What started as a hobby in 2007 became a full-time job just two years later for local jewelry-maker Sara Patino. Today, her handmade silver and gold jewelry is available in boutiques around St. Louis, as well as in shops in California and Illinois. Learn about Patino and her newest collection, and meet her April 5 and 6 at the Sara Patino Jewelry trunk show at Soft Surroundings (33 The Boulevard, 314-262-4949).
How did you get started making jewelry?
I wanted a creative outlet after my day job, and I decided to take some metal-smithing classes at Craft Alliance. I completely fell in love with it on the first day. It felt very natural. I started making jewelry for myself and my friends and family.
Tell me about your new collection.
It’s a spring/summer line. The inspiration for this latest collection came from my experience as an interior designer/interior architect. I worked for several years in that industry, so I have a passion for design, furniture, anything in the built realm. Things we see every day can be really beautiful and inspiring. In this collection, I played with positive and negative space, just like I did as a designer. Right now I have about 10 pieces, and within the next few months I might add between one and five to that.
How does it compare to your previous work?
My previous line was a floral collection. I really drew from nature and organic elements like petals and seeds. This new collection is more geometric, more crisp and clean, drawing inspiration from built form.
What has been most successful for your business?
Word of mouth. When people see something they really like, whether in a store or on a friend, they get curious and go online.
How did you get to where you are now?
If I wasn’t passionate about it, I wouldn’t be doing it. I design jewelry, and I also teach yoga. These jobs sound really distant, but they are related. When I teach my yoga classes, I have to be very in tune to movements. I’m always looking at their form, their structure, the shapes they make. With my jewelry, I do the same. Dissecting why it’s not working, how it can be better, what colors people are drawn to. In a way, they are both service-oriented jobs.
Any big successes?
I think Soft Surrounding is a huge success for me. I met them at a trade show in Las Vegas last year. They approached me and asked if they could have some pieces of my collection. I decided to design more pieces for them, keeping in mind their aesthetic and clientele. I also do a completely different collection for Geranium. Designing for stores and catalogs is a different aspect of my business.
What are your plans for the future?
My plan is just to keep listening to what my customers say, being tuned in to what they love. At the end of the day, I design for women and I want them to feel good. Trends change, but I want my work to be classic and find that balance. It’s a blessing to have so many clients that love my things. Five years ago, I would never have guessed that I’d be in this position.
