Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Cowan.
Theresa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I first became interested in jewelry design during my senior year of art school. My first pieces were made by weaving fabric with wire and gemstones, which came from my interest in textile design and some of the performance installation work I was doing in one of my classes. Eventually, I reached a point where I knew my work would not progress without formal training and learning the trade of metalsmithing. I began studying metalsmithing to create jewelry through traditional techniques and it allowed me the skill set to create the things that were in my mind. I’m thankful that throughout art school and beyond, I’ve had wonderful professors, teachers, and mentors. The great thing about being an artist is that you’re never a complete master of your medium and there is always more to learn. As your style and concepts evolve, so must your tools and practices.
Forward to 8 years later, I have moved our jewelry studio into a storefront space as we outgrew existing only online and having a private studio. It has been a wonderful way to connect with our clients in person as we create pieces that become a part of their story. I am so grateful to have cultivated a business where I am surrounded by wonderful people, creating art, and giving back.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest challenge has been knowing when you are ready for growth and change since they all stem from making important and sometimes fearful decisions. For the beginning years of the business, I worked full time because I liked my job and the people I worked with and I was nervous to leave the security of that job. It wasn’t until a fire caused the place where I worked to close for an extended period of time. In that moment, I was able to see very clearly the path of my future and that I needed to dedicate myself full time to my business. Since then, great things have continued to happen through hard work and dedication. In 2015, I found the perfect storefront to move my studio into and sell my work out of. Every sacrifice I had made in the years past, juggling a full time job and my business, missing out on time with friends and family has finally revealed itself as an opportunity. I am glad that I believed in myself and took each step when I did.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Mineralogy is a collection of limited edition and one-of-a-kind jewelry designed and handcrafted. Inspired by an earth science class lecture on minerals, the collection began. Mineralogy creates unusual statement and heirloom quality pieces that pay tribute to the beauty of natural gems and minerals. We specialize in creating limited edition mineral jewelry and engagement rings created with recycled gold and unique stone arrangements.
I think my business is unique in the fact that my aesthetic is consistent from one collection to another. Because of the neutrality of my color palette, my jewelry can go from one season to another without feeling out of place with the clothing of the season. I feel that my style has developed enough that my pieces are a clear demonstration of my brand and they stand out on their own or in a group.
I hope that whenever someone wears one of our pieces, they feel inspired and filled with the wonder of nature and art. There is a lot of love that goes into our work. We see our work more as art objects than jewelry and a way us and for our clients to express themselves.
I am most proud of creating beautiful pieces of jewelry that people will pass down to through their family, to supporting other women led businesses, to creating a business that I love, to hiring a wonderful woman as my design assistant, and to have the opportunity to give back through our business. In addition to donating to causes that we are passionate for, we plant a tree for each piece of jewelry sold.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in Wisconsin, playing outside and making art. My passions were painting, drawing, horseback riding, and hockey. As an artist/graphic designer, my mom has always been an incredible advocate of art and my biggest supporter. I had a wonderful art teacher in high school that and an art professor in college that both believed in me and challenged me to continue my passion for art.
I grew up a bit stubborn and independent minded, but those traits have served me well as an adult in the growth of my business. When things have been challenging, I have pushed forward and refuse to give up or take the easy path.
Contact Info:
- Address: Mineralogy
1944 W. Montrose Avenue
Chicago. IL 60613 - Website: www.mineralogydesign.com
- Email: theresa@mineralogydesign.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mineralogy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mineralogy-209691742392222/
Image Credit:
Theresa Cowan
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