Ten Minutes with Jewelry Designer Jessica Hicks

What happens when you add one-part organic minimalism to one-part rock-n-roll attitude? You get Jessica Hicks’s eponymous handmade jewelry line. I’m not one to name drop, but if I were, I’d mention that Jessica’s earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings have been sported by “It” girls of all ages–from Jessica Alba to Sarah Jessica Parker to Eva Longoria. But don’t take my word for it, visit Jessica’s Web site to browse her collections, including Cosmos (a clean-lined reimagining of the star motif that makes it hip again), Nature (Matisse-like etchings of flora and fauna like nautilus shells and peacock feathers), and–my personal fave–Champagne (an elegantly pointillistic take on ovals and spheres). Read on for more from the Nantucket-based, Bay State native.

Oligoville: Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.

Jessica Hicks: All of my jewelry is handmade by me in my studio. I have always designed my jewelry from what I see every day or dream of at night. Sometimes I will sit at my bench without an idea or sketch and just start working with the metal. I let my hands just take on its own designs. Some of my best pieces have happened that way. I am always thinking up new ideas for my work. I love patterns and shapes in nature.

Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?

Jessica: I was always artistic as a child, but the idea of creating something with my hands is where my passion is. I didn’t have a job one summer when I was a teenager and made jewelry to keep busy. I actually made money doing it! It is awesome to make art that can be worn.

Oligoville: Whom or what inspires your designs?

Jessica: My children have been a huge influence on my work. Seeing the world through their eyes has been a whole new experience.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you.

Jessica: Kids, kids, kids! I have a store and a studio and a family, and my whole day is a whirlwind of balancing those things!

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

Jessica: I just buy what I like! It doesn’t matter if it is a trend or not. If it looks good, it’s for me.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned from the situation.

Jessica: When I notice a certain trend that is similar to mine. Although it can be disheartening, I have learned to look at it differently–it now inspires me to move on to a new design.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Jessica: The most rewarding part of my career is seeing how a simple pair of earrings can transform an entire person’s look. Seeing someone love and wear your jewelry–and feel all the more beautiful for it–is incredible.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years. What are some goals that you have for your brand?

Jessica: In five years I would like to have my debt paid off! But I wouldn’t want to change how my business is run. I love the fact that I am very much behind the process of creating my work, and everything that leaves my studio has been personally done by me. I never want my jewelry to be mass-produced; it would take away that special touch that goes into each piece.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Jessica: Keep working! Success takes time, and a lot of work.

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?

Jessica: Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face”! And any song by Bryan Ferry’s Roxy music.