Interview with Artist & Designer Marissa Lewis
Who are you as a person?
It depends on the day I guess! (she laughs) Mostly I am a positive, upbeat person. I think health and fitness is important as well as fun and leisure, so balance is the key. I try to live my best life everyday, I always want to improve who I am, what I do, what I create, how I parent, how I love, how I live in the world. A big part of my life is my family, I am a partner to my husband and have been for the past 10 years. I am also a mother of two incredibly wonderful little girls (Jayli and Everly), who really make me who I am now.
How has your children affected your life and your business?
I do everything I do in my life for them, to leave them a better world, teach them good habits, help them know and build happy, loving relationships and show them how to have fun and be who they are meant to be. Over three years ago I became vegan when my first daughter was 9 months old. Becoming a parent made me so much more concerned and aware with my footprint on the world. I didn't want my children to ever doubt my commitment to give them the best life I could, and that included my global impact. Then when I was pregnant with my second daughter I realized I needed to be my best self and that meant following my heart and to be true to who and what I am. I needed to show my girls that life is passion, following your dreams, doing what you love and being successful at it. I don't think it is healthy to just work to live, you should try to live your life and make your passion your work.
Have you always been creative?
YES YES YES! I am full of creativity!!! I have been that way since I was born, I cannot function without creation. My soul needs to create and jewelry is my main medium for that. I love fashion, style, uniqueness, character, personality....I think jewelry is one of those things that allows a person to show their flare and style.
What influenecs your jewelry design style?
Everything. Really I get inspiration from people, places, culture, places I've traveled like Ecuador, Jamaica, Indonesia. I am very into geometric design patterns, so I try to take those ideas and put a modern twist on them. I would say my strongest infulences are tribal, native, bohemian, futuristic, spiritual, ritualistic and art deco. I am constantly changing my lines and create new pieces almost daily. I also have a love for the art of business and marketing in general, so I create simple lines that fit into specific markets.
Which celebrity would you most want to wear your jewelry?
Drew Barrymore. I love her free spirit. Her style is trendy boho, but fun and classic. I think that is the essence of my jewelry design. I want the wearer to feel happy...playful...styled.
What do you always want your jewelry to represent?
I always want it to be fun, funky and affordable. I keep it positive, meaning I like things that create positive emotions in the wearer, like words of inspiration. I stay away from using leather or real feathers (that's the vegan me). I want my jewelry to carry good energy vibrations always!
Is there anything else you want your customers to know about you or your jewelry?
I just want them to have fun wearing it. I try to make my jewelry really affordable, so every stylish gal can wear trendy jewelry and express themselves! Be happy! Be healthy!
Be yourself!
Artist/Designer: Marissa Lewis
Mishakaudi was started by Marissa Lewis in 2010. Mishakaudi is a collaboration of Marissa's artisitc and creative talents, her business experience and family history of jewelry making. Her parents have been in the jewelry manufacturing and sales business her entire life. Making jewelry and creating unique pieces that are affordable for everyone is her passion. Mishakaudi has allowed her to focus her energy on doing something she truly loves while at the same time having the the flexibility to spend time with her family. Her jewelry is affordable, fun, funky, postive and unique. She is a proud vegan, and does not use leather or feathers in any of her designs. Each piece is individually hand crafted by Marissa (or Mish) with love. She is constantly developing new jewelry lines to add to her exntensive inventory. She currently lives in Spokane Valley, WA with her husband Lamar and their lovely daughters Jayli 3yrs old and Everly 1yr old.
Where did the name Mishakaudi come from?
When Marissa was learning to talk as a small child, her mom would ask her what her name was and she would reply "Misha Kaudi Canoe", which was her version of Marissa Kelly Mcandrew (her full name). Since then her family has always called her Mishakaudi, Misha or Mish for short, and it has stuck with her throughout her life. What more a fitting name than one originally manifested in the mind of a young child.. one that is open to all the creative energy and possibilites the world has to offer!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Phone: 509-999-8802
Mailing Address: 805 S Rees Ln. Spokane Valley, WA 99037
