of those things where I starting playing around with some pliers, wire, and beads and I just fell in love with it. I started experimenting with other jewelry techniques and eventually started selling at craft shows and then in stores and online. I’m still learning new techniques and methods all the time. I get bored easily so I like to change it up and try new things.
What are your future plans for your company?
I am currently working from my home so my biggest plan is to move into a studio in the near future. It’ll be great to have some place to actually go to work. I’m also hoping it will help keep me a little more organized and my house a little more clean!
Where is your jewelry sold?
My jewelry is currently sold in about 40 stores throughout 8 different states. Some of the stores in Columbus include: Bink Davies at Easton & in the Short North, Celebrate Local, Wholly Craft, Simply Vague at Tuttle & Polaris, Devoted on OSU campus, Kifle Shoe Boutique, the Franklin Park Conservatory Gift Shop, The Library Store at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, and the Boutique Truck.
What materials do you use/how do you make it? Are they customizable?
Since my items are so diverse, I use a wide range of materials. Various beads, metals, wire, hammers, drills, etc… When I’m creating something new, I usually start off with somewhat of an idea in my head and as I start using my materials the idea usually transforms into something a little different than my original plan. I’m a very visual person so I love seeing something start to form and then adjust as I go. Some pieces are customizable. I sometimes will even customize a piece for a customer at one of my craft shows. For example, if they wish the chain was slightly shorter or longer I will customize it to their preference. I also make custom pieces for people all the time whether it’s for a bridal party or a gift for someone. I love working with customers and hearing their original idea and then creating it for them.
What do you like most about jewelry/your jewelry?
I love that jewelry can really change the entire look of an outfit. You can throw on a basic shirt and jeans but then layer on a few bracelets and necklaces and your look is no longer basic but interesting. What I like most about my jewelry is that there is something for everyone while still staying true to my style and aesthetic. Many of my customers buy jewelry to give as a gift to someone. I love when a guy sneaks back to my booth to buy the pair of earrings his girlfriend was admiring earlier and he wants to surprise her. Or the guy who purchased a locket from me so he could propose with it. Things like that make this job so fun. It’s just cool to know that I had a small part in such a special moment for someone.
What would you say your style is like?
I would say my style is a little vintage whimsy with a classic modern edge. It really varies piece to piece depending on the mood I’m in. If you look at my collection of work it ranges from dainty and minimalist to bold statement pieces. I love trying new things and methods of making jewelry so my style is constantly evolving.
I am wearing a vintage poison ring and “man in the moon” ring that are not Red Giraffe Designs as well as my watch which is Movado. These are from my personal collection to show how easy it is to pair Kate’s designs with other pieces!
You can purchase the jewelry I am wearing designed by Kate here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RedGiraffeDesigns?ref=s2-header-avatar
Bootsie 