This past week I hadthe pleasure of getting to interview my friend and fellow Pi Phi AllisonBlase. Sitting in the Pi Phi TV room sophomore year, usually includedwatching Allison meticulously work on her beaded wrap bracelets. Itbecame very rare to find someone in our house that wasn't wearing one ofAllison's bracelets. I've been wearing the same brown and gold one (my namesake the Ashley Irene) almosteveryday for 2 years! Here is aclosure look at the girl behind Mizzou's favorite wrap bracelets:
Olivia
What got you started designing bracelets?I started making jewelry when I was very young. My mom and unclehad this competition for buying the most annoying Christmas present for the nieces and nephews. My Uncle bought me a bead set with about 1,000 beads. So it reallyall started there. Then in High School I worked at small bead store in St.Charles, Missouri. Through working there I started learning new techniques, andultimately started teaching classes.Where do you get inspiration?You know how clothing designers see something in nature and arelike, "oh that’s so inspiring!" I’m not like that. I’m onlineall the time looking at Etsy.com or Pinterest, pulling different colors anddifferent materials. I have a big reference of photos on my computer that I goto when I get mentally blocked. Honestly, my best way to get inspiration is tojust pull all of my materials out and start letting stuff get mashed together.It is one of the only ways that being unorganized is helpful.
Barbara
Who are your best clients?Definitely my family and close friends. I have a big amount ofrecurring customers, and I definitely get the most new business by word ofmouth. It’s the best feeling seeing a friend of a friend wearing one of my bracelets.Do you have a favorite bracelet you've made?
Whenever I make a new one, I’m like oh this is my favorite. Ireally like the Meghan, just the simple black with silver beads.How would you describe your personal style?Pretty simple. I don’t do a lot of patterns. A lot of solidcolors, dresses, and I have a weakness for jeans. I’m always looking for theperfect fit. Now that I’m older, I’m looking for mixable separates. My stylehas changed a lot over the years.Meghan
What is your current favorite item in your closet?For winter, I would definitely have to say my fur vest. Also lotof simple blouses that I feel like I can wear with anything. And a millionpairs on boots. So many boots.
Name three of your favorite places in Columbia?
Rock Quarry Trail, Harpos, and Picklemans.Favorite accessory trend of the moment?A big gold Michael Kors watch, my boyfriend go it for me forChristmas and he picked it out himself.Best-kept fashion secret?Always wear jewelry. I feel naked without it; it actually puts me in a bad mood when Idon’t have any on. Also, always make sure your jewelry is easily accessible anddisplayed out in the open.Allison's Spring Picks:
1.Turquoise Earrings 2.Polka Dot Top3.Gold andTortoise Watch 4.White Jeans 5.Boyfriend Blazer
^Ashley Irene^
What are your plans after graduation?I’ll hopefully be in Chicago. I have a job offer out there designing jewelry. I think she wants to do kind of like a store within a store, like a custom jewelry consultation experience. I would love for that to work out.To see more of Allison's designs check out her blog here: allisonblase.blogspot.com
xo SideSmile,
Ashley