Category — NC

follow friday :: figs & ginger

by Ever So Lovely

I’m pretty excited to bring you this week’s Follow Friday interview because this is one of my all time favorite jewelry designers. Figs & Ginger is a eco-friendly jewelry studio located in Asheville, North Carolina and is made up of husband and wife team Rhonda and Elijah Wyman. Their darling necklaces of birds, deer and bunnies scream fairy tales and walks through the woods. I love the simplicity of each piece and the fact that Figs and Ginger uses the highest recycled content sterling available makes them that much more special. Here is what this sweet couple had to say about their company.Rhonda and Elijah Wyman – the talent behind Figs & Ginger

Where is your Figs & Ginger studio located?
Currently we are extremely spoiled & lucky. We live in Asheville, NC, one of the prettiest places around. We have a house that we completely gutted and have slowly, very, very slowly, turned into our home on the outskirts of Asheville. My lil’ home depot shed in the back yard is Figs’ Metals Studio. We also have a space downtown Asheville, it’s super adorable and has a fire place! That is where our assembly/shipping/bookkeeping/most of what we do takes place. AND until Oct. 1st Elijah and I are back in New England, where the majority of our friends and family live. We’re taking 3 months off of the studio work to design, develop new ideas, and practice with Elijah’s band, tiny mtns. So, our metals studio and main studio are in Asheville with our amazing studio manager, Caitie. And we are up North, in a beach town surrounded by friends, family, & delicious ocean air.

How did you originally get into the business of making things? Hmm, we’ve both always made things. Elijah was super into battlebots, so he made those a lot growing up. My mom was always super crafty and made us make things like ornaments or bird houses. She also let me draw on my walls and wear crazy outfits. I think being able to express myself however I wanted was the first step to making things.

Rhonda creating one of her fabulous necklaces

Did you go to art school / design college and if so where / what for:
I graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 2004 for Jewelry & Light Metals. I also studied in Florence Italy for 6 months at Alchemia School of Contemporary Jewellery. At Risd we got to use all the studios though, I was super into printmaking there and have always dreamed of having a letterpress in my house. It doesn’t even have to work, I just like them. Elijah went to school for English/Philosophy. But he got really, really sick and almost died his senior year at 21, we’d been married for 2 years at that point. He only has one spanish culture class left, but I don’t think he’ll be finishing it anytime soon. You don’t really need a degree to be a musician or a small business owner. He’s super smart, I don’t think we need more debt to tell him that. (he’s much better now, had a kidney transplant 3 years ago from a friend of ours and hasn’t had any major complications yet!)

When you first started selling your designs, did you have dreams of eventually quitting your day job?

Sure did! Quitting our day jobs was top of the list for ‘Happiest things EVER’. And we did it! 6 Months after Elijah’s transplant we moved away from everything we knew to NC and flourished more than I can say. We’ve been sooooo lucky. Most days one of us can’t help but saying… “Our life is so great.” And i think most of that comes from not having to do something we hate. Our next big dream is to not have to work quite so hard at Figs (seriously, it’s an all consuming job) and have tiny mtns make us some cash.

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time?

Well, our timing was great. We started around the same time as Etsy, you know- when getting featured on the front page lasted a week rather than 5 minutes, Baz Biz, Renegade, & Art Star, which are all huge indie names now, so we were able to kind of grow with them and the rest of the indie craft scene. There wasn’t much info on getting started, everyone just kind of winged it. I guess I started going to those shows and really watching the shoppers, it was almost a philanthropic experiment. I took (& still take) notes at every show trying to figure out why people would look at one item and not another. Or, if they went for the rings and if the first one didn’t fit they would put it back and walk away, but if the first one fit they may still put it back but would stay to look at the other goodies. That stuff really helped me understand my product and my customer.

At that point Elijah was pretty much bed ridden, and Figs was a sort of therapeutic encouragement for me. I was nannying 50+ hours a week, then working on FIgs about 20 hours a week on top of that. It was one of those ‘it had to be done’ periods as elijah wasn’t able to work for about a year. We needed to eat, and we needed to pay dr.’s bills. I don’t think Figs would have grown so fast if I didn’t feel like it simply *had* to be done. I would bring my sketchbook to work and while the baby was asleep (during my ‘break’) I would work on Figs. It was crazy, but rewarding. I can’t say we’ve slowed down even for a week since then, until this summer!

