As Seen On : Michaela Linnehan
[interview by kayla doyle]
Where were you when you felt like you had started something?
Were you leaving an interview? Were you with friends, brainstorming, or taking a walk? Perhaps, you started to feel that little charge in a workshop, or a classroom setting.
Or maybe, you were in a garage, surrounded by shovels, lawn equipment, motorcycles.
See, when we start something new, it can feel like a spark. There is a certain power in the idea, craft, or product and we’re hooked. All of a sudden, we feel it come over us, and it doesn't necessarily matter where we are, what we’re surrounded by, or what we have to make it happen.
This month’s As Seen On interview is of Michaela Linnehan, who assists Amy in the studio and is moonlighting as her own business owner and jewelry maker/designer for her business, Raw Silver Co. She is currently making her jewelry designs out of her mom + dad’s garage, surrounded by motorcycles and dirt bikes, doors flung open for fresh air and possibilities.
Michaela, thank you for sharing with us more about what you see for yourself in the future. You reminded me that we can be where we are, with the door and our hearts open flung open.
-kmd
Michaela, your interest in jewelry making started in high school in your metalsmithing class. If you think back to that time, what was your biggest learning or takeaway? Were you hooked after that one class?
Right off the bat, I loved jewelry class with Ms. Backstrom at Winnacunnet High School. [Side note, Amy also attended WHS, interned with Karen Backstrom when she was getting her teaching degree, and took an Intro Jewelry course with her through their adult ed program] It wasn’t just the jewelry, it was the spirit in the room. I loved learning about stones in the classroom and what stones look good with different designs. My biggest take away from that class was learning what my mistakes were without a consequence because it was in a school setting.
michaela wearing the inuksuk dangles in 14kt gold fill + amazonite
You note on your website that you created your own studio at the age of 19 years old. Can you give us a glimpse into what that space looks and feels like to you?
Right now, I am working in my parent’s garage on a steel bench. I always keep the garage door open so it feels like an open space. I have motorcycles and dirt bikes behind me so I have to be careful where I move. I just got a 20x14 shed that I am remodeling to be a studio for myself.
Stonework is a big part of your jewelry and designs and in my experience, it’s a bit of a different game. What about stones is appealing or fun for you?
I love stones and the way they are created by the earth. Before COVID, I would go to stone shows all the time to hand pick what stones to put in my jewelry. Jewelry also helps you define your style and who you are so adding stones just gives it a more natural and fun vibe. I pick stones that I would wear and I look for certain shapes and what I can do to make the stone look its best.
Do you have a favorite moment of the process? For example, the moment when you brush off the tarnish, pull something out of the pickle, or package up and ship off?
My favorite thing is polishing! Polishing feels like the final step where I know what the ring truly will look like when I send it out. Polishing the silver gives it such a beautiful shine.
Do you have future plans for your jewelry business? New lines or ways you see it growing/expanding?
I plan on just making jewelry and adding it to my website as I go for now. I’m starting off slowly to get a grasp on owning my own business and learning along the way. In the future, I hope to grow my business to maybe wholesale to retailers.
Would you be willing to share a bit about how you know Amy, and what it’s like working with her?
I’ve known Amy since I was born; she is my aunt's best friend. Amy would always be at the family parties and everyone in my family always adored her for how sweet and caring she is. I never imagined taking this path when I was little. Working with Amy is fun and very educational. Amy is always there to give a helping hand.
Do you wear Amy’s pieces? Do you have a favorite?
Yes! My favorites are Gira Dangles which I am wearing right now and the Inuksuk Dangles! I love wearing them with a winter hat, jeans and a comfy sweater.
What has it been like for you working with another jewelry artist/maker?
It’s really fun! I feel as though Amy and I have very different styles and it’s always fun making jewelry that I normally wouldn’t create on my own. Working with Amy opens up my mind to ideas of designing that I would have never thought of otherwise. I’ve learned a lot about wire wrapping which was never a strength for me. Amy has also been helping me with understanding and learn about what it is like to own your own business.
Thank you so much for reading our latest installment of As Seen On, and please be sure to check out @raw.silverco and www.rawsilverco.com to see more of Michaela’s beautiful work.
ASO readers, please enjoy 20% off Michaela’s picks, the Inuksuk Dangles and the Gira Dangles. Discount is taken at checkout.
If you or someone you know wears Amy’s pieces and is interested in being featured in our “Ode to the Wearers", please reach out to us. We’d love to learn more about you and what you wear.