Welcome to this exclusive interview with the creative mind behind the captivating jewelry brand, Buzz n Sting. We delve into the fascinating journey that led to the birth of this brand, the heartfelt inspiration behind it, and the vision for its future.
With a passion for fashion and a deep appreciation for jewelry design, Brandi Walker has embarked on an extraordinary path that combines traditional metalsmithing with a contemporary flair. Join us as we uncover the story behind Buzz n Sting and gain insights into the founder’s creative process, favorite creations, and the impact this brand aims to make in the world of jewelry.
Prepare to be inspired and captivated by this remarkable entrepreneur and her dedication to crafting opulent pieces that evoke a sense of regal elegance. Without further ado, let’s explore the world of Buzz n Sting and the remarkable individual behind it…
Tell us the journey that led you to launching your brand, Buzz n Sting…
I’ve been sewing since a very young age and decided to pursue fashion as a career in college. I discovered my passion for jewelry design through an Accessories Design elective in my final year. Although I briefly ventured into the health and fitness field, I soon realized that it didn’t fulfill me. This realization fueled my decision to return to school, attending a trade school specializing in traditional metalsmithing in my late 20s. This allowed me to develop the skills necessary to produce and manage my own brand.
Your brand is a loving memory of your friend, which is a beautiful way to honor her. Tell us more about Melissa Machen and what you think she would say about your brand…
Melissa was, and still is, a shining light for everyone she ever called a friend. Her energy was unmatched, and she had an incredible sense of fashion. She continues to inspire me to create from the heart and to embrace life to the fullest. Before she passed away, we had planned for her to be the face of my brand, even before it came to fruition. I believe she would be incredibly proud that I’ve come this far.
How do you want people to feel when they wear your jewelry?
I want people to feel a sense of absolute opulence when they wear my jewelry. I want them to experience a regal and celebrity-like sensation.
What’s the process behind creating a new product, and who is involved in the process?
I am solely responsible for creating new products. First, I seek inspiration from everyday life and sketch a few versions of what I believe would be functional and attractive pieces of jewelry. Then I move on to the wax carving process, which usually takes 1-2 attempts, followed by casting and finishing. Once the piece is in metal, I test its wearability over a few days. If it proves to be exceptional and complements my existing collection, it is added to my site and linesheet.
What has been your favorite custom creation, and why?
That’s a tough question because I only accept custom orders that align with my brand image. However, if I had to choose, it would be one of the first gold tooth designs I created for a close friend. I hope to receive more grillz orders in the future.
Walk us through an average day in your life…
An average day for me begins by waking up with or before the sun and heading to the gym. Then I spend time refreshing and playing fetch with my cat, Garnet, before having breakfast. Next, I head to the NYC Diamond District to run errands and then proceed to my full-time job as a WC Coordinator for another small business. After work, I return home, cook a hearty vegan meal, stretch, shower, and call it a day.
Looking back since launching the business, is there anything that you would do differently?
I don’t have many regrets in life, but I do sometimes wonder where I would be if I had pursued this passion sooner or had the confidence to launch a collection earlier.
Our readers love to travel. What destination is at the top of your bucket list?
I would absolutely love to experience Egypt one day.
Where do you call home?
Home, for me, is in three places:
- St. Louis, Missouri, where I was born and raised.
- Savannah, Georgia, where my parents have called home for the past few years.
- New York City, New York, where I have lived and worked for the past five years.
In five years from now, where do you see the brand?
In five years, I envision my brand being featured on celebrities in cover shoots and styled in TV/Film. I want it to be recognized and celebrated for its unique and luxurious designs.
Where can people find out more?
For more information about Buzz n Sting, readers can visit our website at buzznsting.com or follow us on social media @buzznsting. We regularly update our platforms with the latest collections, news, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into our creative process.
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