We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Corrina Hughes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Corrina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I’m currently working on a New Mexico inspired zodiac jewelry line. Earrings, bracelets, pendants. It is a tribute to my family, namely my late grandmother Natalie who just recently passed away this last December. I would share ideas with her. Plot out color palettes. I would think extensively about the original artwork I would love to create for this project. I loved having her input and encouragement. My grandmother was an incredibly generous & strong woman with a huge heart. She cared for everyone. She was also a mother figure to me. It is important to pay tribute to her because she had such an incredible impact on my life and so many others around her. This new line is also a bit of a tribute to my parents who were also artists. This is how I share my love for some of the most important people in my life. I create beautiful things to celebrate the beauty of their legacies.

Corrina, 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?

I am a native of Albuquerque, NM. My parents were talented ceramicists who made their mark in the late 80s and early 90s. I come from a long line of artists and musicians. I focus on using the highest quality materials while creating unique & carefully curated collections. My interest is in quality, not necessarily quantity. In this economy and especially since the pandemic, it is important that I keep my creations affordable and accessible to all. My goal has always been to *share* my art, not price gouge.

I came by my craft accidentally but honestly – I had a very hard time finding hypoallergenic jewelry that I could wear (I have Lupus) so I did a lot of research before settling on hypoallergenic alloys to become the backbone of my jewelry line. I would make and wear my creations. I would constantly be asked where I purchased my adornments and when I shared that I created them, people started asking if I could make the same items for them. Fast forward 6 months later (due to constant demand) and my business was born. I am now celebrating 6 years. This creative journey has truly been a dream. Even during the more hectic times, I really love my work.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I’m a firm believer in hard work & making the effort.. There are no shortcuts. My personality is very direct and matter of fact. I will also be turning 50 this year (YAY!) so I have had a lifetime to learn what I will and will not tolerate or put up with. I am highly organized and highly motivated. I set my goals and then achieve those goals. If I run into roadblocks, I’ll troubleshoot until I get the desired result. I built a small network of fellow vendors, asked a lot of questions and then set off to curate customers. On FB and IG there are a lot of bots and then there is that horrible algorithm. I’ve solved my issue of dealing with those bots by screening every single person who sends a friend request. I don’t care how tedious it sounds, I want to know I’m dealing with actual people who are interested in my brand, products and mission. When I started this brand, I never cared about a ridiculous amount of followers that led nowhere. I’d rather have 1,000 actual paying customers vs 1 million followers who do nothing except take up virtual space. Success hits a bit differently when you pour your heart, soul and creativity into your brand. Knowing your ideas and creativity are well received is the best feeling ever.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Some of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist are genuine connectivity and mutual community support. I still work with a lot of charities and organizations that provide resources, support and services for the general public. Sometimes there are no words for specific types of trauma. Art easily bridges those gaps that can be super difficult at times. It can spark discussion about hard topics. It can also be a reminder that all difficult things will pass. It can be a spark of hope. It can be a mental hug or newfound strength. In a current world where literally everything is DOOM and chaos, we seek out and hold onto the tiniest slivers of hope. We seek out light in really dark places. I also revel in my creative freedom. No apologies.

Contact Info:

• Website: kokopellidesignstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kokopellidesignstudio/
• Yelp: [email protected]

Image Credits
All images © Corrina Hughes – Kokopelli Design Studio