{Interview | Shuntla}
When I first found myself in Phare's Shuntla Etsy shop, I couldn't stop smiling and oogling over the vibrant and unique bracelets (at jaw-dropping, affordable prices). This girl knows how to throw an 'arm party'; with her perfect blend of eclectic styles of flirty, fun, vintage-y, classic, and electrifying wrist wear. I had to know more about Phares and her jewelry concoctions; check out her interview below, as well as a special offer towards a Shuntla purchase!
FFF: How did you come about creating 'Shuntla'?
Phares: This is where I admit the infamous words, "I am just like my mother." Being that I grew up in an artsyfartsy, DIY, hide it before dad gets home existence; I've only carried on the tradition. Painting, sewing, creating, etc, are my passion. In order to keep it alive, I created Shuntla.
FFF: Why 'Shuntla'?
Phares: I’ll let you in on a little secret of mine. I was born with a hearing loss but it wasn’t found til I was 5 years old. With that being said, from birth to first grade I taught myself how to read lips. Someone once told me when you sneeze someone says “bless you” then you follow with “certainly”. Perhaps it’s old style etiquette since you don’t hear that too often anymore. However, when I was little, after someone “blessed me” I said “shuntla”. Of course my family and friends thought it was a little strange. Months and possibly years went by and I still said “shuntla”. Not until they discovered I was “surviving” by reading lips and couldn’t hear well, did they realize I thought “certainly” was “shuntla”! It’s harder than you think to read lips especially at an early age. I’ve learned to be grateful for this talent and I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t use it to my advantage at times…
Phares: This is better explained through a common conversation in our house hold
Scene: Me speed walking back and forth from sunroom to garage
*Refer to the Image bottom left
*Refer to the Image bottom left
House guest: "What is she banging around in there and why does she have PVC pipe, wood, fabric and is that a saw?"
Husband: "I don't question it anymore. "
House guest: "Should someone go check on her or help?"
Husband: "Nah, It's normal. It's clockwork, every two hours she will get an idea and run with it."
(Michael Keaton from Multiplicity)
FFF: What is your creative process and where do you pull inspiration from when designing/creating jewelry?
Phares: I am big into trial and error. When I have ideas I go head first with my instinct often without thinking. It only makes the final result stronger and better when going through a little defeat. I may be old school but I still receive catalogs by mail and love to look for inspiration in those. A lot of times a catalog will inspire me to create something in a different subject. Such as a food catalog will inspire the colors and textures of my jewelry, or home decor may inspire an outfit!
FFF: I see that you're a huge thrifter, as am I! What is your favorite thrifted item that you have found?
Phares: I love thrifting! It's hard to say what my favorite is. My whole house is basically a thrift store. I suppose a couple of favorites would be a monkey lamp that was broken and fixed and my mirror table that I believe was once a store display!
FFF: What materials or medium do you tend to use when making jewelry?
Phares: I love to recycle unused jewelry. Either by "tearing up" or "up-cycling" vintage pieces. I adore vintage stones and the simplicity of raw materials.
FFF: What can we expect to see from Shuntla this summer?
Phares: I am looking forward to making an even bigger "arm party" this summer. I have been scouting some unique pieces to add to the collection which will be added as often as every two weeks! (you can never have too much "arm candy")
I am also working on some "fold over" clutches using home decor fabric and leather detail. I am really excited about exhibiting a purse section!
Yep, that's right...from July 8th-22nd, ENTER the code 'FEASTFASHIONFAVES' at Checkout and receive 10% off your ENTIRE purchase! Now get to it, and throw an 'arm party' with Shuntla bracelets!
{Images via Phares, and From Midnight, with Love}