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

Vivi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

From a young age, my path to a creative and artistic profession was illuminated by my innate talent. Growing up in Taiwan within a family of architects, my artistic aptitude was evident early on. During my elementary and middle school years, I entered my drawings into various competitions and earned numerous awards and prizes. It was during this period that I discovered my deep interest and talent for art. At the age of 15, I earned a coveted spot in one of my country’s most prestigious art schools, setting the stage for a journey marked by creativity and craftsmanship.

Trained originally as a painter and sculptor, my evolution into jewelry making was a natural progression. My approach to jewelry is nothing short of artistic; each piece I create is a testament to my background in fine arts and jewelry design. My jewelry isn’t just an accessory; it’s wearable art. Vibrant colors and distinctive designs set my work apart, reflecting my intuitive understanding of color, texture, and form.

The unique charm of my creations lies in my ability to transform ordinary objects into one-of-a-kind treasures. My popular Frozen Time collection, featuring layers of colored resin and recycled watch parts, exemplifies this artistry. The Candy, Color, and Composition collections incorporate unconventional materials like seashells, glass marbles, and cake-decorating sprinkles. In each piece, intricate details come together to create not just jewelry but an experience of texture, movement, and pure delight.

As the founder and Studio Director of Vivi Sun Jewelry, I bring my artistic vision to life, overseeing the design and production processes. My customers play an active role in shaping my collections, with some even having pieces named after them, such as the Sun Storm series. My commitment to my craft is evident, not just in the beauty of my jewelry but in the joy it brings to those who wear it. From my early days in art school to my establishment of Vivi Sun Jewelry in 2007, my artistic journey has been a rich tapestry of creativity and craftsmanship.

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

I’m Vivi Sun, the creative mind behind Vivi Sun Jewelry. My artistic journey commenced in Taiwan, where I spent my formative years in a family of architects. Recognizing my artistic flair early on, I secured a coveted spot in one of the country’s premier art schools at just 15. This early exposure set the foundation for a lifelong exploration of creativity and craftsmanship.

During my college years, I would create small jewelry pieces, such as ear studs and small rings, bringing them to friends’ gatherings to sell. It marked the very first step in starting my own business. After being a model maker for a few years, I realized my true passion was to design and make my jewelry. With my dear husband’s support, I quit my job and started working full-time self-employed. I began attending small community craft fairs and participating in events of all sizes to gain experience. After a year of exploring the market and the craft business, I had a better understanding and started participating in art fairs, handmade craft markets, street events, and holiday markets.

As the Studio Director, I oversee the design and production processes, ensuring each piece reflects my artistic vision. My customers actively shape my collections, with some having pieces named after them, like the Sun Storm series. What sets Vivi Sun Jewelry apart is the commitment to crafting one-of-a-kind treasures beyond being accessories—they are experiences of beauty and joy.

I take immense pride in the uniqueness of my creations and the joy they bring to those who wear them. Since establishing Vivi Sun Jewelry in 2007, I’ve been on a continuous quest for artistic expression and meaningful craftsmanship. From my early days in art school to the founding of my studio, my journey has been a rich tapestry of creativity and dedication.

In 2024, celebrating my 17th year in business, I have developed a good number of loyal customers and established a well-known NYC-based handcrafted jewelry business. What sets Vivi Sun Jewelry apart is the commitment to crafting one-of-a-kind treasures that go beyond being accessories—they are experiences of beauty and joy. I take immense pride in the uniqueness of my creations and the joy they bring to those who wear them. Since establishing Vivi Sun Jewelry in 2007, I’ve been on a continuous quest for artistic expression and meaningful craftsmanship. From my early days in art school to the founding of my studio, my journey has been a rich tapestry of creativity and dedication.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that each piece from Vivi Sun Jewelry is a wearable work of art crafted with passion and precision. My commitment to providing distinctive, high-quality jewelry is unwavering, and I invite everyone to explore the world of Vivi Sun Jewelry—a world where art meets adornment in the most enchanting way.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I feel incredibly blessed to have been selected to participate in the premier holiday market in New York City since 2010. The holiday season attracts millions of tourists from around the world, and it’s an honor to see customers appreciate my work and take a piece of it back to their homes. While I may not physically visit all the countries my customers come from, my jewelry becomes a traveler, reaching places on my behalf.

Being part of this prestigious holiday market has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey as an artist. It’s a joy to share my creations with people from diverse corners of the globe, and the thought that my pieces become cherished souvenirs in homes far and wide fills me with immense gratitude. Each sale is not just a transaction but a connection, bridging gaps and bringing a piece of my art into the lives of individuals across continents.

Moreover, as I reflect on my 17 years in business, I’m proud to have developed a community of loyal customers. It’s fulfilling to know that my handcrafted jewelry has found its way into the hearts of individuals, becoming a meaningful part of their lives. This enduring connection is what makes being an artist truly rewarding—it’s about creating something that resonates, transcending geographical boundaries and becoming a cherished memory for someone, even if I may never meet them in person.

In essence, the most rewarding aspect for me is the ability of my art to transcend borders and cultures, fostering connections and leaving a lasting impression in the hearts and homes of those who appreciate it.

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

In the contemporary landscape, internet shopping has firmly established itself as the mainstream method of making purchases. Post-pandemic, there has been an exponential rise in unbridled overseas shopping. The concern lies in the rampant acquisition of low-quality, mass-produced art and crafts from outside the US, solely driven by the allure of lower prices. This trend deeply worries me, as it not only affects the handmade craft community but also has far-reaching implications for the overall economy of the country.

It is paramount to educate customers about the substantial impact that this shift in consumer behavior can have. Purchasing mass-produced items from overseas, often of inferior quality, not only undercuts the artisans and creatives within the US but also detrimentally affects the economic health of the nation as a whole. The key lies in fostering awareness among consumers regarding the broader consequences of their choices.

Moreover, there’s a need for a collective effort to highlight the value of supporting local artists and creators. By choosing to invest in handmade, locally crafted products, consumers actively contribute to the sustenance of the creative ecosystem within the US. This, in turn, bolsters the economy, fosters job creation, and maintains the cultural richness that arises from a thriving creative community.

In essence, the role of society in supporting artists and creatives is pivotal. Through education and conscious consumer choices, we can collectively create an environment where creativity is not only appreciated but also economically and culturally significant. This transformation begins with recognizing the broader implications of our shopping habits and actively choosing to support the vibrant creative tapestry within our own borders.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vivisunjewelry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivisunjewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivisunjewelry
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ViviSunJewelry
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vivisunjewelry