THE ART OF CREATING A LIFE YOU LOVE

“I defiantly design pieces that I find interesting to create”, she explains, with a naughty smile gracing her angelic, sun kissed features. “I feel like my client is someone who is interested in the ‘process’ of it; the pieces they acquire or collect in their life always have a story to tell. I like to believe that people who like the fine arts are also the ones who love the art I create.” She added, “They care about craftsmanship, longevity, and could energetically tell when a certain piece is created with the best intentions.”

Though the process has not always been easy, through moments of doubt, sacrifices, trial and error, and the constant push and pull between following her inner calling and fulfilling her dreams – she has finally found her balance. After 15 years of making jewelry, she is finally in a place where she does not have to create for a showroom or follow a seasonal industry schedule. Instead, she can follow her own voice and what she desires to create. A lot of this balance is a result of her affinity with nature.

Although she does find nature inspiring, she mainly uses it to regulate and manage her nervous system. Aside from recharging her mind, body, and spirit – nature allows her to keep on going and sustain her in life.

“I use it in that same way for my kids. The older I get and the more challenging the world, I noticed how much more time I need to spend outside. There is so much inspiration available outside. You also realize how small you are in this whole puzzle of the world. I feel that’s been important for me to remember that while you’re an important piece, the world is so much larger.”

Today, Christen embodies the essence of living a life well-crafted. She has carved out a space where motherhood and artistry coexist, where she can nurture both her children and her creative spirit. Her work isn’t just about adornment; it’s a testament to the power of passion, a reminder that we can create the life we dream of one inspired piece at a time.

Furthermore, as a woman in this industry, she has thrived by meeting designers and industry movers who are both amazing women and mothers. Instead of competing, they have formed a community that lifts each other up. All these women create different things and receive different inspirations for their work, but all of them share the same challenges in the highly competitive jewelry industry. She further reiterates that “it’s been a really inspiring community to be a part of and that’s one of my favorite aspects of the job.” However, she also has this reminder to herself and perhaps advice for those wanting to start in the same business: “I do feel like you must be careful to not compare and get caught up trying to keep up with others. What you make should feel authentic to you. There is so much jewelry available these days so having your own confident voice is important. Don’t try to sell to everyone. You should create art that isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea.’”

So, the next time you slip on a piece of CAM Studio, remember that it’s more than just an accessory. It’s a tiny piece of nature, a reminder to reconnect with the world around us, and a testament to the powerful beauty of a life created with passion and purpose.