Breakwild Interview August 09 2017, 0 Comments
Amanda Espy is a rare gem in today's world of jewelry artisans. With the advancement of technology (machines and 3-D printing that can produce designs within seconds and in mass scale quantities) and the surplus of suppliers (it's simple enough to outsource jewelry pieces from suppliers in India, China, and the likes for less than $5 a piece), it is now uncommon to find local artists who fit within definition of an artisan:
Artisan
(noun) : a person that makes a high quality or distinctive product in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods
Yet for Amanda, the process of handcrafting each of her pieces is not only one that adds great value to her jewelry line Ritual Gold, but it is a process that brings her deep joy. Her studies in psychology and as a scholar of Jungian studies led to her passion in studying symbols as a tool for transformation. This became the foundation for Ritual Gold, and each piece is hand-crafted after the ancient symbols that speak to Amanda's heart. The symbols are intended to speak a powerful message to the wearer, as a reminder.
I am excited to share Amanda's insights and Break Wild story with you this week (as well as an exclusive behind the scenes video of Ritual Gold!):
Hey Amanda! So that our readers can get to know you better, where are you from originally and where do you live now?
Amanda Espy: I moved from the wilderness of middle America to Los Angeles, where I still live today.
When did you Break Wild?
AE: 7 years ago I followed a heart pull and signed up for a class with a mentor. It was at the same time that I chose to attend grad school for psychology. I had no idea where it would take me, and I remember feeling vulnerable and excited.
What are 3 random (but totally awesome!) facts about yourself.
AE:
1. I make it to the mountains or the ocean almost every day.
2. I have a masters degree in psychology, have studied at the Jung Institute of Los Angeles, and have a published work on the impact of symbolism on contemporary America (I am a nerd).
3. My passion for jewelry pulled my grandfather into the process, so now I can work on projects with my family, which brings me deep joy.
Tell us the story of your beginning... Describe what was going on in your life before you made the leap to launch Ritual Gold?
AE: I knew that I couldn't live a life in the shape of what was mostly around me at the time. My spirit moved in a totally different way in the world than those I knew with successful workplace jobs. To be honest, I do not feel anyone would ever want me to work one of those positions, because of my disposition I work best in circles.
In my passion of studying symbols, I would think about how impactful it could be on an individual to be able to wear their symbol until they wore out the meaning. I imagined them telling the story to their children about that time in their life. This was the initial inspiration behind Ritual Gold.
What 3 skills helped you most when you were getting started?
AE:
1. My adaptability in understanding I was learning a new craft and I would make a lot of mistakes and need patience.
2. Asking questions to fellow jewelers and connections I made in the industry.
3. Capacity to spend hours on end doing a time-consuming and tedious methodology (loving the process).
Was there anything you wish you knew while you were getting started?
AE: How expensive mistakes would be.
What did you think your job would entail and what do you actually do on a daily basis?
AE: I didn't imagine the days spent traveling downtown, working my way through the maze of craftsmen, and explaining to clients that sometimes what they want is just not possible due to a stones crystallization growing a certain way, or the limitations of the craft.
What were some of the biggest fears or doubts you had when starting out?
AE: That the forms that came from a deep place within me wouldn't be valued or cherished by anyone else.
If you could give advice to yourself from 5 years ago, what would you tell yourself now?
AE:
THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN FORM A LIFE YOU LOVE IS BY EVERYDAY LEARNING THE WAYS TO CREATE THAT LIFE. YOU CAN PUT THE SAME AMOUNT OF ENERGY BUILDING AROUND A JOB YOU DON'T LOVE--- AND WHAT YOU END UP WITH IS A LIFE YOU DON'T LOVE. THE PROCESS IS THE SAME, IT ACTUALLY TAKES THE SAME AMOUNT OF WORK. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS WHAT FEELS SAFE VERSUS WHAT LIGHTS YOU ON FIRE.
I want everyone to know success is rarely if ever an overnight phenomenon. What leaps do you recall making that demanded you face fears you had about really making your vision a reality?
AE: I have been doing this for 7 years and I still feel I am a novice. Sometimes I meet someone who wants the image of where they imagine I am, and I ask them some serious questions about how they face failure, or messing up.
PEOPLE THINK SOMETIMES THAT I HAVE A TALENT THEY CAN'T ACCESS. THEY DON'T SEE HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE MADE SOMETHING THAT DIDN'T WORK, AND HONESTLY JUST TOOK A BREATH AND STARTED AGAIN.
What do you do daily – rituals, productivity tricks you have learned – that keep you focused, feeling like the best version of you and inspired to continue creating?
AE: I work out every day. I have a meditation practice, and a very humanistic group of friends. I try to get to the mountains or the ocean every day. I have giving practices (my psychology work), and I also make sure I have a lot of experiential fun.
One thing I’ve heard about new entrepreneurs is the work life often bleeds into home/personal life. Is this true for you? And how do you find peace within the life-work balance?
AE: It is true. At first I was overwhelmed by the endless to-do list. Over time, the constant pressure has given me the capacity to be in the present moment to a fuller capacity. I realized that the pressure and the lists would never end, and there would always be another task--- that realization bizarrely helped me relax and sink into what is in front of me.
What book you are reading right now?
"The Untethered Soul" by Michael Singer
Favorite quote?
"Real consciousness has to be based upon life experienced--- just talking about things is not enough." -Carl Jung
Who inspires you?
My grandfather. My breakfast crew (you know who you are). People who suffer and still chase joy, love, and fun.
What is the Best overall lesson you’ve gained from running your business?
Every artistic vision will touch some, but not all. I have to stay strongly tied to my vision and not waver based on what I feel others want out of me or what is happening in trends or society.
3 quick tips you would like to leave for anyone wishing to Break Wild and pursue their dreams?
Seek mentors and ask questions. Stay tied to your heart and your vision.