Check Out Corrina Hughes’ Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Corrina Hughes.

Hi Corrina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Corrina Hughes and I am the owner & creative force behind Kokopelli Design Studio. I am a mixed race self-taught multi-media artist focusing on affordably priced Southwestern-inspired jewelry while honoring my Latinx & indigenous roots.

I came by my craft accidentally but honestly – I had a very hard time finding hypoallergenic jewelry that I could wear (I have Lupus) so I did a lot of research before settling on hypoallergenic alloys to become the backbone of my jewelry line. I would make and wear my creations. I would constantly be asked where I purchased my adornments and when I shared that I created them, people started asking if I could make the same items for them. Fast forward 6 months later (due to constant demand) and my business was born. I am now celebrating 5 years.

I am a native of Albuquerque, NM. My parents were talented ceramicists who made their mark in the late 80s and early 90s. I come from a long line of artists and musicians. I focus on using the highest quality materials while creating unique & carefully curated collections. My interest is in quality, not necessarily quantity. In this economy and especially since the pandemic, it is important that I keep my creations affordable and accessible to all. My goal has always been to *share* my art, not price gouge.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I started this business, I had a crystal-clear vision of what I wanted to accomplish – My unique cholla cactus, reclaimed barn wood, and succulent displays, the way I use certain colors to attract attention, and the way I photograph and market each product. I’m very blunt and to the point about most things. I think the products and the quality and design should speak for themselves. However, you are still tasked with pulling in a passing customer’s attention.

My execution of all of these details has to be *flawless*. Most of the time, you only get one chance to make an impression. It has to have a certain impact. There is an awful lot of thought and consideration that goes into my products. There’s a lot of research I do to avoid replication. Thinking of all of this, especially in the beginning, I know a lot of people were expecting something else entirely from an ‘unknown artist’ just starting. I started on a more sophisticated and directly guided foot. This is a highly competitive and often insecure market – so my deliberate path, journey, and unique vision are not always well-received.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As I stated previously, I am completely self-taught. I do my lapidary, silversmithing, leather work, stone setting, woodworking, wire wrapping, clay work, beading, welding, etc. There isn’t a process I won’t learn. I’m a ridiculously curious person and love learning new techniques. I am enthusiastic about innovation. I love working with tools and processes.

Learning to do these things well gives you an edge because you can further customize products/designs in a highly competitive market. I learn all the rules, and then I break most of them. I like putting designs together that are unexpected and weird. I like provoking. I love that weird squishy gray area of perception. It’s fun and risky and when it works, the payoff can be highly rewarding. I take pride in maintaining an affordable and accessible price point. Most of my jewelry line is also hypoallergenic due to me having systemic Lupus.

There is a demand for jewelry that is higher quality and not full of toxic or dangerous materials. I do higher-end items/custom pieces from time to time, but I’m most comfortable at the mid-price point. My customer base needs to understand that they are getting higher-quality items at fair prices. I also love incorporating things like sky/cloudscapes, landscapes, vibrant colors, folklore & music into my designs. The Desert Southwest offers an amazing palette that can be utilized in so many different ways. One of the things I’m big on doing as of late is the process of reintroducing older ideas and products in new ways. I had done this with a bracelet line that didn’t do as well when I had first started my business. I reintroduced the bracelet line and it managed to sell out (the second time around) within a half hour. Sometimes timing can be so incredibly crucial. If you give an idea a second chance, then you’ll know for sure whether it’s a flop or not! I love streamlining and simplifying.

My secondary position in my business is scouting potential new and emerging artists (as well as a few established creatives) with my ridiculously talented partner in crime, Caitlin Padilla so that we can staff multiple art shows/exhibits that we host in various art spaces throughout the vending season. Our events include assorted artists, musicians, food trucks, nonprofits & entertainment while fundraising for important causes in our communities. It’s nice to be able to plug artists into opportunities. It is wonderful to have a working artisan network.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have my amazing family support system – my boys and husband Brad, my father Doug (who is also a mentor & fellow creative), my sister Lucille, my beloved grandmother Natalie, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. I also have the most amazing chosen family -Brenda, Jane, Lili, Carol, Lucky, Deborah, Caitlin, Heather, Julie, Monika, Alisha, Amanda, Tahnee & Steph, Maureen, Priscilla, Richard, Gary, Melissa, Kim, Greg, Monica, Amaya ……. so many wonderfully supportive souls in my chosen family. A kind word goes a very long way, especially when things get difficult. If there was ever a need to advertise give a shoutout…. or just show up to an event/market, I knew I could count on any one of these amazing friends. Even during the pandemic, my friends and family came out to support me in full force. I am incredibly lucky to have support from these amazing people in my life.

On the opportunity/business front, I’d like to give the New Mexico Artisans Market at Sawmill/Hotel ABQ, Rebecca Tuccillo & Belia Alvarez a huge shout-out for always supporting our local artists and providing amazing opportunities for those artists. I’d also love to mention the Indigenous Ways Festival founded by Elena Higgins & Tash Terry, Artwalk Santa Fe with Alex Streeper & Mara Saxer, Blue River Productions with Lorianna Marrone, Suzan Schaaf of Las Golondrinas, WESST, Caitlin Padilla with the City of ABQ Cultural District and last but certainly not least, Monica Bencomo from the Orpheum Community Hub/Home wise. All of these organizations have provided amazing opportunities for our artists. Grateful for them. Thank you all so much for your hard work and dedication!

Pricing:

• My items start at $15 for wood and leather earrings.
• My most expensive items are gemstone pendants and cuffs.

Contact Info:

• Website: kokopellidesignstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kokopellidesignstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corrina.hughes.370