Interview: Designer Emily Walters
We like to take time to highlight women we see out in the world doing their part to make the world a little nicer. In this Real Nice Lady Spotlight, we’re talking to Emily Walters, owner and designer at Hazel & Ollie, about where she draws inspiration for her colorful jewelry and why art has always been a priority.
Job Title/Profession
Owner and designer at Hazel & Ollie
Favorite Drink?
Love a good Last Word (when not pregnant).
Favorite Food?
Pizza, obviously
Karaoke Song?
“Total Eclipse of the Heart”, so I can show off my incredible vocal range
What song are you listening to on repeat right now?
“Circles” by Post Malone
Female icon you would be for Halloween?
Vintage Cher, or Casey Musgraves, but I feel like they’ve got the same vibe happening.
What first attracted you to your current profession?
I have a degree in metalsmithing, so design in 3-D is something I’ve always loved. Also for me, fashion is a true form of self-expression, and I want my accessories to make people feel joyful, confident, and happy (no matter what age they are).
How did you get into metalsmithing?
I took metalsmithing on a whim while getting my fine arts degree. I fell in love almost immediately. I found the meticulous process really satisfying, and the ability to turn plain sheets of metal and wire into beautiful designs challenging. It really helped me push my creativity to new places.
When you started in metalsmithing, did you imagine you would own a jewelry business someday?
In metalsmithing, you learn all types of techniques that have many applications. For example, we learned forging, raising (creating metal vessels), etc. But jewelry design was always most appealing to me. The ability to create wearable pieces that people live their lives in really strikes a chord with me. My creative career has taken many forms (floral designer, elementary art teacher), but selling jewelry has always been there, whether as a side hustle, or primary business.
What is your favorite thing about your industry? Your least favorite?
The answer is the same for both questions: designing new collections each season. I love the creativity of constantly creating new pieces, but it can also be mentally taxing to have to come up with fresh designs.
How would you describe your creative process?
My process usually starts with a flash of inspiration in color or shapes. It can come from anywhere: interior design, fashion, a painting, anywhere really! Sometimes a whole collection can grow from one source. From there I usually do sketches to get an idea of color, form, and pattern, and how they all work together in a collection. Next is a multi-step process of creating the pieces, putting the designs together, and bringing them to life.
What do you want for the future of your industry?
I feel like sometimes as accessory designers, it’s easy to get stuck making what’s on trend, and you start to see a lot of the same stuff. For the future, I want to see people making brand new, totally innovative pieces that are inspiring and exciting (including myself).
What advice would you give other women trying to succeed in your industry?
I think in an industry driven by sales (retail), it can be hard to be true to yourself, and I made that mistake for too many years. I was always trying to make what was on trend, and what sells. Only when I started making what I loved, what I would actually wear, did I start to have real joy in creating, and saw the most success in selling too! So I’d tell other women, make what you love!
What was a formative moment in your life that made you who you are?
Whoa, that’s a deep question. I think it wasn’t one specific moment, but I have always felt really encouraged and supported by my parents in pursuing my creativity. My mom was one of my earliest art teachers. I also have one specific memory from high school, I had a bunch of homework, and a big art project due, and I was really stressed out. My dad said to me “You need to work on your art project, that should be your priority”. That’s always stuck with me because it’s not something all parents would feel was important.
When do you feel the strongest in your life? When do you feel the most vulnerable in your life?
I think that the answer is the same for both, it’s in being a mother. I put off having kids for a long time because I was focused on running my business (floral design at that time). Being a mom has shown me simultaneously that I am way stronger than I ever thought, but also it brings out a vulnerability in you that you didn’t know existed. It’s a gift, even on the hardest days.
Who are five women that inspire you?
My mom for more reasons than I can name, but for her compassion, generosity, and love. My sister Lainey who is a teacher, one of the hardest jobs out there, and my sister Tara who is one of the smartest women I know. My mother in law Kathy, who is so supportive, and giving. My Grandma Barbara, who, much like my parents, was always encouraging my creativity, and taught me the joy of working with my hands to create things. I could go on and on though, I’ve lucky to have so many amazing women in my life that inspire me in different ways.