Jennterviews: Julie Powell-Mulkey, Jewelry Maker/Designer

“Jennterviews” is an ongoing interview series in which I (via my Wacky Wordsmith/Virtual Housekeeper/Human Glitter Bomb, Stacey) interview the fascinating artists and creative industry figures that I work with. In this installment, we feature Julie Powell-Mulkey, Jewelry Maker/Designer. You can check her out on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

How did you get into your field?

By accident actually. I needed a gift for a friend's birthday and I had some beading wire and some loose beads lying around, so I made a bracelet and a pair of matching earrings. She loved them so much that I decided to see how a business would work out and see if I had what it took to try and make a success out of it. Time will tell on that score. What inspires you creatively?

I find inspiration in all sorts of places: Pinterest, nature, Instagram, fractal images, etc... I make custom orders, so I usually take the customer's (sometimes) nebulous wants and couple them with my artistic vision and let the design flow. What is your favorite thing about your work?

The creation and designing of each item, whether it comes from the customer's design or it's my own, I enjoy every step of the process. I even enjoy the rework or redesign of the first try if it doesn't work out correctly. What is your least favorite thing about your work?

My least favorite thing about my work is when a design I've done countless times isn't working the way it should. It's supremely frustrating and I don't deal with frustration well. What do you wish people understood about your work?

The pricing. The handmade jewelry designer/creator can't compete with the mass-produced cheap jewelry coming out of China. Most people expect the prices of that stuff and handmade jewelry to be comparable to each other. That just isn't possible, especially if the designer/creator is just starting out in the industry.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

It's early for me yet, but my highlight so far has been working with Jennifer Sullivan-Cassidy and designing and making the jeweled hair combs and pins for her brides, and then hearing from her that her brides like them and wore them on their special day. What is the biggest mistake you've made in your career?

Again, it's early yet, so I'm sure I'll make bigger mistakes yet, but so far my biggest mistake has been pricing. When I first started out, I was using an incorrect formula to price my completed items so, in turn, my first couple of events were a little disappointing to say the least. What advice do you have for someone entering your field?

Promote, Promote, Promote!! No one is going to do this for you. If you want to be a success in the jewelry making industry you have to get your name out there. You also need to stand behind, beside, below and in front of your products. Offer warranties, replacements and free repair for a period of time. What do you look for in a makeup artist?

I look for several things in a makeup artist. First and foremost I look for a makeup artist that is gentle. No one likes a rough hand when it comes to their face. Second, I look for understanding in a makeup artist. Sometimes blemishes come up unexpectedly, especially if you're a female. No one likes it when those blemishes are pointed out. Third, I look for banter and conversation in a makeup artist. I don't care for silence, so I like to fill it with lively conversation. Fourth, I look for dependability in a makeup artist. I'm not very good at applying makeup and even worse when it comes to styling my hair, so if I'm in need of a makeup artist and hairstylist, I really want them to be there when I need them. What one personal care item would you be most lost without?

Primer/Concealer. I think that's self explanatory. In your opinion, what is the worst trend in recent memory?

The worst trend in recent memory is the resurgence of the 80's fashions. C'mon people, it was bad enough the first time around and I was a child in the 80's. White chocolate: Sweet treat or a lie and an abomination?

Sweet treat!! Definitely! I love the Hershey's Hugs!! Oh, and the Cookies 'n' Cream Bars!!! Anything else you'd like readers to know?

I just want to tell a little of my experience with working with Jennifer Sullivan-Cassidy. [Here we go again. I swear this series isn’t an elaborate ruse to fish for testimonials.] She knows what she wants and knows how to go about getting it. She's challenging to work with, but it's the good kind of challenge. It's the kind of challenging that pushes your boundaries and gets you out of your comfort zone by pushing your creative boundaries as well. She's fun and engaging and makes a great partner in business. [Thanks, Julie!]

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