Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Axton Tow. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Axton, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
People often think I’m a Scorpio because of my name, but actually I’m a Libra with a Scorpio in Mercury. I used to get frustrated by that, but then I thought, why not embrace that part of me with full force? It’s a unique aspect of who I am, and now I see it as a perfect reflection of the balance and depth my jewelry aims to embody.
I chose the name “Scorpio Mercury” because it reflects the deep and transformative qualities I want my jewelry to represent. Scorpio symbolizes mystery, passion, and transformation – elements that are woven into the designs I create. Mercury is the planet of communication, movement, and fluidity. This mirrors the ways I want my jewelry to serve as a medium for personal expression. The combination of these two represents both intensity and versatility, which I believe are central to my brand.
Axton, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Before starting my business I spent over a decade in the retail and food industry. I have worked many jobs, sometimes multiple at a time. But, when the pandemic hit in 2020, I got laid off from my job(s). It threw me off course and I began to think, “Is this truly what I want to keep doing with my life?”
I really spent a huge portion of my life doing things I didn’t really feel called to do. I was told to put my creativity on the back burner in order to be productive. Sound familiar?
With that free time during the pandemic I started practicing chainmaille, which lead to me working under another jeweler. Seeing another small business in action made me realize, “I can do this, too!” As a queer, trans, & very alternative person, I’ve faced the reality that finding a workplace where I feel truly accepted can be incredibly difficult. It can be exhausting to constantly navigate environments that don’t embrace who you are. In the jewelry world, I found community that welcomed me, where I could be my full, authentic self.
The work I do is not just about fashion – it’s about creating a piece of art that reflects who someone truly is. Each piece of jewelry I make is hand woven, ring by ring, with high quality materials of Stainless Steel and Brass. I design necklaces, earrings, bar collars, boot straps, and phone charms and plan to push my creative boundaries further.
I love making personal connections with my clients and most people these days are disenchanted by fast fashion industry because of the mass production and the lack of individuality. I provide pieces that allow my clients to wear something that feels personal to them. My designs are deeply inspired by mythology, videogame lore and personal empowerment. I love creating custom orders for clients, where they can bring their own stories, ideas or inspiration to life through my work. I want the people who wear my jewelry to wear it like a piece of armor – something empowering to them that they can wear for years to come.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Growing up, there was this underlying discouragement from both my family and society—a pressure to fit into a mold and suppress parts of myself that didn’t align with their expectations. Being a creative and selling my work didn’t seem like a viable path. It felt like I had to choose between following my passions and being “productive” by their standards.
But one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned through this journey is that you’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to showcase your talents and share them. There is always someone out there who will connect with what you create, and that’s a connection worth making.
For me, the turning point was realizing that pursuing my passions wasn’t just about making a living—it was about honoring myself. Being authentic and unapologetic in my craft has not only shaped my work but also allowed me to create something meaningful for myself and others. It’s a lesson I had to unlearn: that I don’t have to shrink or conform. Instead, I can build something true to who I am and know it’s enough.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Exposure, exposure, exposure
It took me some time to figure out the type of audience I wanted to connect with. I started small at a local market, and to be honest, I didn’t know exactly what I was doing. But I knew it was the first step toward getting to where I needed to be. I had no prior knowledge about markets or how they worked—I just jumped in and learned as I went.
With each market I did, I gained experience, built relationships, and made friendships I never expected. It was through these experiences that I really began to feel part of a larger community. I love talking to people, sharing my story, and hearing theirs in return. That connection has been the most valuable part of growing my audience. It’s not about just selling—it’s about being relatable, building trust, and leaving a memorable impression.
The more I shared my story and my journey, the more people seemed to resonate with it. Social media, much like in-person events, is about creating real connections. Just keep showing up, and you’ll start to see your community grow in ways you didn’t expect.
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Image Credits
scorpiomercury.htx
retrogradehtx