Today we’d like to introduce you to Moon Cat.
Hi Moon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My timeline is a little confusing, but every step I took that seemed random led me to the exact spot I needed to be to create today. Discovering beads as a little kid and then making and selling jewelry in high school, focusing mainly on visual art and painting for the first few years after I started my business in 2009, my lifelong obsession with pretty rocks and a strong desire to help others – all of these were puzzle pieces that came together to create a really cool picture. It makes me so proud to say that now Modern Alchemy isn’t just jewelry, it’s a snapshot of an awesome, engaged community that comes together to heal each other and extend a hand to those that need it most.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was very fortunate to be able to start in my mom’s living room and learn the ropes without the pressure of paying rent or too many bills. Not everyone has the luxury of being able to do what they want and work part-time on the side and I will always be grateful for that opportunity. And for my mom, because she is awesome and I love her. Now I live in South Austin with my super supportive partner, who does a lot to make things more manageable for me as well. Every time I do an in-person event, he is by my side, so if you come to a show to meet me, you’ll likely meet both of us! Seriously, I can’t say enough how important it is to have a support system of folks around you and how grateful I am for mine. Even if you don’t have a lot of funding at first, if you have people there for you it is a lot easier to not give up when things get tough.
That being said, a crucial part of my story as well as why what I do is so special is that Modern Alchemy was created out of my need to be able to support myself on my own terms. I have really unpredictable anxiety and panic attacks, ADHD, and cope with mild autism – so traditional jobs don’t always make me feel so great! I worked retail for years and I was great at it until I started literally blacking out at work from panic attacks. A few months later, I threw myself full-time into making art. It definitely has not always been easy but I don’t think I could have made a better decision for my mental health.
My story and struggles are what made me want to dedicate my craft to healing as many people as I could and helping the rest where I can.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am definitely known as Austin’s Crystal Girl! If anyone has trouble identifying a specific stone or figuring out what it’s meant to do, they come to me. And I love it! My goal is to help as many people as possible benefit from crystal magic in some way or another. Jewelry is a way for me to express my creativity and make the healing energy that gemstones are known for accessible to more people at the same time. If not through wearing my pieces and feeling better, then through the magic of money. I set aside a percentage of every sale I make and send it over to a different charitable organization at the end of each month. I focus on groups run by BiPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ communities, especially those centering Black trans women, and I try to help where help is needed the most. Modern Alchemy is also a queer-owned business. I’m pansexual, so certain causes we supported like The Trevor Project are near and dear to my heart. In 2020 we also raised money for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, which helps some of my good friends with their health insurance! (I like to say we when I talk about the money raised because it is 100% a community effort. Without people supporting me I wouldn’t be able to support anyone else.) I also choose one month out of the year to benefit an animal shelter or rescue and in November, I always support the food pantry in my neighborhood. In the last year, we’ve raised almost $400 for 12 different organizations and I only plan for that number to keep growing all the time!
As far as my signature designs, my speciality is absolutely my crushed pyrite rings. I use a unique process and technique that makes them last for years and years and sets my pieces apart in quality from others that may look similar. Each one takes about two weeks to produce, so they are definitely a labor of love but absolutely worth it!
Every piece of jewelry that contains hammered metal also has a special backstory – I use my great grandfather’s hammer that was made in the early 1800’s. He used it at work in the oil fields in Goldfield, Nevada over 100 years ago, and then my dad used it as well while I was growing up. It gives a really unique texture to the metals I work with and it helps me feel connected to my ancestors. My dad passed away just over two years ago and was always so involved with my business. I love feeling like a little bit of them goes into everything I make, along with a little bit of me as well.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Take every chance you can. Whether it works out or doesn’t, you’re still learning.
Pricing:
- Black lava stone bracelets start at $18
- Crushed pyrite rings start at $55
- Select designs available to purchase locally at Stardust Vintage on Menchaca Rd
Contact Info:
- Email: Modernalchemytx@gmail.com
- Website: https://modernalchemy.storenvy.com/
- Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/modernalchemytx
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/modernalchemytx
Image Credits
Cover photo: Amber Canales. All other photos: Moon Cat
