Daily Inspiration: Meet Vanessa Barcus

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Barcus.

Hi Vanessa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey with Talisman Fine Jewelry really started when I owned a boutique called Goldyn in Denver.

While we carried a lot of amazing clothing by noteworthy and independent designers, I always had a soft spot for jewelry. People picked up on that, and our jewelry offering became very popular.

After a while, I thought it made sense to have our in-house brand, and thus Talisman (originally called “Talisman by Goldyn”) was born. The line has evolved a lot since then… I wasn’t the one doing the metalsmithing back then – that didn’t happen until I closed my brick-and-mortar shop and finally had the time to work with my hands.

That’s when everything shifted, and the collection really became my art.

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?
Getting through the pandemic involved a lot of hurdles, of course, and slowed things down quite a bit. A lot of the retailers that I sell to were hit pretty hard, and I had to “pivot” (ah, that omnipresent word!) to focus more on direct-to-consumer sales. Frankly, that was something I needed to do anyway.

The other thing is, during that time, I also had a lot going on in my personal life, and slowing down was probably a good thing for me. I had to get through a divorce and navigate some new territory there.

This business has been pretty magical that way if I’m being perfectly honest: it ebbs and flows with me, and I ride the waves. I’m very grateful to have made it through that time, though, and for my business to continue to grow.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Talisman Fine Jewelry is my collection of sculptural heirloom jewelry. I make everything by hand, as sustainably as I possibly can, in recycled 14k gold. I design jewelry meant to be worn daily, yet many pieces have a bold substantiality.

You can feel it when you hold them – they’re weighty! The line definitely has a minimalist, abstract art bent, but there’s more than meets the eye there… There’s a definite woo-woo side to what I do as well. Most of the pieces are imbued with intention while I work on them, often invoking specific deities or energies for protection, love, abundance, etc.

They are Talismans in the truest sense of the word and thus ride the lines between art, everyday jewelry, and sacred adornment.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Ask for help when you need it. I’m not always good at that, but it’s something I’m continually working on.

Pricing:

• Starts at $99
• Larger pieces go up to $13,981

Contact Info:

• Website: https://talismanfinejewelry.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talismanfinejewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talismanfinejewelry

Image Credits
Vanessa Barcus, Charlie Price, Talisman Fine Jewelry, Matt Nager, and Erika Rodriguez