I got the chance to ask Samantha @mintroyalee a couple of questions. I see Samantha and her partner Jacob aka Pillosnake at shows vending together or Jacob will message me Samantha's newest pieces. I wanted to get the chance to know more about Samantha's interest in jewelry, her craft, and the music project ÆRRO she has with her partner. Starting off with my usual little ice breaker.
I ask her if there's anything she's been enjoying as of recently? "I'm enjoying living in Harlingen with my partner and new dog, making new connections, focusing on my business. I've also started modeling here and there." That's right, y'all become new pet owners. That's great! Samantha continues with a few shout-outs "shout-out to my partner Jacob aka Pillowsnake, to my followers and customers, my best friend Bianca, and to my grandmother who inspired my entrepreneurial spirit. For local artists, I'd like to shoutout Druidsfancy, Tsukihana Creations, Alunaisla, 44waterlilies, and Jazmin Creates."
I'm always curious on how someone's interest in their medium(s) starts. With your art in soldering/making jewelry, how did it start? "I started when I was just a kid from a simple bead kit that was given to me for Christmas. It evolved into an interest of crafting jewelry later in life. In 2015, I decided to start selling these pieces. This small hobby slowly but surely became my full time business and what I'm known for now. I didn't incorporate soldering until earlier last year, but I feel I perfected this skill to my liking very quickly." Wow, from a bead kit, crafting, soldering, and now a business. Interesting how one thing starts off as a "hobby" and can lead to become a source of income. Isn't that a dream come true. I remember Jacob mentioning the soldering and then seeing a few pieces released. I wonder what Samantha will try her hand at next.
I remember speaking recently and you mentioned one of your pieces was involving light metal work? It was the blade necklace. How did that come about? How was the process? "I decided to sculpt the sword out of polymer clay. I sealed it and soldered it completely after that. I wanted to create something that's both fashionable and could be used for self defense if needed." A 2 in 1 combo piece, perfect. I recall seeing the sword at the a Harlingen show. My friend and I were looking at the items and he had his eye on the necklaces as he mentioned of "tough" they looked and purchased it right on the spot! Hmmm what else would be fashionable and usable at the same time?
With your recent necklaces such as the ones I've seen at the Harlingen market in December. You had spike bunny necklaces. What comes to mind when you think about these concepts? "My first pets were bunnies. I wanted to create something that was both soft and dangerous. I think when people think about bunnies, they think about a soft, gentle creature. In reality, they can be territorial and aggressive. I felt that was very fitting for the setting of these pieces." Bunnies look "soft", but there's literally a book called "Bunnicula." Jokes aside, I have seen videos of rabbits being territorial due to the videos my friend Christie would send me and the temper the old bunny would have towards certain things looked so unreal or rather out of character for what a rabbit is supposed to portray! The necklace is super cute, but with the ridges one wrong move, one wrong touch and you'll get "bit."
Is there anything about yourself that you implement to your creations? From your interests, personality ect. "I like both cute and mysterious jewelry. I gravitate towards those two factors. I wanted my jewelry brand to be a good balance of that, both cute and alternative with a touch of elegance." Looking at some of them feel like they store some sort of magic or I feel like their color/shape/design fits a world like the Witcher series if that makes sense. Like in the image below. A treasure, most definitely.
When working on your jewelry what do you think gives you the "this is finished" feeling? In your eyes what fills your criteria in a finalized piece. "I am a collector of fine, unique jewelry. I make sure the pieces I own are one of a kind and not massed produced. When I craft jewelry to sell, I make jewelry I would be proud to wear. I feel I'm finished when I'm proud of it and it's as uniquely me as possible. For example, I knew I was finished with the rabbit necklaces after sanding and polishing them and seeing them shine. I just knew I'd be proud to wear them." Every detail unlike the others, unique, one of one, and most importantly making sure your pieces have "character" as someone would say and they do. Looking back at my friends who have purchased Samantha's jewelry, it's most "fitting." The sword necklace that called out to my friend for it's appearance, edge, and I'd go ahead and say "aura" it projected. My friend who purchased the bunny necklace, but not for herself as it was a gift for her sister that fit the description of someone "soft", but from the stories she's a fighter. It's all unique as stated and each piece from what I've seen calls out to folks pretty interestingly, quite "fitting." (when I say "fitting" I mean that it fits who they are as a person)
Aside from jewelry you recently created a side project with Pillowsnake as well. What got you both working together in creating music? What idea did you have in mind for the project and how was the experience in creating and releasing music together? "I always liked music, especially when it helped me through hard times. I always considered my voice my instrument. I'm not the most musically educated person, so having someone like Pillowsnake who's more textbook knowledgeable on that stuff really helps me get out of my shell. We put both of our talents to compose and create music together." She the voice, he's the all man band, that's ÆRRO! I remember it and it's on the back of my mind for real.
Is there an update on the music project you'd like to share?
It's on hold right now to fully focus on jewelry making. I write and sing from time to time, so somethings always brewing though.
Do you have some favorite jewelry/sets/projects you've created that you reflect on or think back on? If so which ones and why? "There's a few jewelry pieces of mine I really like still. On one, I created a custom ankh rosary. It was all wire wrapped, but it had a soldered rose quartz accent. Seeing the customer's reaction to the finished product brought me a lot of joy. It means a lot to me when a piece means a lot to another person. The customer envisioned it, and I was able to fully bring it to life." Wow that sounds incredible. I get that feeling as someone who works with artists. Seeing the vision in my mind and then seeing the final product always blows my mind! Like how did they see what was in my head...but better haha.
Besides reflections is there any personal favorite sets you can't get enough of?
"The bunnies and the Junji Ito pieces are probably my favorite pieces right now. I worked hard on them and I'm glad a lot of people had a great reaction to them. I'm already seeing a lot of people wearing them out in public." Woaaah wearing them out in public? I always wonder how that feels. As an artists seeing stickers, tattoos, jewelry out in public. That must hit different.
Could you share some of the feedback you received from your work? How does it feel to see images or possibly folks in person wearing your work? "A lot of people tell me they don't see jewelry like this anywhere else in the RGV. I pride myself in being unique in that aspect. It feels great seeing people wear my work when I'm out living my everyday life."
Any final comments you'd like to make?
"Although it's always a good idea to work and have a hobby on the side, don't think you can't make it into your full time job. You just have to work really hard, be consistent, and not give up. Don't compare yourself to others, and to cultivate your own voice and style."
What are your thoughts on the local valley art scene?
"Since I started being involved in 2015, the community expanded profoundly. New artists of all mediums began popping up. To me, it makes me happy seeing other people live out their dreams and express themselves like I'm doing. It's always nice seeing different styles in all different mediums."
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