I had the pleasure of meeting Kiley in a cute SOHO cafe last month. I was so impressed with her amazing jewelry and overall enthusiasm that I immediately knew she had to be one of Bellaga’s first sellers! Get to know Kiley a little better in our questions below.

What made you want to become a jewelry designer?

Actually, it was a strange twist of fate.  I am technically trained as a clothing designer and have worked as one for nearly a decade, but I have always liked making jewelry as gifts for friends and family.  Over time I found myself making more and more pieces, and people started asking if they could buy them from me.  All of a sudden, I was a jewelry designer and loving every minute of it.

Mary bracelet

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

From several places…The first is from the many many women in my life, especially the women in my family.  I come from a family full of women–I have three sisters–and we are all quite girly.  I have always loved dressing up with jewelry and accessories since I was very little. I remember playing with my mom’s and my grandmother’s jewelry when I was barely old enough to walk!  The next would be from the jewelry of the fifties and sixties.  I’ve always loved the big gum ball sized beads from necklaces and bracelets of mid-century fashion.  There is something sophisticated and timeless, yet fun about them.  And finally, my travels…I always try to bring things back from every country I visit and incorporate them into my pieces.  There is so much beauty on this earth and I love the idea of sharing it with others, even if it is just one little stone or charm.

Any particular materials you are most fond of working with?

Right now I am loving the chunky facetted stones I brought back from Morocco this past summer.  I love the way they catch the light.  Also, I have never been a plain pearls kind of girl, so I like the idea of finding new ways to wear pearls by mixing them up with different beads and stones.

Olivia bracelet

What does your typical work day look like?

Oh…I haven’t had a typical day since I left my apparel design job a year ago!  My work days vary.  I also write a blog and consult for other small design businesses, so everyday is different.  I try to make at least one day a week a creative day…that’s my most favorite day because I spend the whole day making jewelry.

Any advise to aspiring jewelry designers?

Just do it!  Don’t be scared!  But start small…you don’t have to be a celebrity status designer with worldwide distribution right away.  I actually love being a small fish.  I can really focus on my design aesthetic and the quality of each piece I design.

Lou necklace

What is your favorite piece of jewelry from your own collection?

That’s a hard one!  I hate to say this but it is usually whatever I’m working on at the time.  I love each piece more than the next!

What are you reading now?

I love to read several books at once…I always keep a chick-lit book nearby to escape from hectic days in the city. (embarrassing but true…)  The best chick lit book ever is and always will be Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann.  Every girl needs to read it!  I also read a lot of books about the creative industry…they keep me inspired and focused on moving forward.  Creative Girl by Katharine Sise has amazing insight into running your own business, and The Trend Forecaster’s Handbook by Martin Raymond is a really useful trend forecasting manual.

What was the last movie you saw?

I just watched All Good Things with Kirsten Dunst and Ryan Gosling right before this…I think I am going to have nightmares tonight!

Where is your favorite place to eat?

Food is the best part of this big big city!  I have too many to name but I am going to give a shout out to my favorite neighborhood haunt, Giorgionne.  I eat there at least once a month.  Best Pizza Margherita in the city.

(studio images provided by Kiley)

Where is your No. 1 vacation spot?

If I could, I would be a professional traveler…it literally is my most favorite thing in life.  I want to see the whole world!  It is hard to choose just one but I do have a soft spot for the Mediterranean…I fell in love with Italy when I was living there for a brief period nearly ten years ago.  The Amalfi Coast was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.  I went back to Positano and Capri last year and fell in love all over again.  However, Spain runs a close second!  I went to Mallorca (in the Balearic Islands) this past summer and was absolutely mesmerized by the tiny little island.

Thanks for the interview Kiley!  You can find more great jewelry from Kiley B Durham here at Bellaga!