Etsy Interview with Cool Jouels Handmade Jewelry and Accessories

Cool Jouels Handmade Jewelry & Accessories was created by entrepreneur Epiphany Xavier. Presently, I reside in Powell River, British Columbia, Canada but I do consider myself to be a bit of a peripatetic nomad having lived in so many places in the past 24 years. I have offered my skills and played many different roles throughout my journey some having reached a higher level of success than others. I have always had a sensitive spot for beauty so my current role as a jewellery designer allows me to channel my creative energy, find my limits of potential within myself and define my view of beauty through my jewelry.

How and when did you start making jewelry and your other items?

Designing jewellery came to me on a whim about a year ago. It was something that was completely out of my realm. I had never consciously engaged in creating something that was a sense of myself into something beautiful and eloquent. I decided to step into the unknown viewing this as a way to expand my energy so that I could become closer to my inner being. I allowed this universal energy that we all possess to flow through me. By opening myself up and tuning into my emotional energy I was able to feel the emotions, be present with them and let them guide me in my jewellery designs. Sharing myself through my creations continues to be a positive experience that brings much joy to both myself and my clientele. Today, my preferred media for Cool Jouels Handmade Jewelry are: copper, brass, bronze, Swarovski, Chinese Crystals, Semi-Precious Gemstones, Czech Picasso Beads, fused boro glass and various other glass beads but that could change any day.

When and how did you originally find Etsy?

I was drawn to Etsy a few years ago. Every time I had searched the internet for unique, handmade gifts it returned results that led me to Etsy. I immediately fell in love with it.

What is unique about Etsy and what about the website do you like the most in regards to your shop?

Everyone wants something beautiful, one of a kind and personal to them - Etsy offers this. It unites buyers and sellers who are searching for the same expression of quality. Having my shop Cool Jouels Handmade Jewelry & Accessories in the heart of this distinguished community is quite momentous because I fully acknowledge its value to me as an artisan. Etsy allows Cool Joules to exhibit its treasures and provides greater exposure for my adornments. Etsy sets the ambiance and provides the seller with the tools they require to turn their labour of love into a business venture. Etsy is also a valuable resource for supplies and inspiration. I could spend hours on Etsy viewing what others have to share with the world. So much creativity and Etsy is a great place to showcase it.

What inspires you the most in regards to your creations?

Like many, nature is a major influence. Everywhere you look, big and small there is beauty. You can see the same thing everyday but when you tap into your emotions and feel them the canvas constantly changes. Without emotionally feeling the subject it will remain the same. So for me I would have to say my primary inspirations are imagination and feeling. As I evolve - my designs intensify. Throughout this creative flow I am able to infuse each original piece with universal love and light. The energy stored in the jewelry is transferred to the new owner who passes this along to everyone they interact with.

What is your favorite piece you've created and why?

I have so many pieces that I have bonded with so it is difficult to prize one and not the others. I think a favorite piece to me is one that draws something undiscovered from within. These are the designs that I take great joy in and are usually the first to sell. There is a feeling about them that is left open to an ever changing interpretation and appreciation for them. I know for myself that what I saw the day before looks completely different in the wake of a new day and I hope this proves true for my clients as well. So in short, a favorite piece is something I feel my clients will never get bored of or stop loving.

What do you want to accomplish with your online shop?

Cool Jouels does not operate from a traditional brick and mortar store which set limits on the evolution of any company. As an entrepreneur I realize that I need to implement a method to broaden my audience. I am confident that the online approach is advantageous to what is required. The exposure received through an online shop affords me more time to focus on jewelry design. If I continue the undertaking of physically having to go out to procure representatives and clients this takes away from my design time so the online store has proven favorable.

Do you have any new creations in the works? If so, what can shoppers expect to see from you soon?

New creations are always on the horizon. Where the mind goes the energy flows... so it is hard to say what to expect because I myself have no expectations. I do know that my future designs will evolve into something much more labyrinth and mystical. Emanating more emotion and feeling. Acquiring and adopting metalsmithing skills for Cool Jouels Handmade Jewelry is also in the works. As my skills progress the designs will too.

Where can readers find out about more information regarding your jewelry and other creations and possible special offers (including additional websites, facebook...)?

Cool Jouels Handmade Jewelry & Accessories Etsy shop.

Cool Jouels has launched a new website - it will be completed within the next few weeks. I have recently set up a Facebook page and a Facebook Group that showcases My Etsy and alerts members to new products and specials.