Conversations with Theresa Capllonch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Capllonch. 

Hi Theresa, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My entire life, I’ve been pulled toward the world of jewelry design. My grandfather sold jewelry in Maui for years, in fact, that’s how me met my grandmother. My mom encouraged imagination and my dad encouraged hard work. 

I grew up playing sports and as an athlete it was difficult to find jewelry affordable, minimal, or comfortable enough to wear daily. Being from Kailua, a small beach town on O’ahu, I wanted to wear jewelry from practice to the beach, that wouldn’t tarnish and kept its shape. I’d work side jobs to afford taking jewelry classes from our local art museum just so that I could make the pieces I so desperately wanted but couldn’t afford. 

The moment I knew jewelry design was all I wanted to pursue was when I studied at Firenze de Medici in Florence, Italy. I was there to study jewelry design but found myself in the process. Even though I was in the city of my dreams, it was a heavy time. I could barely speak the language, was confused about my sexuality, and distanced myself. As I was walking to class one day, I noticed the only other women on the street walking in the opposite direction. Dressed in all black with be most beautiful accents of gold jewelry, it was the moment I saw her that I began to evolve as well. I began to embody everything I wanted to become and the feeling I wanted to create for people. Confidence and a total sense of self. I began designing for the woman in the street that stopped me in my tracks, for myself. 

Italy was my awakening to the power of jewelry design. I found my light, my constant, and fell deeply in love with creating pieces that could bring light to others. As a designer, I create to accentuate the beauty of human form and timeless elegance. 

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?
Life as an entrepreneur is never smooth. It takes resilience and consistency. For me, my biggest obstacle has been myself. I’ve always been working part-time jobs to continue creating and afford my materials but I didn’t realize how many opportunities and momentum for VIXIN slipped through the cracks because my time was so split between two worlds. 

I tried my hand at using my marketing degree but every time I’d take a step away from jewelry design, I’d get a sign (like an order, or customer inquiry, or opportunity) that would pull me back to it. It wasn’t until the end of 2021 that I finally allowed myself to be all in with what I love. I quit my part-time jobs to be all in with VIXIN and I’ve never felt as rewarded or dedicated to achieve the goals I’ve set for myself. It’s crazy to think how different your life can be when you invest in yourself and your future 100%. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
VIXIN is known for intimately handcrafted pieces inspired by the beauty of human form. I envision, sketch, and create each piece to be interchangeable yet timeless. 

In Hawaii, storytelling is a huge part of the culture and I love to bring that same element to the jewelry I design. I am most proud of the custom pieces I’ve brought to life. Anything designed for a special moment. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Find what lights you up and pursue it. 

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@shopvixin.com
• Website: vixinjewelry.com
• Instagram: vixinjewelry
• Facebook: /vixinjewelry

Image Credits
Devan Maneely
Alex Rae