As we transition out of Summer and into Fall, I feel (and I’m sure you do too) huge shifts taking place all around us. Not just in the tangible world with the leaves changing colors and the sunlight fading early, but on an individual basis as well. Within these universal shifts, I’ve also been witnessing huge personal transitions with individuals around me. Changes are happening. 

I want to take a moment to share some of my personal shifts taking place right now. For me, this transitional time comes in the form of moving, resettling, adapting, shifting my mindset, listening, and learning.

On Moving:

As some of you may know, I recently moved out of Brooklyn (after eight years) and back to my hometown of Santa Cruz, California. Moving back into the town that I grew up in, has been challenging in some ways, but ultimately enlightening and comforting. I’m learning how to navigate through this town as who I am today, not who I was when I last lived here, ten years ago. How can a place feel so much like home but at the same time so foreign and unfamiliar? Maybe, in this lies the door for me to maintain my sense of wonder and curiosity. As much as I think I know this town, I don’t. I’m letting go of past perceptions and making room for new memories. 

On Resettling:

In a more tangible sense, shifting for me right now also looks like setting up a new work space and jewelry studio. For the past eight years, I’ve had the opportunity to share expensive jewelry tools and equipment with friends in collective jewelry studios. Even though I’ve been making jewelry for over a decade now, I actually did not personally own any large equipment. I have set up several studios for other companies over the years, however it’s much more intimidating when I’m doing it for myself. This just changed over last weekend, after buying out an entire jewelry studio from a recently retired jeweler (more on this soon)!! I’m learning to trust my instincts, have faith in myself, and invest in myself, my business, and my passions. 

On Adapting:

I just moved from a large city, constantly surrounded by people, into a much smaller beach town. It can be so easy for me to self isolate here. How can I ensure that I can stay connected to others? Jewelry has always been my means to connection, but now that I’m in a new town without a studio yet, will my connections fade?  How can I bond with new people? How can I transition my jewelry to fit into a new environment? What does this community crave and how can I serve them? How can I make sure that Made Line Jewelry is inclusive and accessible, especially to the community here? 

On Mindset:

I personally have always struggled with change, but I’m starting to understand how shifting things around will always make space for something new. I’m realizing that some of my nerves around change can actually transition into excitement. I’m feeling excited for new thoughts, new patterns, new habits, new perspectives, new intentions, new work. 

 On Listening and Learning:

So I’m curious...what shifts are you experiencing right now? What are you excited for? As a jeweler (and now in Santa Cruz) how can I serve you? I’m looking forward to connecting. 

Do you have 3-5 minutes to spare?

The questionnaire below is a simple way for me to better understand what you might be looking for, from Made Line Jewelry. How can I better serve you? It should only take 3-5 minutes, if you have the time, I would greatly appreciate your comments and feedback! 

TAKE THE MOVING AND SHIFTING QUESTIONNAIRE