Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Nicole.
Hi Danielle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My Nontle Jewelry journey started at Kentucky State University. I was headed to a formal event and couldn’t find a necklace in the color of my dress. I had found several necklaces that I liked but nothing that I needed. So, I purchased 2 of the same necklace and took 1 apart to see how it was constructed. Later I was able to go into the local crafts store and ask them for the pieces that I would need to make my own. This was the spring of 2004.
Fast forward 6 years in the fall of 2010, and Nontle Jewelry was a featured jewelry designer for Columbus Fashion Week! In 2011 I was also awarded an American Artist Award for my Sunburst Necklace. In those 6 years, my jewelry had been featured for several international magazines, I had done festivals and pop-up shops as well to get the Nontle brand noticed!
In 2017 I took a break from creating; I felt stuck and wasn’t creating multiple pieces that I absolutely loved. Then Covid hit, and my creativity was reignited! I was laid off, and I had plenty of time to get reunited with my love for creating 1 of a kind statement pieces!
Covid also gave me the time to delve deeper into my love of photography. I had been taking pictures for quite some time, but having time off really gave me that creative push!
This summer I was given the opportunity to showcase my art (photography and jewelry) at the Maroon Arts Group Box Park Gallery as the July Artist in Residence. My show Nontle Lens: The world through the eyes of Danielle Nicole opened July 1 and will close July 25.
These photos were chosen from my travels in the US as well as abroad. And I choose corresponding necklaces that I felt best represent my travels as well.
Gallery hours are Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 12-4 pm.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My lack of creative energy for a few years was a big obstacle. During that time, I didn’t feel that I was creating statement pieces that were worthy of the Nontle name. My Nontle pieces are very distinctive. They don’t look for feel like anyone else’s jewelry that I’ve seen. So, creating pieces that didn’t live up to the standard was very tough for me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am known for my statement jewelry pieces. Each piece tells a story, and no 2 pieces are the same. I’m so proud that I’ve created over 1,000 pieces of 1 of kind jewelry since 2004.
My bold designs have an ethnic feel to them. Whenever I’m wearing a piece, I feel empowered, and I’m often stopped and asked where did I get such a unique piece of jewelry.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My creativity and the people I choose to associate myself with. You can have all of the talent in the world, but if no one knows, then you will never been seen.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nontle.com
- Instagram: NontleLifestyle
- Facebook: Nontle Lifestyle
Image Credits
James Washington
