Today we’d like to introduce you to Selina King.
Hi Selina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Where I really began designing and creating jewelry was in my father’s studio as a child. He was a self-taught jeweler who I would sit with and watch for hours. All the time spent in the studio was where my creativity and love for jewelry design and making began.
After high school, I moved to New York to attend Parsons School of Design as a fashion and business marketing major. While in New York, I had various jobs in the fashion industry but none of them really felt like what I truly wanted to do.
After a long hiatus from the world of jewelry, I returned to it; taking classes and teaching myself the art of metalsmithing. Around 2012 is when I really decided to start my own jewelry line.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Running your own business is never a completely smooth road. There are definitely a lot of highs and lows involved in starting a company from the ground up.
Jewelry making has a lot of moving parts and financially it can really be a difficult industry to break into if you don’t have financial backing. Part of this process for me was taking my time and really learning the correct ways to make a finished piece of jewelry so I did not waste the financial resources that I had.
Another struggle for me breaking into the industry was finding confidence in my art and really being proud of and loving what I was creating. I really try to stay focused on creating designs that are unique and speak to me and my customers.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I began Selina King with my Classic Collection of jewelry; which is everyday statement jewelry in 14K Gold Plate and Sterling Silver.
Through this line, I was able to merge into the world of fine jewelry, making one-of-a-kind pieces with solid gold and diamonds. My one-of-a-kind work is so special to me because often I am working with heirloom gold and diamonds. Diamonds that have been in my customer’s families for decades.
Having the opportunity to repurpose something so meaningful for my clients is one of my favorite parts of running the company.
We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking?
For me, just starting my company was a huge risk.
I quit my full-time 9-5 career in order to pursue my passion. I follow the philosophy that you only live once and if you have a burning desire to do something I think you should take the risk and follow that dream.
You will never know fully until you jump in and take the risk of doing what feels right.
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@SelinaKing.com
- Website: www.SelinaKing.com
- Instagram: @SelinaKingJewelry
- Facebook: facebook.com/selinakingjewelry
Image Credits
Lynn Bagley
