We recently connected with Mica Bones and have shared our conversation below.
Mica, 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?
Simply by liking who I am. Being happy with the life I’ve created. I actually have felt like an outsider or the “only one in a room” quite often… probably my whole life. In elementary school I was a minority being Mexican American. I felt looked down on a left out quite often. By the time I reached high school I had developed a hard exterior… I didn’t want to fit in anymore. I wanted to be left alone and maybe a bit feared so I developed a very punk aesthetic and attitude. As an adult I got married and had children very young and again I felt looked down on. I also got heavily tattooed early on and coming from a smaller community i definitely get looks and have had unnecessary comments. The jewelry I create now is definitely not for everyone. It’s an extension of me. I market it as “badass jewelry, for badass babes”. And I still get comments… I’ve heard “it’s not what I would wear” or “funky little jewelry”… but it doesn’t bother me. I want my jewelry to go to who it belongs to. I hope that it brings its wearer a bit of boldness.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a jewelry designer and metal smith. I have been silver smithing for over 8 years, electroforming for a few years and making beaded jewelry for over 2 decades. It started out as a hobby many years ago and then grew into my full time job. I love being able to create beautiful works of art with my hands and I love even more when people want to wear them! For the past few years I’ve been specializing in doing custom jewelry. Creating something specifically for my client is a magical process. I love creating special talismans to commemorate certain times in their lives. Things they can wear to bring comfort or a bit of boldness; whatever it is that they need.
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 one of my top priorities when it comes to my business is kindness. I really try to always remain kind, helpful and honest with my clients whether it’s online or in person.
Next comes quality. I make everything by hand and nothing I create is perfect in my eyes but I really strive to make it as close to perfect as I can with these two hands. I like to take my time. I like to make sure each piece is durable and beautiful. If I wouldn’t wear it; I wouldn’t sell it.
And lastly, I think in order to keep growing it’s important to keep learning. If possible take classes in your field or keep experimenting and growing your skills.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is a patient person who loves, respects and collects art. I love when people seek me out because they love what I create and they’re willing to let me take my time to create a perfect piece for them and they are fine with paying a decent price because they understand that art and time is valuable.
Contact Info:
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
