Meet Josh Maxon

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Josh Maxon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Josh, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

How did I overcome imposter syndrome? I remember that I did this, I MADE this. It doesn’t come from anywhere else but me, and if it fails ultimately I’m responsible. It’s a lot of pressure to put on myself, but it keeps me grounded in the reality that I do work hard for everything that I have & get, that it’s ok to celebrate myself & my accomplishments, and that I truly am the person I think I am.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My story starts in 2012, fixing an important necklace for a dear friend. From the very beginning its been important for me to get it right. At its core, it’s about an emotional release & making something everyone can afford. I want to help bring beauty into the world and make it accessible.
It’s cathartic for me to make, and it gives my clients something beautiful without breaking the bank. Usually that means using unconventional materials like acrylic or glass.
In 2024, I’m proud to say that my mission remains the same. Making jewelry is still just as fulfilling as it ever was. Beauty doesn’t have to be expensive.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, there are three things that I feel have most helped me:
1) I was afraid to fail, but I did it anyway. And I did fail. Over and over and over again. But I also grew. I still fail all the time, and each time I learn something new
2) Although I shoulder a lot, I am not alone. The community that I’m a part of is worldwide, there are people with a vast array of all kinds of knowledge & the way to access it is just ask.
3) When I’m feeling uninspired, it’s helpful to have multiple projects going at once. When I’m feeling burned out on one piece I just switch to another.

A helpful tip that I have to anyone just starting out in what I do is to start in copper & to not be afraid to waste wire. It can always be scrapped, melted & drawn into new material. You cannot learn if you don’t practice.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My husband, Chris, has been instrumental in all aspects of my career. He’s my biggest supporter, my biggest critic and my most trusted advisor. He’s my bookkeeper & my teacher. He’s seen me go from trying to sell $5 pendants on the sidewalk to where I am now, and has been almost solely responsible for keeping me going at times, with the exception of my Mom.
Being a full time artist is truly a dream come true, but selling it full time can be tough. Having someone in your corner, for me, has been extremely important, and I understand how lucky I am to have that in my life.

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Joshua Maxon

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