Indie Designer Interviews: Waste Not Whimsy
Filed under: Accessories, Interviews, Green Fashion
We love all of the amazing independent designers out there and we wanted to find out more about what makes these creative types tick. If you do too, check out more of our Indie Designer Interviews.Today's featured indie designer is Kandyce Perez of Waste Not Whimsy. This Las Vegas based designer creates gorgeous one-of-a-kind jewelry using all recycled and reclaimed materials.
Tell us a little about yourself and your work. My name is Kandyce Perez. I'm getting my master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and I make jewelry for therapy of my own. I take discarded and broken jewelry and re-imagine it and remake it into new pieces. I love recycling jewelry. It's great to avoid adding to a landfill. My work is fun and light-hearted. I don't take jewelry or fashion very seriously. I'd rather have fun than conform into someone else's idea of what is "right". I just hope that other people also enjoy what I do.
How did you get started as a designer? I've always been a creative person. I've always hated crafting "kits". I want to make things my way, and I don't want what I make to look exactly like someone else's creation. That said, my stuff isn't a reinvention of the wheel by any means, it's just my take on the wheel.What inspires your work? Color, sparkles, and moving parts inspire me. I am a kid at heart, and I'm easily entranced by color. I'm also inspired when I witness creativity in others.
Who are your favorite designers? I really like Cynthia Rowley and Isaac Mizrahi. I would love to dress in all vintage dresses from the 40's and 50's all the time. Unfortunately, I don't fit into the common sizes of vintage.
What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? I believe that happy people are beautiful, so happiness is my biggest must-have. That said, the things that make me happy are mascara, pencil skirts, wrap shirts, and a great haircut. I also get regular pedicures.
Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? Follow your heart. Be yourself and find the market that appreciates you. That said, be realistic also. Don't expect your new thing to take over the world because you love it. Be persistent.
Where can people find your work? My jewelry is available at www.wastenotwhimsy.etsy.com
Anything else? Yea, I have a blog! It's www.galatians110.blogspot.com
