We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Mamammadova. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.

Nicole, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Naming a brand like Flesh & Soul was not an easy task—it needed to represent the essence of what I create. As humans, we are made of two things: flesh, our physical form, and soul, the dreams, emotions, and energy that define who we are. Jewelry, for me, isn’t just about decoration. It enhances the body, but it can also symbolize empowerment, self-expression, and identity. At Flesh & Soul, the goal is to create pieces that speak to both the flesh and the soul.

Each design is carefully crafted, from the natural stones to the sterling silver, with the intention of creating something that not only adorns the body but also resonates with a deeper meaning. The name Flesh & Soul also carries echoes of biblical and spiritual concepts, reflecting the ancient idea that the physical and the spiritual are intertwined. It’s about the balance between our earthly existence and the unseen forces that shape us. This resonates with me as I draw from mythology and symbolism in my work.

The name was also inspired by reading They’re Made Out of Meat by Terry Bisson many years ago. The story aligned with my thoughts about our “meat costume” and the duality of our physical and spiritual existence. The idea is to create something that speaks to both your physical presence and the unseen parts of yourself, something that connects with who you are on multiple levels.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve carried storytelling from acting into the jewelry business because stories resonate with everyone. Jewelry can tell a story for you, especially when it’s rich in symbolism and mythology. I usually create based on what I feel in the moment, letting the designs speak for themselves and inviting others to find their own meaning within them. Each piece becomes a part of the wearer’s narrative, connecting to personal experiences and emotions. I create pieces that carry memories for you, treasures to be kept for years and even passed down to future generations.
As a woman, I faced oppression from a young age, and I believe that’s something I’ve carried into my art—it’s my way of protesting. Sometimes, my designs can be provocative, but the goal is always liberation, helping the wearer feel empowered and connected to their own strength.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I sell primarily on Etsy, which has been great for traffic and for how it allows artists to maintain their individuality. The platform gives me the freedom to focus on creating while reaching a broad audience of people who appreciate unique, handcrafted work.

However, the downside is that selling on a platform can feel like renting a space rather than owning it. You’re always dependent on the platform’s policies and changes, which can impact how you do business. While I also explore selling through my own website, Etsy remains a key part of my strategy for now.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

I design all of my products here in Los Angeles, but they are produced in Istanbul. Finding the right manufacturer has been one of the most crucial and challenging parts of the business. It’s not as simple as just picking someone—there’s a lot of trial and error, and you can end up going down a rabbit hole to find the right partner. It took time to find someone who understood my vision and could deliver the level of craftsmanship I expect.

Over time, I’ve learned that communication and trust are key when working with manufacturers. You need to make sure they not only have the technical skills but also share your commitment to quality. It’s definitely not easy, but once you find the right fit, it makes all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fleshnsoul.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flesh_soul
• Other: Etsy Shop: http://fleshandsoul.etsy.com/

Image Credits

LUX Produksiyon