Kristina Manuzon - MANUZON

Kristina Manuzon is the designer and maker behind the lightweight statement jewelry brand Manuzon. Kristina started working with polymer clay in early 2019 after a personal loss, and clay as a creative outlet brought her a confidence and positive outlook. She created statement earrings which she gifted to friends and with their encouragement, Kristina pursued jewelry as a business. Made with clay, touches of iridescence and freshwater pearls, Manuzon jewelry is modern, thoughtful and beautiful. Manuzon holds a modern style and soft and neutral color palette that’s inspired by architectural shapes and colors. Kristina has a community of support and positivity through in person events and online, continues to create and expand her craft and is looking into creating home ware (dishes, vases, etc). “As both a creative and a perfectionist, I love the endless possibilities with clay and how detailed you can get with each piece. You can make literally any color, any texture, any shape.”

www.etsy.com/shop/manuzon/
@manuzon.co

When did you start Manuzon, and what drove you to pursue it?
I started experimenting with polymer clay in early 2019 after a very tough loss of a loved one. I felt like I lost a part of myself and really struggled with grief. I started looking for a creative outlet to try and ease my mind and bring back that part of myself that was missing. I stumbled upon polymer clay after seeing earrings sold at maker’s markets and I loved the individuality and workmanship that went into each piece. I bought myself a few basic supplies to try it out and I instantly fell in love with the craft! I started out just making earrings for myself and friends, but so many people showed interest in my work that I found myself making more and more. I finally decided to start selling my work after some encouragement from my friends and I’m so glad I did! I’ve met so many amazing people through this work and I’ve built up my confidence, both personally and creatively. Starting this business has really given me such a positive outlook!

What is your creative process?
I find inspiration in just about anything. Sometimes I see shapes in architecture and start to imagine how it would look in an earring. I also find inspiration in colors in nature and surface textures. A characteristic that you see a lot in my work is marbling because I love how organic it is and how each earring is unique depending on what part of the slab it’s cut from. My phone is full of pictures and sketches from whenever inspiration hits. Then when it’s time to create, I just turn on some music and go to work for hours. I mix the colors to create the clay slab, cut the pieces, bake, sand, drill, and assemble. Sometimes if there’s a resin finish involved, there’s a whole other set of steps that I need to do before assembling. It’s a labor of love honestly!

How would you describe your style? And how does it influence your work?
I would describe my style as modern and classy, yet easy to wear. My color palettes are usually very soft and neutral so they can be styled with just about anything in your closet. I sometimes add mica powders for a shimmery effect or cut organic shapes by hand. Otherwise, I love classic arches, neutral colorways, and of course marbling. I really listen to my customers and pay attention to which styles and shapes they like. I do think it’s really important to make what you like making so that you can keep your creativity flowing, but it also makes my heart super happy when customers reach for that classic style that they know and love.

What do you love about the work you do?
As both a creative and a perfectionist, I love the endless possibilities with clay and how detailed you can get with each piece. You can make literally any color, any texture, any shape. When I first entered this world of clay makers, I was so intimidated by how many people are out there making jewelry with polymer clay. But more and more, I noticed that there’s so much individuality within each maker. I also love the connections that I’ve made through this work. Not just with fellow makers, but customers too! I’ve met so many amazing people and this work has really allowed me to come out of my shell.

What are some of your favorite earrings you've made?
It’s hard to pick, but a lot of my favorites are the ones that incorporate freshwater pearls! They always end up looking way more elevated than anything I’ve ever done. One of my newest favorites is a style that I haven’t even released yet, that’s a simple arch shape but with a lot of extra love put into it. On top of my usual process of mixing, rolling, cutting, baking, and sanding the clay, I also hand cut these tiny iridescent pieces into something that resembles confetti or glitter and I carefully place them on top of the baked clay and finish it off with a layer of resin. One pair takes several hours to make so I’ll probably release them in limited quantities once I’m ready.

Your jewelry consists of statement earrings right now, are there plans to expand to necklaces, rings, or bracelets?
It’s definitely in the works! I’d also love to expand into home ware like dishes, candle holders, and vases. Just like earrings, it will take some time to perfect. I wouldn’t be comfortable selling them until I feel absolutely confident about the quality that I’m putting out there, so I’m really excited to get that experimentation process going.

How do you get in a creative mindset and flow?
It’s tricky because sometimes you just can’t get in that mindset unless you really want to be. Earlier this year I took a 2 month break from making because I just couldn’t get into that creative mindset. I thought my well had run dry, but really I think it was because I didn’t want to create at the time. Sometimes you just need that break to reset and let your mind build up that creativity again. I think what happened during that time was “creative fatigue” in a way because I had just finished my first vending gig and spent weeks straight just making earrings in bulk. I was in need of a break after that. I found that inspiration and creativity will always come back, even when you aren’t looking for it. Eventually it just clicked. What also helps is changing up your scenery, both physically and even on your social media feeds.

Have you done any pop ups, fairs, markets?
I did my first vending gig at an art show in Oakland earlier this year. It was such an amazing experience! I loved meeting new people and being surrounded by so many talented artists. I had a handful of markets and fairs lined up for 2020 but unfortunately every single one of them got cancelled or rescheduled due to the pandemic. Since then I’ve just been focusing on my online engagement, but I can’t wait to get back out there once it’s safe!

What has the reception of your jewelry been like?
I honestly never would have expected the reception I’ve gotten. It seriously warms my heart and I’m so grateful for everyone’s support. I’m not even just talking about the people who have purchased from me, but even the random people who have ever complimented my earrings or posted about my work. I used to get so nervous posting my work, but the warm reception and positive feedback has really helped me become more confident in what I do.

Do you have any advice for those who want to pursue jewelry?
Just go after it and let it unfold organically. Make things that you like and not what you think is trendy or what others are making. You’ll never find joy in it if you aren’t doing what you love. Don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself to make ‘X’ amount of sales or release a new collection every month. Also, don’t be intimidated by other makers! You’ll be surprised by how supportive the maker community is. Be kind to yourself, let yourself learn, grow, and build upon what works for you and what makes you happy!

Photos courtesy of Kristina Manuzon