Jamati: Hello Anne how are you?
 
 I am very well thank you.  How are you?
 
Jamati: So what part of the continent do you hail from?
 
I am from Nigeria.

Jamati: How important is it to incorporate Africa or Nigeria into the jewelry you create?
 
 It is very important because that is my way of sharing my heritage and culture with the world
 
Jamati: Your website says that you draw inspiration from different cultures and natural elements.  Can you elaborate on that a bit?
 
It is well known that nature is an endless ocean of ideas, from different shapes, textures, color & varieties of other forms of life which makes it an inexhaustible source of creative ideas.  Being from Nigeria, and living in the UK now, combined with my love for traveling affords me different experiences, and a chance to discover something new through combinations & this is always the initial stage of a design.

 
Jamati: What materials do you use to create your jewelry?
 
I use semi-precious stones like abradorite, Russian amazonite, moonstone, and tiger’s eye.  I also use wooden beads, fresh water pearls, czech glass beads, coral and swarovski.

Jamati: I am always on the hunt for unique pieces to wear to compliment my Western AND my African attire. What makes your jewelry appealing to a woman like me who fuses the East and West in her wardrobe?
 
My pieces are versatile, timeless yet individual, unique and bold.  They appeal across the generations, current trends/fashion whilst still maintaining the ethnic look but with a western twist.
 

Jamati: Do you in fact keep a particular client in mind when creating your wearable art?

I do sometimes when I’m working on commissions.  Fortunately my creative juices are pretty much always flowing and as I sell finished products to the end user I have to be aware of what is happening in the design world so that my work is fresh and contemporary.
 
Jamati: You are about to launch a new line of jewelry. That must be very exciting.   Please share with our readers a step by step process of launching a new jewelry line and how you plan on getting your product out to the masses.

I have to admit that I’ve been on a natural high with my new line.  From the new photographers and models (Nicola Odeku and Lorrin Sara) I got to work with and now being on the books of IcyPR which deals with the publicity aspect of my business.  However, I do plan on starting a blog, giving tips on how to make simple pieces and also how to look after existing jewelry.

 
Jamati: How gratifying is it to be self employed and I assume doing something that you love? What are the up and downs of being an independent agent?
 
Reaching this point is so gratifying.  Especially when I reflect on the fact that JBA was born out of jewelry I created for myself to wear in 2006.  Literally in my bedroom and this was because I was bored with everything I had, and couldn’t find anything to wear for an event I had that weekend.

Jamati: I am a big fan of mentoring and I strongly believe that one should be willing to give advice on a how to break into a business. So that being said, what would you say to the person who is selling their pieces at craft fairs or at home and who really has no strong customer base and no PR machine to back them up?
 
 I will say firstly it’s important to believe in yourself and know your product.  It is important to appear knowledgeable about your product becuase this shows the customer you’ve dedicated time an effort into creating your pieces
 
Presentation is very important.  If you present your jewellery well or put it in a box, you’re sending out a message that you work is valuable and to be valued. 
 
Sales techniques are also important.  It is important to talk to your customers without them feeling pressured. Highlight the qualities of your jewelry – the things that make your designs special.

Make sure you’re selling your jewelry in the right places.  If you make unique, high end jewelry, you’re most likely not going to have much luck at your local flea market so pick the craft shows and local boutiques you sell your items to carefully. 
 
Also it’s good to identify and set goals for yourself.  Keep an eye on the competition and learn from them.  Look for aspects of their work you can adopt and improve on.  But do give them credit too.
 
Jamati: Well Anne, it has been a pleasure. I look forward to adding some of your pieces to my own jewelry collection.
 
 Thank you. And I look forward to making you something you would love.

Learn more about Ann and her jewelry at her website.