The series LOOK WHO MADE IT is designated to create a space where I introduce and interview creative minds that I admire. People that work in the creative field, as Makers and Doers.
If you’d like to be featured or know somebody I should introduce, please let me know. You can write me here or on any social media channel.
I found Alexandra Pauly on Dawanda as I was looking for presents and I found actually an interview with her and loved her picture so much (yeah for plants!) that I had to contact her. She seems to be just the person that I saw: motivated, quirky and just that little bit crazy that every creative needs. I guess she found a fan in me and as soon as you read about her inspiring story of studying to be a dental technician to having her own TV show about DIY and now being a jewelry designer, you probably fall in love with her as well. But read for yourself:
1 | You work as jewelry designers: what drove you to do so?
That’s a long story. Actually I studied dentistry. After my exam and very tiring studies, I decided to put everything on one card and went to become an editor for german television. I was lucky enough to get my own little DIY-Show in the so called “RTL Mittagsmagazin Punkt 12”. This was the perfect basis to finally listen to my heart: Working creatively is what truly makes me happy and theres no chance to not even try to be successfully with this.
2 | How are you working creatively? Tell me more about your working process.
My working process is very chaotic. Everyone who ever saw my desk will agree. Brushes, colors, abrasive paper – all mixed together. I use these items whenever I am in the mood for them. Of course this is not always very productive: Not every new piece I create is going to be a bestseller but working creatively means to be okay with failing.
3 | Where do you get inspiration for the shapes and products?
Unfortunately the best ideas come to me when I already lay in bed. Then I have to get up and sketch or write things down. But I often get inspiration on flee markets or while watching my environment.
4 | You have an education as dental technician. How did you become a jewelry designer with your own shop
I always loved to work with my hands. I guess that’s one of the reasons why I decided to study dentistry. I totally missed the point that working in medical environments means following steps precisely. There`s nearly no room for creativity. But working with forceps and different kind of materials helped a lot with doing jewelry design.
5 | What do you love the most about your creative business and owning your own shop?
I am sharing my studio with a photographer, his name is Robert Strehler. We didn’t know each other before this project. Now we are pretty good friends and I benefit so much from his influence and learned a lot about photography along the way. I think this is one of the smartest and luckiest decisions I´ve ever made. But also the fact that I`m able to chose each day what to do or not to do. That’s priceless to me!
6 | What were the first steps you took to be where you are today?
One of my best friends pushed me to design some first pieces. We went to an exhibition and it was kind of frightening because I wasn’t so sure about what people would say and if they would like it. But the feedback was amazing and so I opened a shop on Dawanda to see if there were even more customers out there. And…yeahhh…there were many 😉
7 | Could you give some practical advice to someone who’s just starting out or considering changing career and/or become a jewelry designer?
My advice is : If you really want this, try it! Theres no bigger disgrace then having a dream and not living it. I am very thankfully that my family and friends always supported and motivated me. But: Not every creative person is meant to be self- employed. If you can’t handle the pressure of not knowing how much money you will have for the next weeks or you are aiming for a 9 to 5 job : don’t waste your time. Being honest with yourself is absolutely indispensable.
8 | Were there any hardships that you had to overcome? How did you manage to do so?
Well, not yet. Thank god!
9 | With what did (do) you struggle the most?
I think my biggest problem is my claim for perfection. I hate to say that, but it totally restricts me from time to time.
10 | What’s next? Any plans for new projects?
Definitely. I would love to enlarge my range of products and develop a brand that is not only known for pretty jewelry but for clear and cool design aesthetic.
If you like the pieces of Alexandra as much as I do, you can order them online in her shop or follow her on Instagram.
Now. Carry on!
All pictures cc by Alexandra Pauly
