Nikole Sarvay

Nikole Sarvay Designs (website)

Circa 2006

What made you start working in your craft? Was it a dream? Was it an accident? Was it payment on a bet?
For a long time, I've been searching for some sort of artistic outlet that "fit" with me. I've played with words quite a bit, taken a few pottery classes, and thought about learning more about photography. I even made some jewelry of my own before I really had any idea of what I was doing. For my brother's wedding, I twisted some stones and wire to come up with a necklace that worked with my bridesmaid dress. I got a lot of compliments on it. Those people were probably just being nice, but I decided to take a beading class. I picked up a few basics, and over the years, I've read books and bought tools and experimented with them to teach myself some new things. I really enjoy working with my hands, and there's a certain satisfaction in taking some basic components and making them into something lovely.

The more I played with stones and metal, the more I loved them. In 2005 and 2005, I experienced some major life-altering events. I started working with a life-coach. I quit my full-time job. I did some freelance writing and worked in an acupuncture clinic. But really, all I wanted to do was make jewelry. My head was overflowing with ideas of pretty things to make, and I literally could not pull myself away from my work table. I started selling my jewelry online and at local markets. I have never stopped being amazed and completely grateful that people pay me money for things that I make and allow me to pursue my love full-time. I'm fortunate to have been able to follow my passion and swan-dive straight into my dream, and I thank my lucky stars each and every day.

Where do you work? What does your fantasy work space look like?
I work in an extra bedroom of our house that has been converted into my studio. I have a fantastic work table from IKEA that allows me to sit or stand, depending on how I'm feeling. I have dozens of drawers and bowls filled with beautiful bits of stone and overflowing with chain and wire and lots of other things I tell myself I'll get around to using eventually. Over the past year, I've started to expand my use of tools. Unfortunately, I haven't come up with a very good system for organizing all of my new treasures so there are lots of things scattered all around. I'm desperately in need of one of those organizing gurus to come in work their magic.

My ideal workspace would be much larger with several large wooden work tables. It would be bright and have a lot of windows, and maybe even a skylight or two. I like sunshine. And it would have really excellent ventilation. There would be a nice, large place to work and a really organized station to wrap and pack up all of the orders that I send out VIA the USPS. AND all of the metal-smithing tools I've been dreaming of would magically be there, just like that.

We all have vending horror stories but has anything really really GOOD ever happened to you?
Amazingly enough, I don't have any horror stories. I've been fortunate to meet some really fantastic people while selling my jewelry. As an introvert, I never thought I'd say this, but I really enjoy talking to my customers and learning more about them. I think people who support handmade arts are generally pretty wonderful, and I'm deeply grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to do what I love. And connecting with other local artists and crafters has been a wonderful gift. I've met some truly remarkable people.

If you had to pick a superhero spokesman for Nikole Sarvay Designs who would it be and why?
When I hear the word "superhero," I immediately think of Andrea Scher, a rockin' gal out in California who creates her own line of Superhero Jewlery, takes stunning photographs, and coaches people to follow their wildest dreams. Andrea's motto is "You are your very own superhero." And really, folks, I think she's on to something. She's convinced me that I do have my very own special powers. And I like that. It makes me think that I can continue to have the life of my dreams.

But if you want to go all traditional, I'd have to say Wonder Woman. I mean, she does have bulletproof bracelets, magic lasso, and Amazonian training. And she's part of the Justice League. I think she could seriously take care of business. It's a tough world out there.

Working on your craft can be a solitary and sometimes lonely venture. What keeps you company?
My ipod. And our puppy, Rilo. But also meeting and connecting with other fantastic artists and craftswomen in the Richmond area. There is so much energy, excitement, experience, and support available in the local crafting community. I'm especially honored to be a part of the Craft Mafia, because these women totally rock.

We all have dreams of money – but what would you do if you had the TIME?
I'd expand our vegetable garden. And become a life coach. And finish the stacks and stacks of books in our house that are waiting to be explored.

Crafting beverage of choice?
Red wine. And seltzer water. But not in the same glass.

What is the one craft tool you can not live without?
I'd have to say my hammer and anvil, because really, you can't have one without the other.