"They’re supposed to be noticed. They're noticeable."
That’s the intent of Chicago jewelry designer, Nicole James. She’s offering a young, fresh perspective on the art of jewelry, melding trends with antique detail.
Nicole designs for, who else, herself. She describes her pieces as "not subtle, but loud."
"They are for people like me; young women that are progressive, but girlie girls at the same time," she said.
Nicole’s company, appropriately named Nicole James Jewelry, specializes in necklaces and earrings. Her pieces are big, elaborate, and fashion-forward. Her look comes from a unique combination of her materials; brass chains, sizable charms, and filigree (delicate, lacelike ornamental openwork composed of intertwined wire threads of gold or silver).
Nicole James Jewelry officially began in July 2006, but Nicole had been selling previous to that.
"I am self-taught," said Nicole. "I was always experimenting, researching other local designers, and searching for suppliers in my free time."
Her first attempt to sell to a boutique (Breathe on Halsted, which has since closed), was an immediate success. From her initial meeting with the owner, Nicole had her pieces in the boutique shortly after.
She also scored a trunk show at the boutique, which helped her get off the ground with her business. Since then she’s had a few home shows, and expanded into some other boutiques.
Although she’s in the early stages of her business, Nicole has big plans for Nicole James Jewelry.
"I want to expand more locally, then statewide, then nationally," she said. "I also want to have a set timeline for new collection releases, creating around 40 pieces for each one."
Nicole still works a day-job at an architectural firm and creates her jewelry in her free time.
"My boss provides a very supportive environment for moving forward with my fashion career," said Nicole. "He knows that I want to go into jewelry full-time in the near future. Because he’s supportive, I’m able to develop my own line more easily while keeping my current job too."
As seen in Nicole’s situation, it’s important to have your friends, family, and in this case, employers on your side. These people are your first investors and are often known as a fashion designer’s first 'bank.'
"To make big strides, you need start-up capital. You need something to pull from in order to start off right," said Nicole (who received start-up capital from her parents).
Nicole said she’s still in the process of working out her finances. And in my opinion this is an ongoing battle for designers, especially in the early stages. I say take Nicole’s advice and turn to someone you can trust, and who can offer you start-up capital for your business. The informality of borrowing from someone you know will help you ease into the process and give you the practice you’ll need to borrow from a formal institution.
For more help on raising capital, check out the Stitches Fashion Program’s financing section of its Fashion First Steps packet.
Nicole James Jewelry can be found at Pistol Bazaar in West Town, Alexandra in Hinsdale, and Kentucky Spree in Louisville. Prices range from $40 - $70 for earrings and average between $50 - $115 for necklaces. Her website, www.nicolejamesjewelry.com, is currently under construction, but you can find pictures of her pieces at www.myspace.com/nicolejamesjewelry and in the media section of www.styleexpose.com. Nicole's site will be up and running soon, complete with the ability to purchase directly online.
Style Expose is written and managed by staff of the Stitches Fashion Program, part of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. We provide business assistance for Chicagoland fashion entrepreneurs.
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Labels: chicago designer, jewelry, nicole james
