On Friday June 17th, Sadé James, a 30 year old jewelry designer from Pickering, Ontario showcased her collection, "Madeoneofakind" at Lamania Boutique. After taking a closer look at her work, it's clear that each piece is indeed, one of a kind. As a designer, she makes sure that each piece is of high quality and hand-crafted. In fact, one of her favourite materials to work with is natural stone. She often uses aloid chain glass beads, marble earth stones, agate stones, and peiwa pearls, just to name a few.
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| The Dagger: $35.00 - Material: Quality earth stones and goldtone spikes |
How long have you been making jewelry for?
I've been making jewelry since I was around 10. It was definitely not as good as it is now... It was just a hobby of mine back then. In 2013, I decided to turn it into an actual business because I was bored with my full time job and I wanted something to look forward to doing everyday. So that's why I really started.
Why did you choose the name "Madeoneofakind"?
That's an interesting question. My social media name is "isoneofakind". I like to set myself apart from everyone else, I don't like to be a part of the masses, I like to be different. So, it was only natural to actually name my business "Madeoneofakind" because the jewelry is made by me, and they're made by hand.
What types of materials do you use to make your jewelry?
I use natural stones, sterling silver... But I really like natural stones because they're from the earth and look so stunning.
Name the factors/inspirations that drove you to start making your own jewelry
I've always been into fashion. I went to school for fashion merchandising and management. I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was younger. I used to make little designs here and there. But I actually went and worked for a Canadian fashion designer as a co-op student. After working with that designer, I kind of saw a different side to being a fashion designer and it actually made me not want to be a fashion designer anymore. I kind of wanted to be a part of the business side of fashion but hey, my life didn't take me down that course. It took me to designing jewelry.
When creating a piece of jewelry, what are the inspirations you look to while making it?
When I'm on my shopping hunts to make jewelry, it's honestly whatever I'm attracted to. It could be the stone... and I'll buy it but at the time I might not know what I want to use it for. Then one day, I just might see a pattern on TV, or get inspiration from architecture. Then I just visualize something in my mind and I just put it together. Inspiration comes from everywhere.
What sets you apart from other Toronto jewelry designers?
Everything I make is handmade by me, and I do custom designs. I use a lot of natural stones and whatnot. I think that's what sets me apart.
What were some of the major challenges you had to overcome throughout your journey in making jewelry?
I think the biggest obstacle/challenge I had was starting my business, and letting everybody know that this is what I'm doing. When I started out, it was difficult promoting it on social media and not being afraid to do it. It takes a lot of guts to do it and you don't know exactly how people are going to react to it. However, after I started doing it, I didn't care anymore. This is what I want to do and it's either: I'm going to do it, or I'm not going to do it. They're either going to like it or they're not. They say that your friends are the hardest ones to convince because they know you for who you are and not what you want to be. So yeah, I just went ahead and did it.
Where do you see Madeoneofakind in 10 years?
I'm hoping that I have my own store. A nice Madeoneofakind by Sadé store, featuring all kinds of handmade jewelry by myself and maybe other jewelry designers from Toronto.
Do you have any advice for those who are aspiring to be jewelry makers?
Just do it! Like Nike, just do it.
And that concludes the interview! We would like to thank Sadé James for graciously putting in the time and effort to have her jewelry on display at Lamania Boutique, as well as everyone who came by and supported this pop-up shop!
In case you missed the pop-up event, don't worry! You can check out more of Sadé's work on Madeoneofakind's website, and social media!
- Austine Ortencio
Lamania Boutique
