We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Megan Rivkin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Megan below.
Megan, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
As a jewelry designer, I am almost always making gifts for my clients to give to someone special. Sometimes it’s a present to help remember the recently deceased. I’ve incorporated their handwriting on numerous pieces; usually their signature or a special saying. Whether I knew them or not, it’s an emotional experience for me. There is so much life and personality in someone’s handwriting. By tracing their pen strokes, it lets me connect with them. I think about who they were, their life, the people in their life, and how they will be missed. The whole experience is extremely gratifying. Even though it’s just jewelry, my work will make someone smile.
Megan, 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 have always considered myself creative and crafty, but it wasn’t until college that I started working in jewelry. I attended Tyler School of Art and majored in Metals. Alongside the traditional jewelry benchwork, they taught 3D computer designing (CAD-CAM). After college, I started working on Philadelphia’s Jeweler’s Row as a CAD jewelry designer. A few years later, I started my own business, Mosette Jewelry Design, which specializes in custom jewelry. Besides designing engagement rings, I help clients redesign their old jewelry. Instead of letting them sit in a jewelry box, I can take any diamonds or gemstones from dated or broken jewelry and design jewelry around it. I even reuse or recycle the gold. Sentimental and resourceful!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The biggest thing that held me back (and I see with so many other budding small businesses) is the fear of rejection. You will never sell your work unless you try. I remember when I first started my business, I was so nervous about what other people would think and if I was doing it right that I became paralyzed and my business couldn’t grow because I wasn’t letting it. I think in order to be successful as a business, you need to take risks and put yourself out there and rejection is a part of that.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is getting to do what I love for a living. As the saying goes, “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.” So True. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to grow my business all while enjoying it. Not only do I love designing and working with jewelry, but I absolutely love meeting with clients and getting to know them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mosettejewelry.com
- Instagram: mosettejewelry
- Facebook: Mosette Jewelry Design
Image Credits
Lindsey Rachel Photography