Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Damini Alspaugh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Damini, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

When I was growing up my parents both worked full time, often passing each other on the way to their jobs. They were always practical, careful with money, and encouraged me to do well in school. As I got older they made sure I had creative outlets (dance, drawing supplies, a summer theater program) but seemed to be pushing me toward academic success and a stable job in the future. When I reached my teenage years I rebelled against this.

My dad, besides working for the city, was an incredible guitar player and played weddings and events with his band on the weekends. I decided I wanted something like this for myself, and one night a huge fight erupted between the three of us. They wanted more for me than what they had, and in their experience something creative like music or art could never be more than a hobby. Fortunately, no matter what I tried, or how practical I set out to be, the artist in me always insisted on taking the reins.

My parents quickly caught on to this as I entered my 20’s, and began to encourage me in whatever I tried. This became second nature for them in my adult years. When I started my jewelry business, my mom took me shopping for some basic things she knew I would need to start, and was one of my first customers. When I started a podcast with my best friend my parents listened regularly even though it couldn’t be further from their taste in entertainment. And this past Christmas, they invested even more in my creative pursuits by gifting me some equipment that will allow me to expand my business this year.

I give them so much credit for the change in mindset they made to go from expressing fear that I would fail in a creative career, to supporting and encouraging me to do something that would make me truly happy. When they were young neither of them had encouragement from their parents to explore creative professions, so even though it took them some time to come around, they broke a cycle when they started to really believe in the creative gifts they’d passed on to their daughter.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My business, New Moon Magic Studio, came to life at a festival in Floyd, Virginia where I was working in 2019. I have always loved jewelry, clothing, and accessories as a means of self-expression, so I brought a few pairs of my handmade earrings to the festival just in case someone liked the ones I was wearing. I made my first sale on the night of the Virgo new moon during a celebration of dancing, music, and sleeping under the stars, and the name of my new business was solidified.

From then on, I set out to make lightweight, expressive pieces with intention behind them. I wanted people to find a bit of self expression in my jewelry, as well as being able to wear it all day and night while making their most magical memories. I also felt sure that I could make my jewelry affordable, while still making it hypoallergenic and durable. So far I’ve found many ways to accomplish that.

I’ve also found that creating these pieces has not only brought me joy, but getting feedback from customers has been one of the most rewarding parts. I’ve been tagged in engagement photos, wedding pictures, and birthday celebrations because my wish is coming true- people are wearing things that I created to celebrate their most memorable moments!

As fulfilling as New Moon Magic is, I learned a few years back that (for me at least) it’s a good idea to have more than one creative outlet. It helps me keep from burning out, and allows me to nurture multiple interests. When I’m not making jewelry, I’m recording, producing, and editing a weekly podcast called None of This is Real. My best friend and I research all kinds of strange topics like unexplained phenomena, misunderstood folklore, and possible hauntings. My co-host is more of a skeptic, whereas I am a little more “woo” so it makes for some lively discussions. When we started the podcast in 2018, we didn’t know what to expect, but it has become a major source of joy for us.

I’m equally proud of both of these projects. My goal with both of them has been to spread some joy and beauty in a world where it seems our worries are increasing by the day.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think society in general could be more supportive of artists and creatives by extending the same respect to us that is often extended to people in other careers. Just like my parents eventually unlearned, I think a lot of people don’t see art as a “real job,” or they see it as a pipe dream that only works out for a select few. But without creative people getting paid to be creative, we would live in a pretty bland world. Think about all of the people who make greeting cards, textiles for your home, scientific breakthroughs, sustainability solutions, funny commercials, unique clothing, everything we watch on TV, dog toys, crossword puzzles- the list goes on and on. Almost everything we use in modern society required some creative thinking.

Art isn’t just about hanging something in a gallery, it’s what gives us the ability to tap into that part of ourselves that often goes unacknowledged. In a society where we are frequently encouraged to follow a predetermined path, art is what nudges us off the path to create a new one. Being creative is not something reserved for a special few. I believe that all of us possess a creative spark, whether it’s problem solving, coming up with puns, or the ability to curate the perfect playlist.

My point is, that our society could nurture this spark so much more. Art and creativity is a necessary part of our world, and more respect for artists and creatives goes a long way toward things like funding for art programs, advancements in technology, and thriving communities.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal in my creative journey, and probably my main goal in life, is to encourage other people to be unapologetically themselves. It’s my personal philosophy that everyone passing through this life has something unique to offer the world that can’t be duplicated, and the more we can nurture it, the better off we’ll be as humans.

That’s easy to say, and not so easy to accomplish. Between family and social expectations, comparisons to others, and pressure to compete for resources, it can be downright intimidating to go out into the world without walls up, in the full expression of who you are. For many BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ people the act of self expression can present real danger.

That’s why New Moon Magic gives a percentage of each month’s sales to causes that are working to create safer, more supportive communities for everyone. In the past two years I’ve been able to set aside 10-15% of monthly sales to organizations like the Marsha P Johnson Institute, Sister Song, Beloved Asheville, and local mutual aid groups.

We live in a complex world, and I know I can’t change it by myself, but I hope that my work can make a small impact. When people wear my jewelry I hope they feel seen, and a bit more at home in themselves. When people hear the podcast I hope they laugh, and enjoy a short respite from the weight of the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: newmoonmagicstudio.com (jewelry) and noneofthisisrealpodcast.com (podcast)
• Instagram: @newmoonmagic and @noneofthisisrealpodcast
• Other: TikTok: @newmoonmagic (jewelry) and @noneofthisisrealpodcast (podcast) Etsy Shop: NewMoonMagicStudio