Meet Justina Gonzales

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Justina Gonzales. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Justina, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

From a young age I have stood out. I sang, and danced when others stood quietly. I spoke louder, laughed bigger and drew attention. As in many cases this also drew people who have wished to make me smaller over the years. Through trial and error I have continued to find my peace and my identity. Those who enjoy my loud laugh and bold steps choose to walk with me and to them I am eternally grateful.

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

I currently work during the day as a mental health professional and a graduate student in process to be a therapist one day but in my free time I have always searched for unique creative outlets. One of which brought me to creating my jewelry and quickly finding a niche within oddities, jewelry and creativity.

I currently make jewelry with real poisonous spiders, insects, bones, teeth and florals. I spend time tediously pinning and color enhancing tiny spiders for my jewelry pieces. This year I worked my first festival a Nosferatu themed two day event in Austin Texas and it was a wonderful experience. In August of this year I will be vending at World Of Oddities expo in Austin Texas and I am incredibly excited for that opportunity to do something of larger scale and size.

To me, the most unique and special thing about my jewelry is that every piece is one of a kind. There are no two identical spiders and no two identical pieces I have made. Each with its own tiny imperfections.

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?

I think in light of some of the other points I have made, there will always be someone or someone’s who don’t like your art, are not proud of your success, or just want you to fail.

I have learned to be proud of myself for every piece I create.
I have learned I am my own biggest critic and I now know that the feeling of success is intrinsic at times.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

I think one challenge I face is the constant pull to go different directions in my life. I want to expand and explore my hobby and love for jewelry but I am also a wife, step-mom, dog mom and full time employee somewhere else and at times all of this can just be overwhelming. Although I continue to find solace and a safe space creating my jewelry and art.

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