We were lucky to catch up with Valerie Taloni recently and have shared our conversation below.

Valerie, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I took my first jewelry-making class over three decades ago … it was a simple beading class, which I thoroughly enjoyed for the creativity of it. Over the next couple of decades, I took classes here and there, and enjoyed them, but none of them made me want to delve in more deeply.

About ten years ago, I became interested in the work of Miriam Haskell, a costume jewelry designer, who created jewelry in the 1920s through the 1960s. In researching Ms Haskell’s work, I came across an article written by a jewelry designer/online shop owner, whose style I admired; I connected with her and ended up taking myself to Ohio to work with her one-on-one for two days. I was so excited … I couldn’t sleep at night. That was truly the beginning of my “jewelry journey.”

I learn best by watching and then doing. Since then, I’ve taken several classes, and have worked one-on-one with a goldsmith and a polymer clay artist. I think the most essential “skill” is the desire and willingness to learn. Learning happens to be one of my passions. With a good instructor, anyone can learn a skill. The only obstacle to learning more has been myself!

Valerie, 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’m the mostly-one-woman-show behind French Ostrich. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been drawn to creating with my hands, from art class in elementary school to my first jewelry-creating venture: a beading class more than three decades ago.

Given that change is a requisite in my life, I’ve had quite a varied career including teaching, sales, working in the corporate world, and owning three different businesses. I’ve recently retired from more than a decade of ghostwriting.

Creating jewelry was a random hobby for me over the course of thirty years. Ten years ago, my jewelry worktable became my muse as I was ghostwriting nonfiction books—and it’s been my passion ever since.

I grew up in New England, though beautiful southwest Florida has been my home for the last eighteen years. I live with my husband and our two kitties, Louie and Gabi. When I’m not at my jewelry work table, I enjoy walking and working out, playing pickleball and a little golf, and tending to my tropical plants. And, I love to travel (especially to France).

Two of my life’s overarching passions are learning and change, which means that I love to mix things up. This is why I’m not the typical jewelry designer with a singular style … and this is what sets my apart from other jewelry artists, and probably the thing I’m most proud of. My collections are ever-evolving. Mixed mediums are my toy box: I’ve made jewelry with metal, clay, wire, beads of every form, acrylic, leather, resin, silicone, oodles of found objects including vintage jewelry, and more.

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

Undeniably, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing the smile on the face of my customers when they purchase one of my creations

Have you ever had to pivot?

When my husband and I moved to Florida 19 years ago, I purchased a small women’s fitness center. I grew the business, and it was ultimately voted “the best fitness center” in our small city; I was even interviewed on local public radio for the work I was doing with teenage girls.

In spite of all that success, I could never get the business to turn a profit.

Ultimately, I had to close the business. I lost over six figures and almost had a nervous breakdown.

I had pivoted from what I’d been doing before moving to Florida and took a risk, but it didn’t work out financially. After closing the business, I had to pivot again. I do love change and I love learning, so that was on my side, but it was a tough time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://frenchostrich.com/
• Instagram: @FrenchOstrich (no posts yet … I’m working on it)
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrenchOstrich