Today we’d like to introduce you to Amelia Mickelsen.
Hi Amelia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up very much a flower child in Dallas – I loved nature. I studied Art History and have a Master’s in Architecture. A part of architecture I did not like was waiting years for something to be built. Yet I loved the process of creating places for people. I began making jewelry while in my graduate program in part because it gave me something immediate in my hands. I use 3D printers and modeling techniques that were taught to me for architecture but work well for jewelry. The printers and programs let the work be highly ornate and sculptural. Amelia Ray Jewelry began in earnest in March 2020 thus I started online. I’ve now had customers from all over the world. As vaccinations helped open us back up, I have begun connecting with the community here in Austin, Texas. It has been great to meet with people in person and have the work go from online to brick-and-mortar.
I am drawn to the realistic and the natural. Flowers are wonderful in how complex they are. Some begin with a fractal spiral yet each petal in the rotation has its individual bend and imperfection. My work aspires to be rich like nature – something you can keep coming back to and noticing more details.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been easy because I have bootstrapped the entire business, there are times when I want to give up because it is just so much work. I work twice as hard each week because my business begins after my 9 to 5. When I have a great day for the business, it just makes me want to work that much harder.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a creative first, and design is the reason for my jewelry business. I am trained in architecture so I love all types of design and I would be happy to be creating all day. I do also enjoy the process of running the business. I like to be creative with marketing and it is a joy to see this business grow from small business online to brand in brick and mortar stores. I enjoy reaching new customers and finding new ways to drive my business forward.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mom and my partner are my biggest supporters. My mom is an avid wearing of my jewelry, and my partner has been there for me, setting up tables for popups, encouraging me to keep going, and making sure I remember to eat meals when life gets hectic.
Pricing:
- 3D printing and lost wax cast
- Solid Silver, 18k gold plate, Solid Gold
- Dainty, delicate, and whimsical
- Pricing 60-150
Contact Info:
- Email: ameliarayjewelry@gmail.com
- Website: Ameliarayjewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameliarayjewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameliarayjewelry
- Other: tiktok.com/ameliarayjewelry
Image Credits:
Grace Kim, Adam Bell
