• I think one of the most impressive things that readers would be interested in hearing about is how your jewelry came to be worn by television stars on shows like “Buffy, the Vampire Slayer” and “Related” and various news stations. How did you manage to get your jewelry chosen by them?
I get asked this a lot. The answer is simple. I wrote a cover letter to the costume designer on the show and sent in some samples. This worked for me but everyone’s experience will be different. Sending samples is risky because they are often not returned.
The other thing was that I matched my jewelry to the show — I thought the style was a great fit for “Buffy” and luckily they agreed! The other shows have happened because of my relationship with the costume folks on “Buffy”. That is the other side of the business — in addition to having a great
product, you need to be professional, curteous, and on your game. It’s not just about the art if you really want to make this your business. I think a lot of people have problems with that.
The news folks found me and kindly agreed to let me list them as my customers.
• Your work has also appeared in publications like Oprah Magazine, teenVogue and Lucky. Any tips on sending magazine editors jewelry for consideration?
Yes — be professional. Write a cover letter and put together a (brief) press kit. Package it well and send it to the appropriate editor/department. Know the magazine you are approaching and match your style to the readers. Approach it as you would applying for a job — put your best foot forward, tell them why they’d want you, and go for it!
• One of the most common questions we get here at Jewelry Making at Bloglander involves the transition from buying small amounts of jewelry supplies at local Joann or Michaels stores to buying supplies in bulk at specialty stores. Can you talk a little bit about that?
If you are anywhere close to being serious about turning your jewelry making into a business, it is worth it to get your resale license and buy wholesale. There is so much more choice that it will broaden your design possibilities instantly. There is an investment of money, but go by these rules — buy only what you need and never buy anything you don’t have a plan for.
• Is there a main source of inspiration for your designs?
New stones in new colors and shapes are inspiring. Nature is inspiring. Art is inspiring. Fashion is inspiring!
I think my answer is I don’t have a specific inspiration, I go with the materials and what moves me at the moment (see the question about “styles” above, as to why this may be problematic).
• Do you pay attention at all to current jewelry and fashion trends when designing things?
Absolutely. I’ve come to realize that at a certain level of design, we are all shopping from the same gem sources. It is helpful to see what my more successful peers are doing with the same resources. It challenges me to be even more creative and to interpret the same materials in a new way. Looking at fashion is also a great way to look for color inspiration.
• Is there a particular favorite type of precious stone, crystal or metal that you like to work with?
I love 18 karat gold. If only I could afford to work with it more! I also love enamel work, but without a proper studio, I don’t have much chance to work with it.
In terms of precious stones, I love rubies and diamonds, of course! On a day to day basis, you can never go wrong with aquamarine, smoky quartz and sleeping beauty turquoise.
• I think a lot of folks starting out might look at your success and think, “Wow, I could never do that.” Any words of wisdom for them?
Stay persistent! If you believe in your work, you will find your niche. Not everyone will be a Me & Ro. Give yourself short term and long term goals. Success is never overnight. You’re only as good as your last piece of press. And oh yeah — have fun.
• What’s in store for PLC in the future? Is there any chance you’ll point your efforts in new directions besides making jewelry?
Right now I’m enjoying my new schedule and the additional time I have to run PLC. I hope to keep the flow of press going (my current goal — getting into InStyle Magazine) and keep growing my site. I want to take more time to learn new techniques. I’m also hoping to take my new schedule and actually have some time to breathe!
As for new directions, I’ve started a blog to help other people interested in starting their own businesses (peggyli.blogspot.com). Someday I’d like to go back to creative writing. Could a retail store be in the future? It’s fun to think about!
thanks,
peggy
This interview with Peggy Li was done over email April 7-14, 2006. For more information or to contact her, you can visit her jewelry site at peggyli.com.
Do you know of a jewelry making professional or other individual involved with the jewelry making industry who you would like to see interviewed on Bloglander Jewelry Making? If so please let us know about them…
