Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurie Lynn Berezin.
Laurie Lynn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been a creator for all of my life and I’m grateful for the path that brought me to becoming an ethical artisan jeweler. It was always my dream to work for myself in a creative field, so in college, I created my own major of Business, Environmental Ethics, and Art. While in school, I handmade original clothing for a local shop using reclaimed fabric. After college, I moved to and from the West Coast and worked in fields from customer service to office management. I learned a lot about business, but I craved more creativity, so I took an adult ed metalsmithing class with a coworker and I was hooked! For years, I continued metalsmithing and making beaded jewelry as a hobby, which eventually became a part-time business. I had a lot to learn before I could fulfill my goal of becoming a professional jeweler, so I was lucky enough to find one of the country’s best jewelry schools, North Bennet Street School, right here in Boston. The year after I graduated from their intensive 18-month program, I took the leap to make my business Beryllina my full-time career.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Deciding to make Beryllina my full-time job was a huge risk. For me, the most difficult part of starting out was learning how to play so many roles at once. A professional artist has to do so much more than making art. Beyond creating all of the jewelry, I’m also the office manager, marketing director, accountant, photographer, craft-show worker, customer service manager, website designer, etc. I’m still learning how to do all of this effectively and efficiently, and running my business will always be a process of improvement. My advice for folks considering this path: try to manage your time really well. Block off parts your day and devote those parts entirely to one task or another. Multi-tasking can be useful, but setting aside chunks of time to focus your energy on a single task and being in the moment can lead to wonderful results while leaving you less frazzled.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Beryllina – what should we know?
As an ethical artisan jeweler, my work reflects my values, especially my ethos of sustainability. I’ve made a commitment to use only recycled precious metals (sterling silver, gold, palladium, and platinum), as well as gemstones that are mined responsibly in the United States. I go on mining trips with my husband (and dog Shakedown) where we mine many of the stones used in my jewelry. Digging in the dirt for crystals is so much fun, and perfectly integrates my lifelong love of rockhounding into my ethical jewelry business. It’s thrilling to be the first person to ever lay eyes on a gorgeous crystal directly from the earth, and then to handcraft a piece of jewelry that will, in turn, stimulate appreciation of the Earth. I like to photoblog about our mining adventures and share them on my website so my clients can see exactly where Beryllina jewelry comes from.
In addition to my passion for sustainability and ethical sourcing, I’m so happy to be able to continue the tradition of high-quality hand craftsmanship in jewelry. Using traditional methods, I patiently fabricate each piece by hand, including chain necklaces and bracelets that I create link by link with a technique that’s over 5000 years old. And as it has for thousands of years, jewelry continues to play a meaningful role in many important life events – I cherish this aspect of my work as well. To work with my clients to create the perfect engagement and wedding rings, for example, is such a special treat for me. My jewelry being a symbol of love is one of the best parts of my job.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Jewelry making was historically a male-dominated field, but that is changing. There is a growing trend of women jewelers and entrepreneurs, and I am proud to be in their company! One key to our success as artists in this field is having a community, as there are many challenges to navigate. School is a wonderful place for learning and connecting with people who are passionate about the same thing. While studying jewelry-making at North Bennet Street School, I had an opportunity to intern with a strong local female jeweler. The internship was a great way to connect with a successful woman in my field who showed me the ropes and she remains a great resource to reach out to with questions and ideas! As women, the more we can establish ourselves as experts in this trade, the more opportunities for leadership there will be.
Pricing:
- recycled sterling silver hoop earrings: $45-$65
- post earrings with raw crystals mined by Laurie Lynn in recycled sterling silver: $125-$150
- recycled sterling silver necklaces with Herkimer Diamond quartz mined by Laurie Lynn in New York: $150-$245
- recycled fine silver handwoven chains: $230-$850
- custom orders: $300 minimum
- ethical engagement rings: $795 and up
- ethical wedding rings: $595 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beryllina.com
- Phone: 617-903-7403
- Email: laurielynn@beryllina.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beryllinalove/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beryllina-321129859228/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/beryllina/ https://www.youtube.com/user/beryllinajewelry/
Image Credit:
Beryllina
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