Interview With The Designers Of Violet Gray

Every girl loves being introduced to new jewelry.

I am the type of girl that falls in love with any kind of jewelry that’s girly, small, cute & chic.

One of my favorite new jewelry lines, has recently been Violet Gray. They SERIOUSLY have THE cutest stuff!

I had the chance to ask the designers of Violet Gray, Francis & Alex, a few questions, on how they started their jewelry line, and where they plan on seeing themselves in the future with their line.

If you’re the type of person that wants to start your own creative project, then listen in on this. I was very intrigued on how they actually started their line, as I hope to launch my own jewelry line sometime soon as well.

MEET ALEX

MEET FRANCES

1. I am a BIG fan of Violet Gray already! You guys created so many amazing pieces, and with that being said, what made you come up with the name ‘Violet Gray’ ? Frances: Initially the label birthed in 2011, when Alex was nomadically sailing through the Turkish seas feeling incredibly far away from home. Our sister Scarlet, was due to have a baby and Alex said she did what any life-long creative would do; she gathered all of her jewelry and cut it up – making Scarlet a blessing strand that she could hold and connect with during the journey of her motherhood. From there, Violet Gray was born – both in being and in business. 2. I know that designing a jewelry line, it honestly really takes A LOT of work. What is it that inspired you both to start Violet Gray? Alex: I was inspired by a life of creativity, freedom and travel. I was inspired to create a life on my own terms, where geographic location was not a restriction. I believe that life is without any meaning (wait for it) except for the meaning that we attach to it. So I wanted to create jewelry that meant something to each wearer; whether it is a necessary affirmation or a reminder of a memory gone by. I wanted to create beautiful and tactile jewels that cultivate joy. 3. If you could pick FIVE of your favorite pieces from the line, what would they be? A & F: It is tricky to pick only 5, we love so many of the creations. But if we must : 1. Our Chakra necklaces and their interchangeable charms. 2. The Bringer of Life Cuff 3/4/5. A few of the amazing rings from our latest collection : Heart Wisdom, I Manifest Prism, Love is ME 4. For someone that is maybe potentially interested in creating their own jewelry line, what is the process like and how time consuming is it? Alex: I can only share my experience as it is different for everybody, but I would say that it has to start with the heart. A love for creating has to be the motivation, not for money or fame otherwise your creations will lack soul. I have dedicated my days to Violet Gray, it is all encompassing but I just love creating tactile reminders that bring JOY and connection into others lives. In terms of the ‘process’, I am a strong believer in starting before you are ready and learning along the way. You will never be completely ‘ready’ to jump in, so close your eyes and leap. The learning curve is as equally as fun as it is challenging, enjoy the ride! 5. Is Violet Gray only sold online? Where else can people buy it if it’s sold in stores? A & F: We mostly sell online and ship all over the world from Australia. Our wholesale side is just kicking off and we are about to launch with some really great stores in the USA. Currently though we do have a couple of amazing stores within Australia that sell our products. They can be found here: http://violetgraydesign.com/find-us/ 6. Where do you both get your inspiration from when it comes to designing new pieces? I feel like this would be extremely tough! Alex: Inspiration comes through at the most unlikely times. Normally it is when I am actually moving my physical body – so out for a run, walk or doing Yoga. When I am not thinking or trying. I feel that when you attempt to force creativity you feel stifled, so by being less attached to the outcome, you facilitate more blank space for creative ideas to organically bubble. When you look at the world as one big colourful canvas, inspiration is never ending. 7. Where do you both see Violet & Gray going within the next 5 years? What’s your 5 year goal for this line? Frances: Our goal is to take over the world – one beautiful intentional piece at a time! We are going through a real state of expansion at the moment and growing in new directions. In 5 years we would like to be leading a worldwide loved brand that is both environmentally and socially conscious – injecting the profits of the business into social enterprise; empowering women and giving back as much as we possibly can. In the end it’s not what you’ve got but what you gave, right? 8. I know that the both of you are sisters, and the fact that you both have built such an amazing brand is so inspiring. Is it hard to work together being sisters and to agree on certain things. What are the pros & cons of working with your sibling in this business? Frances: We are really similar in our outlook so the direction of the brand and the morals underpinning it are really easy to remain aligned. We both have very different strengths, which is great because we can take on and own different sides of the business. Although ultimately the way we see the world, and how we envision Violet Gray existing within it is the same, so the rest is easy. The pros are that we get along famously well, never take anything to heart, are used to spending days on end together and can fight and make up all within 5 minutes. The biggest con is that we talk about Violet Gray constantly (5am and 11pm) and there is no divide between work and family. So it all combines into one crazy VG world – but we really wouldn’t have it any other way. Alex: Yes, what Frannie said! 9. What are some of your favorite jewelry lines that inspire you, other then Violet Gray? Alex: Well, to be completely honest we try not to look externally too much. We endeavor to create from internal inspiration and we feel that when you look around at others constantly, it is really easy to become unconsciously influenced. We definitely ‘look up’ to global brands in terms their amazing success and growth – like Samantha Wills for example. She is an Australian brand that has just done so well and her story definitely inspires us to continue to work towards what is possible. 10. Where can people find Violet Gray on social media? Alex & Frances: Instagram:@violetgraydesign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violetgraydesign Website: www.violetgraydesign.com

HERE ARE A FEW OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITES FROM VIOLET GRAY: