We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carmen Hoffert. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carmen below.
Carmen, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Engaging in creative practice is what keeps my imagination thriving. When I dedicate time and space to exploring different forms of art without self-judgement, I open up new pathways for creativity to flourish.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At CARM.N, we craft jewelry inspired by vintage aesthetics, using natural, hand-carved gemstones and precious metals. Every collection is uniquely designed to embody charm, creativity, and individuality.
Carmen Hoffert, an artist from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, founded CARM.N as a celebration of art and jewelry. From those early beginnings, the brand was born.
“Art and design are integral to my life. Today, I wear many hats: mother, friend, partner, founder, and jewelry collector. Each role weaves its influence into the essence of CARM.N.”
As a female-founded and female-led small business, we hold a deep respect for the craft of stone setting and the artistry of working with fine materials. Each hand-carved gemstone is thoughtfully chosen, and every piece is meticulously hand-fabricated. Unlike mass production, this process ensures that every piece is crafted with care, honoring the uniqueness of both the stone and its raw materials.
CARM.N’s journey began when Carmen discovered the joy of stringing beads and gemstones as a young girl. Immersed in the vibrant colors and textures, she delighted in bringing her imagined designs to life—marking the beginning of a lifelong union between art and jewelry.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that have guided me on this journey are curiosity, generosity, and flexibility. Each one is a practice. Some days, I excel at staying curious and extending generosity to myself and others. On other days, the practice feels more challenging. In those moments, I’ve learned to embrace flexibility, allowing myself the grace to learn and grow.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to turn to my trusted friends and mentors—the people who know me best. These are individuals who have done their own inner work and can guide me with care, helping me uncover the root of my overwhelm and identify solutions that align with my values. We can’t have all the answers and asking for help from those we trust is always ok.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carm-n.com
- Instagram: @_carm.n_
- Facebook: We Are CARM.N
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