Walk us through your typical workday.

Well, our summer is very different, so I’ll give you what we normally do while in NC. We’ll usually go to bed around 1-2am, wake up around 9am get whatever metals work needs to be done- usually emptying the tumbler or doing some soldering, or blackening things. We’ll get to the downtown studio around 11-12, grab lunch at MammaCita’s (best burritos on the planet) and help Caitie with packaging/data entry and tons of assembly. We’re trying to back off on the day to day packaging and whatnot. The past 3 years we’ve been just trying to catch up and keep up with Figs, now that we have such an amazing studio manager, we’re focusing on growing Figs. We try to get shipments out by 5, and that’s usually when we head back to the house for dinner. After dinner is when work day part 2 starts (around 9pm) and I’ll head to the back yard and Elijah starts practicing/writing for tiny mtns. Then, around midnight we hang out and play cards, watch hulu, or get cuddly! Asleep around 2am.

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job?

Is there anything you miss?

I think the only things we miss would be human interaction. Sometimes it gets lonely working from home, we hardly made friends when we ran Figs out of our house/vintage trailer. Having a studio downtown has helped a little though. The other thing, I guess I don’t miss this, is being self employed. There is SO much work involved in being legit, paying yourself, paying taxes on time, paying your employee on time, bookkeeping… ugh. it’s hard, complicated, and you can actually get in trouble if you mess it up. i do miss not even knowing all that existed and just getting a paycheck. i still wouldn’t trade back.

What’s the hardest part about running your own business?

Oh, the things i listed above for sure. And the constant anxiety that no one is going to like your work tomorrow. That all your shops have moved on to the next designer, that we won’t be able to pay our health insurance and pay for the pills that keep elijah alive. those things really scare me. there isn’t really a back up plan, or at least we don’t have one, so if things just stopped working out for us i’m not sure what we would do.

Figs & Ginger’s booth at Bazaar Bizarre Boston (source)

I know you participate in summer shows.
About how many would you say you do each year?
We used to do about 2 per month, but we’re soooo tired this year! we’ve only done maybe 2 this year. we had car troubles and didn’t make it to 2 others we were supposed to do. but i think we just need a break for a summer.

What is the story behind the Figs & Ginger name?

There really isn’t a story! I was at my dads while elijah was sick at home and i told him i wanted to start a new brand via text. we just texted back and forth for a while with silly ideas and bad ideas. i wanted to call it “curtsy” but elijah said ‘no.’. it was too girly for him or something? i like ginger, and he likes figs, so we stuck with that. it’s kind of a mouthful, my next brand will be much shorter. oh yea… we’re starting a new brand!! shhhh….

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration? Well, sometimes I find it in what I think will make money and sell. That sounds bad, but it’s fun trying to design with that purpose. It’s different than designing for the fun of it, but it’s still designing. I’m a very narrative designer and have a very childlike imagination i think. so i like cute & sweet & simple & pretty things. i think finding time to just sit and think is inspirational in itself, that’s when i feel like i’m doing the best kind of designing.

Do you do all of the packaging, shipping, marketing yourself or do you have assistants helping you with the process?

We used to do everything ourselves, and it sucked. we’ve had a studio manager for about 1.5 years now part time and it’s been a huge help. We all work together and do the same things, except designing, and i feel like a happier person because of that. it was scary thinking we would have to pay someone, but we are making more money because of more productivity. so i think it’s worth it if you want to grow your brand.

Are all of your pieces one of a kind or limited edition creations?

Currently we try to stick to a production line and not do too many custom things.

How long does it take you to create one of your pieces?

We are like a mini manufacturing place now, so we do all steps in stages and can’t really time it anymore. When I used to saw everything out by hand and solder everything and file everything (ewww!) it was like… 1 hour per necklace? We’ve streamlined a ton since then though. No more bloody fingers!

You absolutely cannot go without …….

We currently can absolutely not be without CAITIE, our studio manager.

What goals do you wish to accomplish for your business in the next five years?

Hire an accountant & a lawyer right off the bat, and maybe a book keeper. I’m real real bad at all that stuff. Also, test your product on yourself or your friends for a while before trying to sell it. We’ve made bad designs that break or are too flimsy due to lack of product research.

Where are some locations you will be showing this year?

