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Life and Work with Twyla Cole

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Twyla Cole.

Twyla, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For years, serving and waitressing in the food industry was my primary occupational experience; but Art was always the core catalyst for holistic expression in spare time, ever since I was little. I strongly wanted it to be something I could make a lifelong career. I started mainly painting and drawing but my love for art never stopped there, I wanted to learn all different forms; dancing, ceramics, musical instruments, wood work furniture (just to name a few) and now, making Adornments. I’ve long admired the many talented Silversmiths and their ability to create such breathtaking jewelry; I wanted to acquire that skill as well.

September 2017 My Fiancé Sam and I moved to our new home in the beautiful mountains of California. We got situated and I was fortunate to snag a waitressing job close to home, while my Fiancé is lucky to have a family-owned occupation that travels wherever he does. Across from work, was the ONLY jewelry store on the mountain! I figured “hey why not ask if they’re taking on any silversmiths? The worst they could say is no”. I had a chat with Bob Shoemaker, the wise and knowledgeable Metal Smith behind the lovely creations at The Family Jewels. Bob said he hadn’t taken on any silversmiths in 30 years but generously offered to teach the techniques and procedures to me, in return for cleaning his shop. Current thought process: uh.. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. No brainer. I’m doing this. A couple of weeks time into teaching, I was thrilled to hear Bob, skilled Metal Smith of 50 years, tell me I had picked up techniques and procedures faster than anyone he has worked within a long time. “You have the skill, you definitely have the talent… but why you want to do this I don’t know!” I will be forever grateful for the knowledge I received through the guidance of Bob and his son Sam. I knew being a silversmith and creating my own jewelry was a career I could wake up doing every day. I began practicing the craft at home and wallah; Gitana Adornments was born.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has its’ ups and downs. That’s to be expected though; I’m one artist, dropping into a giant media pool of above-and-beyond talented artists; it going to take some work, dedication, and persistence to stand out and get noticed. But, I ultimately love what I do so I don’t mind putting in that effort at all. Knowing there are others out there who appreciate my artwork or love what I do, means more than anything to me; that alone makes the road smoother and keeps me motivated. 100%

I think the biggest struggle I’ve faced would be marketing, at times finances; I definitely never recommend quitting a paying job to start a self-owned business you’re not even sure is going to succeed. Totally not what I did..pff the point is. If you’re thinking about starting your own business but you’re employed under someone else; keep your job, test the waters of your dream job on the side, build your following, and have a consistent earning before you dive in like Jesus take the wheel. Not saying it’s impossible otherwise, but it would save a lot of stress.

To those aspiring talents beginning their journey, don’t be afraid to get yourself out there. There is no consequence for trying; certainly no consequence for failing.. Maybe some occasional headache and tears but mostly knowledge, growth and the rewards of making a difference. It’s all a part of the journey. So whether you want to save the environment, be a Muralist, write music, be a Fashion Designer, open your own bakery.. Whatever your heart desires, get out there, invest your time and heart and do it. Don’t let feelings of fear and doubt conceal you from the amazing abundant future you’re destined to have.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with your work – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a Silversmith. My brand name is Gitana Adornments and but I go by Twyla.m.c (you can find me on Instagram, Etsy, or Facebook). I specialize in one of a kind handmade Sterling Silver jewelry for women. The majority of my shop consists of Rollerball Necklaces, which I love and I’m most proud of; They are beautiful necklaces that are designed to keep your favorite essentials close and easily accessible to you at all times. I do take custom requests for those who have something specific in mind as well. Other adornment choices are plain necklaces, rings, and earrings. Maybe in the near future some cuff bracelets and ear weights.

What sets me apart from other silversmiths is my style and will to experiment with different ideas and design. There are a number of other talented rollerball smithies out there, who have a distinct style that automatically make people think of the artist whenever they see their work. I like to think it is the same for me. I’m always up for trying different ideas and making a variety of adornments. I do like making my own designs but when I combine my idea with my customers, that’s when real magic happens. I get to know each lovely individual and make them adornments that they themselves were part of creating.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
That’s a good question. For a quick boost of motivation and positivity, I look to Amber Wagner (Jstibby on Instagram); and for a quick dose of sarcasm and humor, I look to Kyle Creek (sgrstk, aka the captain on Instagram). My favorite podcast speakers are Jordan Peterson(YouTube) and Christina Sutra (can be found on Instagram as well) I read a lot of self-help books; I need a lot of help. For the most part, I enjoy reading books about ancient healing methods through food and herbs or about permaculture and sustainable living. Pretty much anything that grounds my mind and soul and gives me information that I can incorporate into my life and environment, leaving it healthier and happier. In fact, because of the knowledge we’ve gained, My Fiancé and I are in progress of making the bare backyard we came to, a self-sustaining, thriving ecosystem; by utilizing our food waste as compost, the fuel for the various edible plants we have, and by nurturing our growing garden to attract beneficiary bugs and animals to eventually work the environment themselves; for having an ecosystem that supports itself, is a lasting one as well. We really believe this way of living on a wide scale could really be what saves our planet. I went on a tangent there, but yes. Go read and see what you can find.

Pricing:

  • Necklaces + customs $90-$250
  • Rings + customs $45-$100
  • Earrings + customs $80-250

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Samuel Bramhall

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