Interview – Jill of Jillery Jewels!

I am so inspired by women who LOVE what they do.  I love to find out what made them choose the path they took.  How long did it take to get there?  Would they have changed anything if they could?  My admiration for these ladies spawned a new series on Pellerini Proclaims.  Every week I am going to post an interview with one said woman.

My first interview is with Jill Bulanowski of Jillery Jewels.  Jill and I actually go WAY back…I mean WAY back like elementary school-way back!  Jill’s Facebook postings of beautiful handmade bracelets and necklaces would always catch my eye.  The pieces were so pretty – vibrant colors, muted colors, different mediums…such variety but all showing the care given to create each piece.  I was curious to know what inspired Jill, hence this interview!

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT JILL:

Coffee or Tea?  COFFEE!!!!! 7-11 preferably

Red or white wine?  RED!!!!!!! Malbec is my favorite

Favorite place to visit?  SUNNY SOUTH FLORIDA of course!!!!!

Flower of choice?  PEONIES!!!!!! All colors

What does your ideal day look like?  A day at the beach with my kindle, sunblock & lounge chair

NOW ABOUT JILLERY JEWELS:

How did you first become interested in jewelry design?  I’ve always been crafty. But about 10 years ago my Mom bought me a sparkly cell phone charm. I started making them & selling them at my office at the front desk. Gradually it snowballed into necklaces, earrings & bracelets.

Do you have a favorite piece from your collection?  I do!!! I have a few. My long black jet knotted necklace, my copper knotted lariat…both can be worn several different ways….& of course my Druzy bracelets!!!

What inspires you most when it comes to your jewelry design?  I’m distracted by sparkles!!!! I love adding a bit of bling!!! I love the natural gemstones. Especially if the have holistic meanings

What jewelry trends are on the horizon for Spring/Summer?  Crisp Whites. Denim Blues, Bright Oranges & Minty Greens. Chokers, Statement Necklaces, & BoHo Chic .  Asymmetrical earrings have been on the runways too. But Im not sure I can embrace that one yet.

What are you looking most forward to in 2015?  Summer!!!!! It’s cold & Snowy up in NY!!! Jillery Plans on only doing outside events that involve places near the beach/ocean.

Who is your favorite jewelry designer?  I love Ippolita.  I love the simple elegance of their stones in their settings. I love Chan Luu. BoHo with a little edge & flair. I love the timeless classic look of Tiffany. I love the trendy bling of Michael Kors. I love it All!!!

Where do you see Jillery Jewels in 5 years?  Hopefully with more of a following & more of a steady source of income. It’s my second full time job and some events are not as successful as others. It’s a lot of work. But Jillery has been evolving for the past 10 years & I am POSITIVE it will continue to do so!!! I am always reinventing and tweaking my displays and packaging. Always trying to do new designs while staying true to myself.

Some examples of her gorgeous work!

How could you NOT love her and her jewelry?!?!?  To learn more about Jillery Jewels, follow her on:

Facebook:  Jill posts new designs frequently.  Definitely eye candy for your FB feed!

Etsy: Check out Jill’s gorgeous designs, Favorite her store to get notifications of new listings!