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Hi Megan, I LOVE your story. Mine is similar at the younger age, yet the beginning of my smithing journey began 4 years after the passing of my daughter. Her Suicide (2012) at the age of 20 threw me into total despair, i brought a necklace (beaded) to a friend who could fix it, and she said she wouldn't fix it but would show me how to. began making beaded jewelry for the next 2 years to keep my mind from grief. fast forward to 2015, my mother passed away leaving me her jewelry wardrobe. she had sterling and turquoise jewelry in there that i had never seen her wear. I thought , " i want to learn to make THIS" so i bought some basic metalsmithing tools, and a huge haul of copper and taught myself how to create pieces. The hammer and torch were in fact such a therapeutic outlet for me. It basically saved my exitance.

@megan.collins

Жыл бұрын

Oh my goodness!! What a story!! Thank you so much for sharing, it really touched me. I am so glad you could find an escape in jewellery design. Nothing like hammering and attention to detail to help you take your mind off things. I am so glad to hear that you took things into your own hands and took care of yourself and your mental health. It's sooo important! Sending you a big virtual hug! x

I also always made little things from random stuff as a kid. I was always interested in handicrafts and tried a few. Silver jewellery making really surprised me. I enrolled in a once a week 6-8 week course. Our first project was to make a three linked silver ring. I remember thinking that I really didn’t like this but I’d stick it out until the end of the course. Then I finished the ring and was so amazed with myself for making something so beautiful, it’s not perfect, but for me it was everything! Our next project was anything we wanted. I chose earrings, unfortunately they were a little too complicated to finish during the time. After that course I was hooked. I was living in Sydney, I had a good job but wasn’t happy in it. In the end I had two choices. Move to Japan or do a course in jewellery. I got a job in Japan and moved over six years ago. I don’t regret not doing the jewellery course. I’ve done many courses here in Tokyo and learned so much! But my job is exhausting so I’m moving back to Australia next year to finally start the jewellery course. I’m so excited to start but also so sad to leave Japan. New chapter begins

@megan.collins

Жыл бұрын

Wow!! What a story! Thanks for sharing! ;) I would LOVE to go to Japan some day too! Excited for you and this next chapter! And absolutely no pressure whatsoever, but if you feel like you need some help setting everything up, my CSA course would be perfect for you and where you are at right now! It covers literally everything you need to know. Feel free to check it our here if you are interested. But again, no pressure. ;) www.megancollins.co/CSA

Thank you so much for sharing your story. Especially the question: Do I want a jewelry hobby or a jewelry business? I hadn't really thought about it that way. I have been learning to make jewelry for the past year and a half, and I am enjoying the process. I am retired and I do want and enjoy having a jewelry hobby. I make a lot of gifts and a few commissions. My friends keep pushing me to make it a business. I really don't want that. I can now articulate that better.

I love your origin story.🧡 I look forward to sharing mine someday and how it has saved my life.

@megan.collins

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it! And yes, sounds interesting and worth sharing when you are ready. x

Your passion shines, Great story. Very thorough experiences. Thanks Megan. I am an electronics engineer by trade. I have been a prepper for decades, I got into bullion and silver coins last year 2022 (partly because I don't trust banks and financial systems),and then this led to buying Sterling Jewellery which my wife could wear rather than bullion stuck away in boxes. Some repairs were needed to I started learning how to repair, then the same as you, passion for tools, and making things. Several months later with my GAS problem (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). I have a pretty well stocked workshop.

@megan.collins

Жыл бұрын

Such a great way to invest!! You've nailed it! 🙌 And such a fun addiction! There are just so many tools! 😜

Was just thinking how inspiring having another episode of a day in the life would be 😁 but this one also rocks! Thanks for sharing!

@megan.collins

Жыл бұрын

Aaah! Thanks so much! I'm not sure how much people like the day in a life videos so nice to hear you enjoyed this one. I thought it might be nice for all the new subscribers to get to know me a little more ☺️✨💕

The best thing about the video is you. It’s real, honest and spontaneous, thank you for sharing wishing you the best :)

@megan.collins

10 ай бұрын

I appreciate that! Thank you

Megan, will you please 🙏 make a video about your own experiences with consignment; expound on "I stocked 2 stores....". Im sure a video on the subject would be EXTREMELY well received (high views) as so many artists, especially beginners that go into business, do consignment. Thank you

@megan.collins

Жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoyed it. ;)

I love your passion, dedication and honesty about what it took to fulfil your dreams

I love your story! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience!

