Q: What made you want to get into the jewelry business?
A: I’ve been drawn to artistic pursuits ever since I was a kid. Jewelry making is a very hands-on medium. When I first started designing jewelry, it was important to me to combine artistry with the idea that jewelry can be meaningful. Jewelry is a very personal medium and I love that. A favorite necklace can become a part of a woman’s daily ritual. Dogeared jewelry marks special occasions and touches the lives of so many great women. That’s powerful stuff.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
A: Anything goes! There’s a big wide world to draw inspiration from! We have a charm inscribed with the words, “I have angels” — which was spotted scrawled in chalk on a sidewalk in Paris! (I love Paris.)
Q: Who/what are your major influences?
A: Life is my major influence! Beautiful things are everywhere — people, nature, art, life experiences, travel and seeing the world shape the Dogeared brand.
Q: What is the most exciting place your jewelry has been featured?
A: It’s definitely fun to see Dogeared featured on TV, in print, and on movie stars. I love watching a movie with my daughter and spotting Dogeared, but honestly, I get just as much of a thrill seeing it on someone who is just walking down the street!
Q: We love how gift-ready these pieces are. Which design is your favorite to give?
A: It really depends on the recipient, of course. Karma is a classic on every level – it’s classically beautiful, and the message is a universal one: what goes around, comes around…our mantra!
Q: Who is the Dogeared woman?
A: Our customers are diverse, but they share some common characteristics. A Dogeared woman is soulful and optimistic. She gives her all in her relationships — she has an awareness of how everyone and everything on this planet is connected. She’s got a playful, positive spirit and goes with the flow. I’ve always said that you don’t have to live in California in order to live the California lifestyle!
Q: What sets Dogeared apart from other lines?
A: When we use phrases like “handcrafted with love” and “infused with good energy” and “made in the U.S.A.” we really and truly mean it. These aren’t marketing slogans — they come from the heart, and they are how we do business. We make everything by hand here in our southern California studio using eco-friendly materials and local vendors. And our customers respond to that. Our brand is part of a larger lifestyle that focuses on being positive in everything that you do.
Q: What are some of your favorite trends for fall?
A: Layering your look gives you a chance to play and use your imagination. It keeps things fresh. I think this works with your jewels, and your clothes too. Our pieces are simple, current and classic, so they go with everything. I am ready for fall — I love big sweaters and boots, and I can’t wait for the weather to change.
Q: What are your three must-have pieces from your collection?
A: The Karma Necklace is our top seller because it’s beautiful in both look and spirit. The Always Beautiful Moroccan Earrings are featherlight, so you’ll actually WANT to wear them all day long! They also are very visual, which is why the stylists are always using them for the big screen. And the Good Luck Elephant Necklace because I love elephants!
Shop all Dogeared here.
Which piece from the collection is your favorite?
