Spotlight Vinnie Vendors: Doxahlogy Jewelry
One of the things we're most proud of at Vinnie is the opportunity to showcase talented artisans — both local and national. Our vendors are all incredibly talented craftsmen-and-women with inspirational designs. And we kinda love bragging about them...
Danica Van Horn of Doxahlogy is a local Nashville jewelry-maker, and we're honored to sell her pieces at Vinnie. Her collections boast of whimsical inspiration and vibrant color schemes. Each one is a unique masterpiece — and a true staple for every wardrobe.
This month, we've decided to showcase our brilliant vendors by shining a spotlight on their work. This month, we asked Danica some questions we had about her art and how she's able to do what she loves — we think you'll be interested in her responses.
Check out our inside look to the Doxahlogy studio below:
What inspired you to start Doxahlogy? How did you get into jewelry making?
I started making jewelry when I was in junior high school just for fun and kept doing it as a hobby well through college. I got my first job after graduation, and as much as it was a great position and company, I was sitting at a desk eight hours a day and miserable. I had always been creatively minded and loved working with my hands, so I decided to start a blog and sell my jewelry on it as a creative outlet. The more I did it the more I felt alive; like I was doing what I loved. After moving to Nashville, I realized that design and jewelry is truly where my passions are. I launched the company Doxahlogy at first doing it alongside my full time job, but then took the plunge into working at it full time. By the grace of God it will be three years this February!
How do you keep the creativity flowing? What do you do/read/look at in order to create a new collection?
Honestly, I am inspired by everyone and everything around me. I rarely meet someone and not glance at his or her jewelry. Nature is a big inspiration for me as well. I love to see how colors pop against others and what shapes stand out against their backgrounds. All facets of art, architecture, woodworking, etc. help me pull ideas about new pieces to make. One of my favorite things to do is go to the Nashville Flea Market and spend hours digging through old vintage jewelry to find ideas and then make one-of-a-kind pieces out of old treasures. On the occasion I truly feel in a creative rut, I love looking through fashion magazines and Pinterest, pulling ideas from new style trends and culture.
What's your favorite part about what you do?
That I am doing what I love and am passionate about. I was stuck in a job I wasn’t passionate about and didn’t feel gifted in for years and everyday I am grateful for the opportunity to make jewelry and see it being worn and sold. I know that I am doing something that makes me feel alive and driven. Another part that I love is everyday is never the same – (almost) every piece of jewelry isn’t the same. Variety is so freeing for me.
What's the most difficult/tedious part of your job?
The financial aspect is by far my least favorite. I wish I could design jewelry and not have to worry about money, revenue, wholesale vs. retail prices, taxes, the list goes on. I merely glance at a tax form and all I want to do is take a big ole’ nap.
What's something you would like your customers to know about you/your business?
It is all designed and handmade locally. Every piece is put together by the same hands that are responding to emails, typing the tweets, posting to Instagram, etc. Additionally though, I want customers to know that every bit of those aforementioned things come from a place of happiness and deep gratitude, and excitement about Doxahlogy’s products and mission; to inspire confidence and individuality. The word doxology worldwide means “an expression or a praise of something.” It is routed in the Greek word “doxa” which means glory. That’s where I created Doxahlogy from, that our jewelry would express who you are and that at the end of the day, what we do would bring glory to God.
What characteristics or values are most important to you as a business woman?
Quality. Anytime there is ever something wrong with a piece or an order I do whatever I can to make sure it’s fixed and the customer is happy. I want the mission of Doxahlogy to be carried out in the pieces people wear. I so strongly desire for the wearer to be confident and feel special, and maybe that could be partially because of the jewelry they’re wearing.
What advice would you give to other women who wish to start their own business/do what they love?
Just go for it. If you are passionate and excited about something then go after it with all you have. Yes there will be times when it doesn’t seem like it's going to work, money is tight, and you will wish there were 30 hours in a day instead of 24, but at the end of that day, doing what you love will be worth way more than anything money can buy you.
You can see and purchase her work here — or visit the Vinnie Louise store to try on some of her stunning jewelry.
Have a great weekend, and wear (Doxahlogy) happy!
xoxo
VL