When we asked Loren Barham, founder and designer of the jewelry line LOREN HOPE, to describe herself, she replied with: "I’m a jewelry designer, photographer, artist, dreamer." She stole her hearts immediately. Loren started her whimsical jewelry line from her dining room table while briefly living in England. In order to grow her business, she and her husband packed up their bags and returned to the States, choosing Rhode Island as their final destination. Did you know that Rhode Island accounts for 80% of the costume jewelry in the US? Loren did, so she set up shop in a restored mill spanning 3400 square feet. Loren's growth from a dining room table to being carried in over 150 retailers fascinated us, so we had to pick her brain!
Find out why Loren Barham is a Daring Creative.
When did you decide to pursue your current career path?
I had an ah-hah moment at my kitchen table 10 years ago. I was playing with making some beaded jewelry and had the idea that I could turn it into a creative business.
How does the city you live in influence your creativity?
I live by the water in southern Rhode Island. I feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. The Spring, Summer and Fall here are full of incredible views of nature - from the sunsets over the ocean, to the flowers and foliage. The winter is brutal but I tend to daydream a lot when I’m stuck inside from the cold.
In your words, what does it mean to be a “creative”?
A creative is someone who is willing to put themselves out there with their ideas. They are willing to be vulnerable enough to explore things not yet seen, heard, tasted, felt or done… and put them out there for the world to experience and judge.
What is the biggest misconception about what you do?
That I dress up and play with beautiful jewelry and rhinestones all day… There’s a completely gritty side to jewelry that most people don’t see… and that’s the part I love. The raw materials like chain and brass stampings are usually covered in grease. My nails are usually in desperate need of a manicure, and my hands are scratched up from handling prongs or going through old boxes of vintage stones and jewelry components. It’s not glamorous.
What was the biggest opposing force that you encountered on your creative journey?
Myself. I’ve come a long way but I have so far to go. I think I have been my own biggest obstacle. It’s really easy as a creative to get in your head and have moments of self-doubt and fear. You can love your work so much but you’re afraid to fail, afraid of judgment. It can really hold you back from picking up the phone and making that call or writing that email. I’ve gotten better over the years as I’ve gained more confidence. And I’ve started recognizing my feelings of fear when they arise and know that they are simply an emotion that I can practice controlling.
In thinking about the things that you have created, is there something that you hated but the public may have loved - and perhaps purchased?
Well as much as I hate to admit, yes. A few of my designs I don’t love… they didn’t feel “good enough” to me when I did them, but they end up being our best sellers! I have come to face the fact that there is beauty in simplicity and sometimes simplicity is best.
What has been the pit and peak of your week so far? (a low and a high moment)
The pit of my week was: putting on my favorite jeans and them feeling tighter than I had remembered. I have gotten off track with my nutrition over the winter and it’s time to start taking good care of myself again! The peak of my week was visiting an old warehouse in Providence to rummage through old jewelry parts, and bringing back a nice haul of vintage German glass stones.
Who is someone famous that you think is killing it at the moment? In other words, is there someone whose career you admire.
I think Jenna Lyons is pretty great. She has impeccable style and, with her vision, is leading the hell out of J.Crew.
Finish this sentence:
I want people to remember me as: a curious spirit, a lover and creator of beauty.
If I only had 24 more hours to live, I would do: Hike the trails of Cinque Terre, Italy with my husband and family, cool off by swimming in the sea below, then have a beautiful meal outside on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean sea.
I couldn’t live without my: Quiet time. As an introvert, it’s integral for me and for my sanity. It restores me, and my creativity flows best when I’m alone listening to music.
For more on LOREN HOPE Designs and Loren Barham herself, check her out here.
Photos courtesy of Loren Barham.