March 28, 2011

People You Should Know: Shayla Cox

I strongly believe that we were all born with talents; every single one of us has some sort of special gift, whether we realize it or not. Some people are fortunate enough to recognize their gifts early on in life while others won’t discover their callings until later. However, when we discovered our gifts/will discover our gifts is not what is most important; what is important is what we chose to do with those gifts once we recognize them. World renowned writer Maya Angelou once said; “I believe talent is like electricity. We don't understand electricity. We use it.” So how will you use your gifts? Will you take your talent of writing poetry to an open mic night and perform in front of a crowd or keep your gift hidden between the pages of your journal? Will you use your beautiful voice to touch the hearts of many or will you save your songs for the shower? Will you display your photographic genius to the world or will you just keep those images hidden away in a file on your computer? You were given your talents for a reason; they are meant to be embraced and cultivated not shunned and neglected. Embracing your talents wholeheartedly takes dedication, hard work, and often times even courage. That is why I have so much respect for those who are able to discover their calling, take their talents, and to turn them into something beautiful, tangible, and fruitful. It is this attitude of entrepreneurship coupled with a love for one's work that allows one to create something bigger than oneself. I feel that Shayla Cox exemplifies this entrepreneurial attitude which will undoubtedly destine her for success. Shayla Cox is a Brookyln, NY based jewelry designer & creator whose self titled jewelry line is nothing short of incredible.


How long have you been making jewelry? What initially got you interested?
 My initial interest came from a documentary on Beatrice Wood. She was a part of the DADA art movement, but then later became known for her pottery. I felt really connected to her and her work. The opportunity to learn this skill presented itself and I learned to throw on a wheel (yes, like in Ghost..lol) creating pottery/vessels, as well as experimenting with free form shapes. I have always had a thing for statement necklaces and about a year ago I decided to fuse those interests.


Do you make all your pieces by hand? How long does it take to complete one piece?
 I do create every piece by hand. As far as the time it takes...it's a process. I like to say 3-4 weeks to be safe. Anything can happen to a piece during the process, and I try not to get too attached to anything until it is completely done!


Are you currently in school or have you graduated? What is/was your major?
 I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology and majored in International Fashion Merchandising.


Do you feel that the major you chose prepared you for owning and running your own business?  
At first, I questioned if I went into the appropriate major because upon graduation and for a few years afterwards I always felt too "creative" for my corporate roles. However, they were great learning experiences and now that I have a collection of my own I definitely feel as though I have a better understanding of every level of the business.


Is your jewelry making a full time job for you or do you have another job as well?  
Shayla Cox Ceramic Jewelry is my focus and receives the majority of my attention, but I freelance/consult as well.


What inspires your designs?  
I observe and absorb everything I see. The outcome of my work can be very tribal; I do love to collect images of peoples from around the world. There is so much beauty, say in a village that has little contact with the Western world. I also have a love for the fusion modern/old world architecture and interior design. And lastly, with my experience in Visual Styling/Merchandising I am constantly scanning someone's look for negative space...wondering what I could put in the space to take it to the next visual level.


 What is the biggest lesson you have learned from your journey as a jewelry designer? 
So far, I have definitely had to learn to trust in a team, and know that I can't do EVERYTHING by myself (as an only child it's my natural inclination). For New York Fashion Week, my team and I did a presentation everyday at Lincoln Center...I couldn't have done it without them. It was a lot of work, but it was a success and I am forever grateful to them.


 If you could give someone a quote to live by, what would it be?
 "Everything you can imagine is real." -Pablo Picasso...I try to live by this everyday.


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Make sure you watch these videos of Shayla’s jewelry presentations which took place during Fashion Week.



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I am so taken by the unique shapes and captivating colors in Shayla’s jewelry, it is all so effortlessly beautiful. These statement pieces will definitely add something special to any outfit. I also greatly admire the initiative Shayla took in creating her own platform to display her jewelry during Fashion Week. It is that type of tenacity and passion that turns dreams into realities. Thank you so much Shayla, you’ve got that good good!

Make sure you check out the Shayla Cox Jewelry website by clicking (here).

46 comments:

  1. Yemi U.3/28/2011

    Wow, this is some really beautiful stuff! And very encouraging words from you :) Great post all around, I really enjoyed this interview!!

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  2. These are some gorgeous pieces!!

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  3. Her pieces are so unique, I absolutely love them!

    x chelsea

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  4. these are beautiful pieces, perfect for someone like me that loves to stand out

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  5. Very well written post. Her jewelry is amazing!! I can't believe she makes it all by hand, that is so incredible.

    I love finding out about new people through this blog, always so informative! Keep it up.

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  6. Anonymous3/28/2011

    I LOVE STATEMENT NECKLACES! These are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen! Shayla Cox is amazing!!!!!!!!!! This was actually a very inspirational post, I love what you said abt everyone being born with a talent.

