Earrings from pop tabs of canned drinks you say? I mean who would have thought of that? Necklaces and keychains made from spoons? Well I’ll be! Might shock you and I but for the creator/artist/designer of Illuminating Designs, it’s simply all in a day’s work. And work she takes great pride in.
Terril Nicholas developed a passion for creating jewellery from as far back as her secondary school days and despite every other career opportunity she has had, fashion jewellery making is the one that has clutched her heartstrings to this day.
Terril’s jewellery crafting started out with creating bracelets from rope and beads, which quickly became popular, encouraging her to challenge herself to make more interesting pieces from rather unusual materials. Some of her pieces are created from upcycling, which is the process of using discarded or old materials to create something useful and beautiful. The materials include, pop tabs of canned drinks and used plastic bottles, in addition to all-new and imported materials such as enamelled copper, beads and trinkets, and her signature element, stainless steel spoons. Yes, spoons!
Of course, Team Dazzle was totally intrigued by the works of this artiste and could not resist finding out more about what’s behind this creative company, Illuminating Designs. Wait ‘til you read about some of the crazy requests she has received. Dig in Dazzlers!
Dazzle: What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Terril: I helped other people realize their visions for a number of years as a very dedicated and disciplined worker. I treated their businesses like my own. However, there was no real appreciation, which led to job dissatisfaction. Over the years, I kept saying to myself that I wanted to start my own business. I’ve explored various career options, including being a massage therapist for six years. I am also trained in carpentry and joinery, though I have never built anything but I do repairs to items. However, throughout the years, making jewellery was something I never let go of and having been unemployed it was the perfect opportunity for me to start working towards my dream of having my own business, doing something that I love. Terril registered Illuminating Designs as a business in 2007. Nine years later it is a leap she has not regretted.
Dazzle: How did you come up with the name Illuminating Designs?
Terril: In a dream. To illuminate means to create light, and the expressions of awe when people come to realize that I created a particular piece, for me is the light factor of what I do.
Dazzle: You are known for creating necklaces and keychains from spoons. How did you come up with such an idea?
Terril: Initially I wanted a bezel which has a similar shape to a spoon, and couldn’t find one. I then decided to find an alternative to the bezel and considered the spoon. I went on to google ‘spoon jewellery’, and discovered that the handles of spoons were used to make rings and the scoops were flattened and engraved to make pendants and other keepsakes. I didn’t see anything like what I create though, which incorporates a table epoxy to seal in whatever I desire to include in the design.
After a few spoon creations, interest in the product grew tremendously. Such a unique product and concept drew people to Illuminating Designs, making spoon jewellery the signature item of the company. Even Darren Sammy has his unique piece!
To date, Illuminating Designs supplies spoon jewellery to a number of companies, including Sea Island Cotton Shop which was the first major sale, Windjammer Landings, Black Amigo at the Baywalk Mall, Sierra’s Gift Shop in Gros-Islet, and The Yard at Massade. The company even supplies keepsakes to schools for various activities like graduations, awards, and Teacher Appreciation Day.
The concept of VAT in Illuminating Designs stands for Very Affordable Treats. Therefore, she uses cost effective materials such as stainless steel spoons and malleable spoons as opposed to spoons made from heavier more expensive metals like silver.
Dazzle: What are some of the craziest things you’ve been asked to spoon?
Terril: An umbilical cord. LOL. I said no. One guy even asked me to create one with a centipede. Can you believe that?
Well Dazzlers, can you? Somebody actually wanted a dead centipede as a keepsake! People like some strange things I tell you…
Dazzle: What inspired you to get into copper jewellery?
Terril: Being someone who suffers from osteoarthritis of the spine and carpal tunnel, with many failed physiotherapy sessions, I began looking into alternative treatments and stumbled upon the healing elements of copper. I purchased a copper bracelet from a city vendor and it did give me much relief. What I disliked about this bracelet was that it left my skin green and I developed an allergic reaction. Further research led me to enamelled copper which eliminated the skin stains and allergic reactions, and now I use this to create my copper jewellery.
Illuminating Designs also has a men’s line of jewellery, typically bracelets, created from stainless steel hex nuts and stainless steel washers found at hardware stores. Styles are created using the macramé method of textile-making and accented with hex nuts, leather, copper, lava rock and other beading and trinkets, according to client specifications. Michael Robinson and Ezra DaFunMachine are proud wearers of Illuminating Designs’ men’s bracelets.
Dazzle: What are some of the initial and present challenges you face in conducting business?
Terril: In the initial stages my main challenge was funding to get materials and tools to create on a reasonable scale. It took a lot of patience and perseverance to overcome this challenge, understanding that with discipline the business will become financially stable.
My current challenge is finding a functional workspace in a convenient location to adequately serve my clients. I would love to have a place to put my items on display and be easily accessible to existing and potential customers.
Dazzle: Where do you see yourself in the next two years?
Terril: I would like to be able to teach my craft. I would also like to be able to sit back and let the business work for me to get a much needed break. Unfortunately, I like things done to a certain standard, so delegating is difficult for me. I have had individuals try to assist me in my business but I often find myself doing the work myself in the end because I didn’t think the work was up to my standard.
I do believe having your own business is a very fulfilling experience so I would like to teach the basics of jewellery making to others so that they can take the skill further and make it work for themselves.
Dazzle: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Terril: When you desire to go into business, the first principle you need to apply is discipline. You cannot afford to be laidback. The business has to be respected like you would respect the business of your employer in terms of productivity, punctuality, dedication, and hard work to reap the rewards. There are hardly any days off, until you’ve grown your business to a point where it sustains itself well enough.
