A PRECIOUS STONE
Camille Stone is an up-and-coming jewellery designer from the heart of George Brown, hoping that her jewellery pieces will make her way into your heart. Starting her creativity when she was young, Camille has channelled her imaginative designs into something real. Oh George! interviewed Camille and looks into her inspiration and the key to success.
OG! Explain your company:
Camille: Now, it is not so much a company as it is a hobby. I want to have a company one day, but I am using my pre-company time to experiment and develop my designs and skills. I feel like I still have a long way to go until I am at a level where I feel I can build a dominant company. Now, I am just creating prototypes and playing around with different materials until I find my forte.
Jewellery is only one category that I wish to design, as I strive to one day have a brand that carries casual wear, dresses, handbags, accessories and jewellery. My foundation will be my ethical conduct and socially responsible strategy, mixed with innovative and luxurious designs.
OG! Where/ when and why did you start?
Camille: When I was young, I would always make friendship bracelets and would learn different braiding techniques from camp. It got serious when I started making jewellery in a fashion design class in High school. I always wanted to design clothing, but It wasn't until I decided to make jewellery to go with all my outfits that I realized I was obsessed. I sold my pieces at the Orillia Farmer's Market every Saturday, and to all my visiting friends and family.
Camille Stone is an up-and-coming jewellery designer from the heart of George Brown, hoping that her jewellery pieces will make her way into your heart. Starting her creativity when she was young, Camille has channelled her imaginative designs into something real. Oh George! interviewed Camille and looks into her inspiration and the key to success.
OG! Explain your company:
Camille: Now, it is not so much a company as it is a hobby. I want to have a company one day, but I am using my pre-company time to experiment and develop my designs and skills. I feel like I still have a long way to go until I am at a level where I feel I can build a dominant company. Now, I am just creating prototypes and playing around with different materials until I find my forte.
Jewellery is only one category that I wish to design, as I strive to one day have a brand that carries casual wear, dresses, handbags, accessories and jewellery. My foundation will be my ethical conduct and socially responsible strategy, mixed with innovative and luxurious designs.
OG! Where/ when and why did you start?
Camille: When I was young, I would always make friendship bracelets and would learn different braiding techniques from camp. It got serious when I started making jewellery in a fashion design class in High school. I always wanted to design clothing, but It wasn't until I decided to make jewellery to go with all my outfits that I realized I was obsessed. I sold my pieces at the Orillia Farmer's Market every Saturday, and to all my visiting friends and family.
OG! Where do you get your inspiration?
Camille: Right now I get most of my inspiration from other people's jewellery. Since I am very far from knowing how to make everything, I study different jewellery pieces to try to figure out how they are made, then make a similar piece that is more to my liking. I am heavily influenced by different cultures and religions which have many different beautiful designs and techniques.
Last summer I had a relative from India live with us for 2 months, and I would get her to show me all her jewellery. Just a few pieces of hers inspired at least 50 of my current pieces.
Camille: Right now I get most of my inspiration from other people's jewellery. Since I am very far from knowing how to make everything, I study different jewellery pieces to try to figure out how they are made, then make a similar piece that is more to my liking. I am heavily influenced by different cultures and religions which have many different beautiful designs and techniques.
Last summer I had a relative from India live with us for 2 months, and I would get her to show me all her jewellery. Just a few pieces of hers inspired at least 50 of my current pieces.
OG! What materials do you use and where do you get them?
Camille: Currently, I am using beads until I learn how to work with precious metals and stones. I use a lot of Swarovski crystals and glass pearls which I get from bead shops. Although lately I have been mad about wood, charms, feathers and suede. I am learning how to use unconventional jewellery materials to make unique pieces. Some of my pieces for the summer will include fabric earrings, bib style necklaces and fabric bracelets. I am also learning how to combine jewellery right into my clothing pieces.
Camille: Currently, I am using beads until I learn how to work with precious metals and stones. I use a lot of Swarovski crystals and glass pearls which I get from bead shops. Although lately I have been mad about wood, charms, feathers and suede. I am learning how to use unconventional jewellery materials to make unique pieces. Some of my pieces for the summer will include fabric earrings, bib style necklaces and fabric bracelets. I am also learning how to combine jewellery right into my clothing pieces.
OG! Why should people buy your jewellery? What is your competitive advantage?
Camille: My main competitive advantage is my price! I do not have much overhead because it is just a hobby right now, so I can afford to sell my pieces at a price that students can afford. Most of my pieces are just experiments so people are sure to find unique pieces too!
In the future, my competitive advantage will be more centered on high quality, luxurious materials, innovative design and investing in something that improves the living conditions of others. I really want to have my company create a structure that makes people's quality of life much better by working for me.
OG! What is the hardest part of what you do?
Camille: Dreaming up beautiful designs and not knowing how on earth to make them yet. It is very frustrating. I definitely need more training to get to where I want to be. I constantly want to make better pieces, but its like hitting a brick wall when you don't know how to do certain techniques. I am confident that through workshops and time that I will eventually get to where my mind is free and I am liberated to make anything that my mind can think of.
Camille: Dreaming up beautiful designs and not knowing how on earth to make them yet. It is very frustrating. I definitely need more training to get to where I want to be. I constantly want to make better pieces, but its like hitting a brick wall when you don't know how to do certain techniques. I am confident that through workshops and time that I will eventually get to where my mind is free and I am liberated to make anything that my mind can think of.
OG! What is the most enjoyable part?
Camille: The most enjoyable part is seeing other people enjoy my pieces. It is always sad to see them go because most of them are one of a kind, but it brings me so much joy when i see that people feel beautiful wearing them. I know that they are just material things, but there really is a deep and spiritual exchange of energy that happens between an artist and an admirer. The artist gives the admirer inspiration and beauty while the admirer gives the artist joy and motivation. They truly take away a piece of each other. This exchange is very profound, and is never mimicked by cheap, mass produced, commercial exchanges.
Camille: The most enjoyable part is seeing other people enjoy my pieces. It is always sad to see them go because most of them are one of a kind, but it brings me so much joy when i see that people feel beautiful wearing them. I know that they are just material things, but there really is a deep and spiritual exchange of energy that happens between an artist and an admirer. The artist gives the admirer inspiration and beauty while the admirer gives the artist joy and motivation. They truly take away a piece of each other. This exchange is very profound, and is never mimicked by cheap, mass produced, commercial exchanges.
OG! What do you hope to accomplish in coming years?
Camille: I hope to learn how to make anything I can dream of, and then I hope to build a company that makes not only my dreams come true, but the hopes and dreams of others. I really want people to work with me, not just for me.
OG! What was the worst experience you've had with your business so far?
Camille: Not being able to take on certain ventures because I am in school. Sometimes great opportunities come along, but school has to come first. I just have to remember that I am not here to make it big with the jewellery I am currently making right now, I want to make it big with my future designs. I have to develop my own innovative designs at a level I am satisfied with before I go and try to make big things happen.
OG! What is the best advice you've been given?
Camille: The formula for success is 50% hard work and 50% luck!
OG! Where can people find your work?
Camille: Right now George Brown students can find my pieces at City Downtown. Some jewellery is also available at camillestone.etsy.com.
