We had the good fortune of connecting with Niesha Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Niesha, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Well I’ve always been crafty or doing a diy project for myself or other people. I probably was the only 12 year old that consistently watching hgtv programs about making and creating things. When everyone else was outside playing lol. So it only made sense that I would end up doing something along the lines that kind of work. I enjoy all things that are artistic expressions that people bring to life. It brings me joy that I get to express my self through my work and other people actually enjoy my wearable artwork.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am jewelry designer, I work with mostly with polymer clay and I make statement jewelry. But looking to expand by next year to other materials. Working on saving to get a laser cutting machine to incorporate acrylic. What sets me apart is, I am a small portion of black clay artist that are apart of the clay community. Which can be challenging at times because it seems like you have to prove yourself and your work more, than our counterparts. A lot of people didn’t know we existed but we are here and adding to the community but bringing our influence on polymer clay, which is some beyond the ordinary. My style of jewelry is definitely going to make a statement. All my pieces are bold, colorful and vibrant. Definitely not what you are going to find in regular stores. To add all my pieces are available for clip on earrings. Which is why I actually started making jewelry for myself (because my ear are no longer pierced) Most proud of myself, I stepped out on faith and quit my full time job last November. I was definitely scared and still question myself lol. But I do not regret it! It’s definitely has been a major change that I’ve had to adjust too. Because working a full time job and trying to work for myself, staying up late hours, when I had to be up at 5am. Was grueling and starting to wearing me down. Big lessons I have learned is running a business is not easy. It’s definitely like a roller coaster. You will have ups and downs constantly. One day your feeling confident about making progress the next day you probably want to pull all your hair out and quit lol. It’s definitely not for the weak at heart. You have to push yourself through no matter what. I want the world to know that I’m just a regular smegular kind of girl, that had and ideal and went for it! Literally just jump out there and did something,I liked to do. I didn’t have certain amount of money saved or given to me. I don’t even have any help or an assistant to help me.(one woman show over here) Don’t know anything about running a business, literally everything is learning as I go. But I never let any of that stop me from pursuing my dream. Certainly if I can do it, you can too! You will see my name and my business do great things!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well before pandemic, most people what to go to the attractions like Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta Botanical Gardens stuff like that lol. But it’s the festivals for me Dogwood Festival, Jazz in the Park, House in the Park, Enjoying the Beltline and Piedmont Park.Grabbing a bite from Ponce City Market, Battery Park. Have drinkings at Rock Steady Restaurant, American Cuts Steak House the also had a lounge upstairs. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband Lamero Davis and definitely my family. They have given me so much support. When times get hard and I feel like, it’s overwhelming trying to run a small business by myself. They are the ones that keep me encouraged and to just keeping pushing. My husband fully supported me when I made the decision to leave my full time job and become a full time business owner. With not one doubt about me and my potential to be successful. He is the kindest and most encouraging person that you would ever meet.

Website: xoxobijou.com

Instagram: xoxo_bijou

Facebook: xoxo, bijou

Image Credits
N/a

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