We just got into Crafty Bastard, which we love. And we’ll be doing the New York International Gift Show in a couple weeks. Hopefully we’ll be in some Holiday Craft shows too, but apps aren’t out yet.

Do you prefer coffee/tea?

19. Tea, iced.

What is your favorite type of cake or cupcake?

Red Velvet for the both of us, hands down.

Where can people find your designs?

Lots and Lots of places!
Visit our “Where to Buy” page on our website,
and our website www.FigsandGinger.com

Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

We love what we do, but we work really really really hard. It’s not easy, but it’s super fun. I think the only way to get a business going is to work as hard as you possibly can. even if you have a day job, work at your dream job like it is your day job. yup.

Thanks so much Rhonda & Elijah!

August 6, 2010 1 Comment

talented thursday :: max cohen

by Ever So Lovely

If you live in the Triangle area and have yet to find a photographer that will capture your special moment…well look no further. Max Cohen of Cohen Studios is a perfect fit for your photography needs. I love his composition, creativity and his personality isn’t too shabby either.

Max Cohen

Cohen is a graduate of the Hallmark Institute of Photography located in Turners Falls, Massachusetts and he has been working professionally in Raleigh for five years. His philosophy is that photography should be fun and every time he points his camera at a person, place or “thing”, he should reveal something that hasn’t been seen before.

A peek inside Cohen Studios located i 311 Galleries & Studios

If you would like to meet him in person, be sure to stop by his studio located inside of 311 West Martin Street Galleries and Studios. Better yet…stop by his studio on First Fridays because he is usually there and will be glad to show you his space (he has a big leather couch!). Here is a small collection of his amazing works. Enjoy!

To see more of Cohen’s works, please visit his website here and his facebook page here.

May 7, 2010 1 Comment

inspire me monday :: brooke mayo photography

by Ever So Lovely

Since I recently became engaged, my process of trying to find that perfect photographer for my wedding started and well… as we all know there are TONS of wedding photographers online to choose from. Some great, some not so great but for me, I was looking for someone that stood out from the crowd, not only professionally and personally, but artistically as well.

Josh *hearts* Jen - wedding photo by Brooke Mayo – link

In my search I came across Brooke Mayo of Brooke Mayo Photography and absolutely fell in love with her images at first glance. Her company consists of herself and Carrie Roen (her other superfabulous photographer who shot my engagement pictures ((LOVE THEM!!!)) and they shoot weddings worldwide (Carrie will be shooting mine this year! EEE!!! please note my excitement :).Not only are these two superfabulously talented ladies but they were also recently chosen as the #7 Artistic Wedding Photojournalist in the World by the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalists (pretty dang amazing if you ask me!). Oh and did I mention she’s in Jarvisburg, NC? Yep..this state is pretty lucky!

The Superfabulous Brooke Mayo – photo by Carrie Roen

Not only that but PEOPLE…if you don’t have children or that special someone and you absolutely don’t want your picture taken…HAVE HER TAKE PHOTOS OF YOUR DOGGIES! (I wouldn’t recommend cats in the pool…that might not be so cute :)

Her photos of pooches underwater are simply amazing and extremely unique from any animal photos I’ve seen! You can also purchase her book of doggie photos Diving Doggies on her website Underwater Dogs. Oh and if you think that’s cute, her photo packages have names like Loverbuns, Sassybuns, Sugarbutts…like I said…C-R-E-A-T-I-V-E :)

Fionn’s 2 Years Old - photo by Brooke Mayo – link

I had the lovely chance to interview Mrs. Mayo about her super awesome job as a photographer and this is what she had to say.

When and how did you first become interested in photography?

I was taking a nude drawing class, the lighting was gorgeous on the models only, I couldn’t draw anything but a stick figure! I wanted sooo bad to capture their beauty. The next semester I took a photography class and photographed nudes and dancers my first 3 years.

Mark *hearts* Amanda - photo by Brooke Mayo – link

How long have you been a photographer and are you currently doing this full time?
I took my first photo class when I was 20, so I’ve been a photographer for 10 years and shooting professionally for 7.

4 week old Jackson Nix - photo by Brooke Mayo – link

Did you go to school for art and if so, where?

Appalachian State University and The University of Western Sydney in AU

Tommy *hearts* Annie - photo by Brooke Mayo – link

Did you ever draw on your walls as a child?

