Holiday Vendor Spotlight: Donuts are my favorite circles
I am an artist originally from Nova Scotia, based in Tiohti:áke * Montreal and I make handmade, unique jewelry that looks good enough to eat.
What inspired you to start a business? A branch broke off of the cherry tree in my yard and I wanted to honor the wood by creating something out of it. It is a project that keeps me connected to my grandfather, who was a woodworker. It also brought me joy during the pandemic to create these whimsical, wearable, little items. I guess in a way, I was making earrings in hopes of being able to have somewhere to wear such a thing again.
How did you come up with your business name? Honestly...it was something a four-year-old said. I just thought it was the cutest, most clever string of words, because just like my jewelry; it is an earful. Furthermore, it's true and I have always had an obsession with circles, being the most efficient shape. I love the way I can stretch and squash them to create 3D form and movement in paintings, how universal they are and they are simply just lovely to look at, in all their many forms.
What is your favorite thing that you make and why? Oof. I love all my pieces. If I had to choose it would be the donut earrings because that is where it all started and carving them is a really fun time.
Tell us about the progress you've made since you first started I am very new, so actually, my first online sale will be through the Montréal makers Market, Dec 10 - 12 online. I will also be in a December pop-up shop with @ndgartistspopups too. I just started a Kofi site today: https://ko-fi.com/donutsaremyfavouritecircles and I am active on Instagram. I have been doing commissions for the upcoming holiday season and I am now working on a logo design. I'm a one-woman show; I make, wear, shoot, retouch and design all of my content.
Describe your creative process I start with the piece of wood and an idea, always with circles and donuts on the brain, but essentially, the wood will tell me what it wants to be; which circle is it this time? Maybe I plan an avocado, but then it tells me "I'm a coconut". Every piece is different, so I let the natural shape and beauty of the material guide my inspiration and hands.
What is the best part of being an entrepreneur? Making things I love. Working from home and spending more time with my dog, two cats, chinchilla, and tortoise. Drawing inspiration from other artists. Receiving happy and positive feedback, from people who love what I make. I'm a freelance artist too, so this fits in nicely with all of my other artistic pursuits.
What is the hardest part of running your own business? Keeping inventory away from my dog because he thinks it's very delicious.
What are your business goals for the future? I'd like to do monthly batch drops of jewelry that sell out immediately.
Who is your biggest inspiration right now? I follow many indigenous beadwork artists online ( @lisabeading, @waawaatebeads @shinyravenclub @cedar.kew.creations @creeture_feature @blueskymomma @porcupinekunik to name a few ) and they inspire me every day with their creativity, words, lessons, and absolutely stunning work. Those little beads are some of the best circles out there, I'm absolutely obsessed.
What will you make next? I have many things I have on my list, but the very next thing to be completed will be a pair of mangosteen slices. Such a beautiful and strange fruit. Mushrooms are definitely in my near future too.
Describe how we can encourage your career growth. Of course, the easiest one is to follow me. Also, visit the pop-ups, the online MM market, check out not just my stuff, but all the other very talented, local artists. Try as much as possible to buy local, support your neighbors, and always remember; Jeff Bezos has enough money.