Jewelry designer Sheryl Lowe is proof you can turn a passion into a burgeoning business. Long a makeup artist in Hollywood where she worked mostly on movies, Sheryl started gifting friends jewelry she designed from her vast collection of beads. Word got out (as it does when your friends are women like Maria Shriver), Lowe kept growing her line and now her extensive collection is now available at Bergdorf Goodman (where it repeatedly sold out this season), Neiman Marcus and other jewelry boutiques. Her pieces–an eclectic mix of 70s inspiration and rock’n’roll, sprinkled with talismans, are the kind you want to collect and layer. If you have a chance to meet Sheryl at a trunk show, go because she is infectiously fun, truly a girls’ girl (and a big women’s advocate), and has a fantastic self-depricating sense of humor (a Hollywood rarity). It’s no surprise she snagged the heartthrob of a generation (yes, she’s been married to Rob for over 25 years). Here, the designer and mother of two shares her story.
You were a makeup artist and worked on movies before……how did you segue into jewelry design? While working on movies I collected strands of beads whenever I was on location. Since I love to create, and I have always had a passion for jewelry, I started by making gifts of love and appreciation for family and friends.
Why jewelry? It was one of my goals. I have loved jewelry for as long as I can remember. When I was young I would put on ALL my mother’s jewelry to walk around the neighborhood.
What do you love most about it? I love working with the raw materials. I look for elements that are beautiful but not always perfect. Something that stands out and has character is always a draw for me. An unexpected color, a unique fossil or stone is often the twist I am looking for, and suddenly an everyday piece becomes special.
What inspires your work? A lot of my work is inspired by my youth. Growing up in Southern California during the 70’s. Spending the days at the beach and nights at clubs on Sunset Blvd.
What inspires you? I am inspired by the beauty of nature. I am inspired by courageous women. I am fortunate to travel all over the world and I am inspired by places and people who I encounter.
When you launched your jewelry line what came easiest for you? Selling my jewelry has always come easy. It’s something that I am very comfortable doing.
Hardest part of starting out that no one warned you about? How much jewelry we would have to make when we became a success.
One of your attributes that helps you succeed: I am in the trenches working side by side with my team.
Your advice to someone starting out in your field: Don’t worry about trends. Go with your gut and design what your heart tells you to design.
Jewelry should make a woman feel…Confident.
Three words that describe your jewelry: Sexy, edgy, classic with a twist.
Three words that describe you: Dynamic, artistic, mother.
Life goals: To have a happy family.
Daily goals: To always be grateful.
Daily rituals: Lighting candles and incense.
How do you unplug: Crossword on my iPad.
Favorite charity: The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement since it is now known that 2/3 of all diagnoses are women.
Do you collect anything? I still collect beads and I have a nice collection of Buddhas and Ganesh around my home. I collect Buddha because he is the enlightened one and Ganesh because he is the remover of obstacles.
Biggest splurge you don’t regret: My home since it’s where friends and family gather.
Favorite small indulgence: Swedish Fish.
Album currently on repeat: Anything with Michael McDonald or George Michael.
Scent that brings back memories: Any kind of incense or Patchouli.
Lucky charm: My wedding ring.
Favorite hour of the day: Dusk.
Follow Sheryl: Instagram.
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