Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Higginson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been an artist. I was painting and drawing since I could talk, made models, pottery, and clothes throughout K-12. Whenever anybody asked what I wanted to do when I grew up, I would say art. My family thought it was cute that I wanted to be an artist but encouraged me to do something that would make good money. I knew from the beginning that I would not be able to live a fulfilling life unless I had time to do art and express myself through that on a regular basis.
My interest in jewelry started by making beaded necklaces with my grandma when I was a kid. She had been collecting beads and making unique jewelry for decades and that is what inspired me to start doing it on my own.
I struggled in high school to fit in and be successful despite my abilities because of social anxiety and depression. I realized that I had the opportunity to just get a GED and figure out what I wanted to do with my life and how to best take care of myself before I became an adult and had the pressure of bills and responsibilities.
After starting college, I took a class on silversmithing and I realized that making jewelry was a feasible way to achieve my dreams of being an artist and still make a living doing it. At 18, I started Silver Age Jewelry.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road. Narrowing down my style of jewelry when I want to make everything has been a little challenging but very interesting as well. Finding the money to buy tools and supplies is another issue I have faced, but I would rather invest in my business and my future and not have spending money than invest my time working for somebody else’s success.
Even though I have the support of a lot of my family and friends, some people in my life were not supportive of my dream of opening a successful handmade jewelry business. They told me that my chances of making a living from making and selling my art were not good enough and I should give up and just keep it as a hobby. Right after getting my business license, I almost gave up and went into welding instead. I fell into a depression having lost my vision for my life until later meeting some friends that were supportive. Starting a small business is by no means easy, but having something to work on for myself that contributes to something larger than myself is what makes my life worth living and allows me the freedom to take care of my mental health and do what I love.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make custom jewelry for festival lovers and people not afraid to express themselves. Many of my pieces are statement pieces and are unlike anything you’ll find on Amazon or resellers at farmers’ markets. I push the boundaries of what’s possible on hybrid wire wrapped and soldered pieces using sterling silver and stones like moonstone and opal.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I would not be where I am today without the help of my friends and family. My grandma for inspiring me to make jewelry, my mom, and my mentor, Asia Dutson of Asia Raine Designs. They taught me many valuable lessons about making jewelry and running a business as well as contributing resources to make everything happen. I am very grateful to be able to do what I do and have support and am very excited to see what kinds of jewelry I will make 10, 20, and 30 years in the future as I am only 19 and just starting my career as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: silveragejewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silveragejewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SilverAgeJewelryByAlexis/
Image Credits
Tyson Kennemer
Stephanie Panos
