Today we’d like to introduce you to Mel Kasey.
Hi Mel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been a creative person and found myself making jewelry over fifteen years ago when a friend of mine introduced me to beading. It’s something I’ve come back to time and time again usually when I’m ready to come back home to myself.
During the pandemic, with gratefulness for the time and space, I gravitated back towards jewelry making for what seemed like the 100th time. But this time I tried out a new technique! I moved in with my sister and with her help started using her laser cutter. I began working with acrylic in 2020 and am in love with this medium.
Starting my business up again especially helped me connect to other makers and customers all over the world during a lonely and uncertain time. I am so thankful for the community and success I’ve found so far and I hope to continue my brand for many years to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Looking back, I have struggled to stay linear. I usually would find some success with jewelry and then I would quit making it out of fear or exhaustion from other life factors. I often think if I would have just stayed the course where my brand would be now but I’m thankful I at least have finally learned success is truly just learning to rest but not giving up. I feel eternally grateful to be able to explore this dream to the fullest now and I am really proud of myself for putting my work out there again!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in acrylic jewelry. Laser-cut acrylic jewelry is made by first designing digitally. After the 3d laser cuts and prints each design I will hand paint details and assemble each piece.
I am deeply inspired by film, music, astrology, and fashion. Most of my customers have similar interests and we bond over the fan art I create. I feel like my brand is recognizable because of the saturated colors, added gems, and embellishments, and as an ode to the 90s and y2k era in fashion.
I use my art as a way to express my emotions and certain memories. Some earring designs truly come from a deep deep place within me and I know others can relate to those feelings and experiences. It’s really incredible to alchemize the pain and beauty of life into tangible and wearable art.
I love to express and represent high femme art. In a society and world that often indoctrines femininity as a weakness, I celebrate it over and over with each design I make. I want my customers to be able to utilize my work as a way to express who they are without shame.
I noticed a lot of minimalism and neutral tone color trends in the last ten years or so that encouraged attitudes of indifference to self-expression. I’m so happy color is flooding the runways again as well as the handmade movement. I am not opposed to neutrality but for me personally, life lived colorfully brings me more joy!
I view my jewelry career as my relationship with myself. During the difficult times, I would abandon the dream of being a jewelry and fashion designer. But in the times of hope and quiet, I have always returned back to the dream. I am so proud of the commitment I’ve made this time to keep putting my work out there and stay on course to finally realize that dream, which essentially is believing and trusting I deserve to.
I am extremely fortunate to have the support I do and so many people cheering me on. I love the community of acrylic makers I’ve found online and newfound friends within my customer base. I may make my art and run my business on my own but I have never felt more connected to a community than I do now! Forever thankful for my support system!
What do you think about luck?
I do not think luck has anything to do with my jewelry career. I have feelings of gratefulness and self-awareness of privilege but it’s always been up to me to utilize every opportunity I’ve been presented with. I know in my heart it’s me making the magic!
Pricing:
- Jewelry $15- $ 50
- Home decor $40-$150
Contact Info:
- Email: melissa.s.kasey@gmail.com
- Website: www.melkasey.com
- Instagram: melkasey