Absolutely! That was the biggest trouble I ever got in! In highschool, I had a whole wall for spray painting, we’d have friends over and spray paint it each week

The Moore Family - photo by Brooke Mayo – link

Do you keep a sketchbook?

I’m not very good at drawing much past stick figures but I try!
I keep a journal of photos and lighting I like from magazines or billboards.

Underwater Family Portraits - photo by Brooke Mayo – link

What is your favorite time of day to photograph?

I love the late afternoon when everything is glowing, about an hour before sunset.

Gorgeous Model Shoot - photo by Brooke Mayo – link

What is a typical day like for you?

Wake up about 6, have coffee and cereal with strawberries or fruit, turn my phone on and check any missed phone calls or emails, shower, return emails, leave for my 7:30am beach shoot, finish about 8:30 or 9, return to my home studio, download cards, back them up, blog our favorites, edit the images, process the images, upload the images, check email again, go for a bike ride while the images are uploading, pack up and prepare for my evening shoot, leave about 5pm for that, return about 9pm, have dinner, go to bed.

Water Shoot - photo by Brooke Mayo – link

What was your most challenging subject to shoot?

Diving Doggies in indoor pools.

Brooke Mayo, her husband John and baby Poppy - photo by Carrie Roen – link

What is your biggest accomplishment to date?

Growing our baby girl, making a human life and becoming a mom has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. She’s helped my career by pushing me to finish my personal photo projects and has helped me be more creative.

Sarah, Matt and Baby Cooper - maternity photo by Brooke Mayo – link

My book, “Diving Doggies: A Celebration of Play Underwater” has been a huge accomplishment from coming up with the idea, seeing if it would work, learning to shoot underwater, finding the subjects, editing the images, designing the book, marketing and distribution. It’s been a huge learning process.

Heather - photo by Brooke Mayo – link

You absolutely cannot go without ________.

My phone, it allows me to stay in touch with my clients no matter what country I’m in.

Happy dog at Tim & Heather’s Wedding - photo by Brooke Mayo – link

Can you describe your process when it comes to shooting a subject?

We want them to relax and have fun, and forget we’re there as much as possible. The more you forget about us, the more natural expressions we’re able to capture. We give directions such as, “run and play, jump, pick her up” but we document who each family or couple is.

Weezy – One of Brooke’s favorite images ever
photo by Brooke Mayo – link

I absolutely love your underwater dogs photography.

How did you get into this?

Thank you! My boxer pup, Weezy, likes to float on a soccer ball in the sound and I wondered what it would look like from underwater. She would never get in the pool so I could photograph her but it gave me the idea to see what other doggies would look like underwater. Little did I know there were dogs that really DIVE! I’ve always wanted to do something that hadn’t been done before and after researching it in depth, I couldn’t find anyone who had so I “dove in.” Hee hee.

Sally- photo by Brooke Mayo – link

Are they pretty easy subjects to shoot?

No, you never know if a dog will actually dive or not. Sometimes they may dive in certain pools but maybe not the one we’re in, some like to have stairs, some like to jump off the side of the pool, some like to have an incline to walk down, it’s getting to know each dog and learning their “tricks” while you’re underwater or in the pool that’s the challenge.

Also, while you’re underwater waiting for them to dive in, you never know which direction they may be coming from. Even though their mom throws the ball from your right, they may circle the pool a couple of times before coming in from any direction. This makes the lighting really hard as well since you have no idea which direction you’ll be shooting in and how the light will be.

Dustin + Ally - photo by Brooke Mayo – link

What are some places you are scheduled to shoot to this year?

My associate, Carrie, has a wedding in Vegas, I will be in Minnesota, DC, NY and MX.

Cadence + Crocker - Boxer photo shoot by Brooke Mayo – link

What is the craziest place you ever had to shoot?

We had an amazing wedding Anguilla last May.

Underwater Ladybug - photo by Brooke Mayo – link

Who or what inspires you?

My hubby inspires me, he is always brainstorming and giving me amazing ideas that he implements for his business and helps me with ideas for mine. My doggies, they are themselves 100% of the time, they don’t care what type of photo I take, they just want to play and love life, their freedom lets me feel more open to whatever the day may bring.

The Armour Family - photo by Brooke Mayo – link

Who are some of your favorite artists / photographers?

Howard Schatz and Lois Greenfield are my two favorite photographers. They both photograph dancers and Schatz is the most amazing underwater photographer!