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  7. I love the opening paragraph to this interview. Well said and very true. Great post.

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  8. STUNNING STATEMENT PIECES! I love these necklaces! I need one NOW! Nekiah

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  9. Amazing post!!!Love your blog!
    http://chiccastyle.blogspot.com/

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  10. Hi, thanks for your nice comment! Great interview, I love the jewelery!

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  11. Damn. I love your view on fashion! Very creative post x

    Following!

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  12. What a great feature on this talented jeweler. I love the strong statement pieces, both organic and impactful, gorgeous really.

    Thank you for visting and commenting my blog by the way. I'd like to say Hello! -Bella Q
    the Citizen Rosebud

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  13. What beautiful, bold pieces! I love the first two :)

    hearts, laura ♥

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  14. Really great interview, I am in awe of this jewelry!

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  15. WOW I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. Her stuff is fing outrageous in the best possbile way. I love it. the 3 girls in flowing skirts and STATEMENT NECKLACES are just breathtaking. I am in awe. I am going to that site now. Thanks so much!

    xoxo Monroe

    Fashion Steele NYC

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  16. Interesting jewellery! Love those freaky shorts or pants, wow! And those maxi skirt also gave me goosebumps!!!

    http://myfashioninsider.blogspot.com/

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  17. Gorgeous jewelry! Great post..

    http://kouturekisses.blogspot.com

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  18. Thanks for dropping by my blog. :)

    Shayla's jewellery is indeed very interesting and special. Love her work.


    xoxo,
    Addie
    The Cat Hag

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  19. Thank you all for the feedback! I'm so glad you guys enjoyed the post :) Shayla's jewelry is truly amazing!

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  20. Anonymous3/28/2011

    what a fabulous feature! all of these pieces are stunning :)
    xx

    http://charlesbgoode.blogspot.com

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  21. Wonderful pieces of pure art. Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you will stay.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  22. her designs are soo unique. sturdy yet delicate. so amazing. thanks for your comment dear x

    http://opinionslave.blogspot.com

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  23. Anonymous3/29/2011

    I love the accessories!!! And the chains that have selected are amazing!!!

    Although if you want to go unnoticed is difficult to take!! xD


    XOXO


    http://angyemiller.blogspot.com/

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  24. she makes such lovely jewelry!!! But i get the moral of the story...indeed what shall i do with my TALENT?

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  25. love the jewellery

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  26. Anonymous3/29/2011

    Oh that first paragraph resonates deeply. I'ts so true. Talent is like electricity. The hardest part is when to decide to pursue that talent as a career. I'm glad I could get to know the artist behind the talent. Thanks for this post!


    Also, What an awesome blog. The layout is phenom! <3 and thanks for taking the time to comment on mine.

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  27. I really enjoyed that first paragraph.......GREAT INSPIRATION ;]

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  28. These are definitely stand-out pieces. Love them! I also love the clothes featured.

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  29. Beyond Stunning :)

    Love, Vanilla

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  30. Great quote and love the post!!

    Thanks for visiting my blog and your comment! It just happens that I have a blog update with the similar topic today, so come check it out :) mine's very short tho.

    http://newshoesnewself.blogspot.com/2011/03/are-you-ready-to-take-chance.html

    M from TOKYO

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  31. This is some amazing jewelry! I LOVE it. Awesome post!



    Quench Fab

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  32. The jewelry is very architectural and sleek. Very nice post!!

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  33. These pieces are very original. I bet you could recognize them anywhere. True That for your writeup

    Adiya

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  34. So awesome! I totally agree with you, I think that God gifted each of us with a unique talent, we just have to figure out what that talent is. Her jewelry is so awesome, it's like you can wear it, hang it up on the wall, or use it as a statement piece in your living room! Fantastic!

    -Kris

    http://thekrisbliss.blogspot.com

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  35. She has talent, drive and skills she is definitly going places!!!!

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  36. Thank you all so much for commenting!

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  37. love it!!! she's very talented, these are amazing pieces!!

    thanks for you comment:)))
    http://imjustmefashionblog.blogspot.com

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  38. Amazing Pieces!

    & GREAT BLOG!!!

    C.A
    www.AgeOfAnAquarius.com

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  39. Anonymous4/26/2011

    This jewelry is gorgeous, she is so talented!

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  40. We all have items that we hold dear. Others love expensive things like that of cars and watches while others feel fulfillment as they wear their lovely jewelry for others to see. Ceramic, gold, diamond, platinum as well as silver jewelry are truly a sight to behold - they add appeal and command attention. Thank you for presenting such lovely photos as they are truly inspiring.

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  41. wow......awesome article.love those pictures.thank you for this article.

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  42. Jabada5/16/2013

    Nice creation. Your creation really different from others jewelry. Definitely everyone will like your creation. You are right we all born with talents.

    Watch Faces

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