@megan.collins

Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

Glad to hear your story 😊 I loved working with my hands as a young one too & am trying to ignite that spark again

@megan.collins

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. I think in this day and age we so often underestimate the power and importance of being creative. There is no harm in giving it a try as a hobby on the side and see where that goes. 😉 I find it so therapeutic making things with my hands 🥰

That was the problem in South Africa - lack of info. Heavens forbid you lived in one of the agricultural towns, as things were even more limited there (I grew up in the northern Free State). Not sure when the bug bit you, but I developed my interest in the late 90s. It was thoroughly frowned upon and ridiculed, especially with the propensity of some groups back then to frown down their noses when the word 'business' surface in a conversation. In the end, I'm slowing being vindicated. I'm not making yet, but at least I've made it to another country's diamond and gemstone exchange. :D Never been more excited to wake up in my life.

@megan.collins

Жыл бұрын

I know right!! 😅 Very different in SA! I was too afraid to ask any jewellers I knew for information as I felt like I would be stepping on the toes and their likelihood. That's why I only really decided to look into it and take it seriously when I was in the UK. I am so so very happy to hear how excited you are to wake up every morning and think about jewellery!! And of course I'm here to support you with that passion!! You can do this!!

Hi Megan, me myself was also a girl making bracelets out of silverwire.... and now for a couple of years I do love to make mostly earrings, but I dont sell. I miss those skills... but I enjoy the proces and always have something to give away... love your story. greetings from the Netherlands!

@megan.collins

Жыл бұрын

So nice to hear! Sounds like it brings you lots of joy! 😊 Love hearing others stories too if how they got started. Warmest wishes to you from SA.

I’ve noticed a ‘Healthcare to Creative’ timeline is common amongst many of the jewelers I follow on here and on the various suppliers I buy materials from -Current EMT, and hopeful self employed Silversmith/Jewelry Designer 😂😅

@megan.collins

Жыл бұрын

Sooo true!! I noticed that too! Maybe because making jewellery is therapeutic and so more nurses have found jewellery making in the past few years as a way of coping.

27 years of post viral ME/cfs means I can no longer play guitar and sing which was my love and life before then. I also can’t write much because I find it exhausting. I tried various things over the years before finding jewellery making and falling in love with it. I can only do it when well enough but am now completely obsessed. I dream designs in my sleep in the way I used to dream songs and books.

@megan.collins

8 ай бұрын

This is amazing that you have found jewellery to be passionate about instead! I'm so happy for you.

Hi. :)))) Listening to your story so many memories came into my head. Thank you for this nostalgic time travel. Few questions, if U don't mind. :))) Many people are scared to jump from stable income to their own company. It would be nice to motivate them. :) So - How did U pass through this transition time ? What is/was your best creation, that made you proud of ? What will be yout next skill (I haven't seen any engravings, mechanical jewelries, castings) or next lvl of your bussiness - (few more shops and studios, aprentices, restorations ...) ? Thank you and "Keep the passion alive" :)))

@megan.collins

Жыл бұрын

I am so glad you enjoyed the video. I speak about the transition in a couple of my other videos but maybe that's an idea to do a full video on the topic. 😉 So much to think about. In terms of the next skills. I actually have a manufacturer who helps me make some of my pieces now as this allows me to focus more on creating new collections and running the business side of things.

@edikoici

Жыл бұрын

@@megan.collins Thank you very much, for your answer. I would love to see your "BrandName" next to Pandora, AltinBas, Swarovski,... World known companies. (Y)

@Merakimosaics

Жыл бұрын

Megan, who is your manufacturer and how did you find them? Xx

Rhodes uni?

@megan.collins

Жыл бұрын

Haha! That's where I wanted to go, but ended up at NNMU in PE. ☺️

✌️ p̶r̶o̶m̶o̶s̶m̶

@megan.collins

Жыл бұрын

Thank you