Conversations with the Inspiring Kathleen Silvani

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Silvani.

Kathleen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started drawing and painting when I was in grade school. Art in all forms really called to me. I really enjoyed working with my hands, I continued to create whether it was painting, photography or needlework. They would almost always end up as a gift for someone.

I had been bitten by the travel bug many years ago, having experienced my first trip to France and Switzerland in high school. That journey has continued on and often includes my husband, family, and friends. Over the years, I continued to travel, and a souvenir would usually include handcrafted art or jewelry.

I started to design and create jewelry about 12 years ago. I went to my first trip to Tuscon Gem and Mineral Show. I was completely inspired and mesmerized. I made jewelry for gifts and also donated a piece to a couple of benefit events.

Last year, I decided to leave my career in the busy hospitality world, design and create jewelry, and open my own online store,

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth roads are rare indeed. Putting yourself out there is not easy. You have to be willing to risk failure for your passion. Many makers second-guess themselves. “Is what I make good enough?” Self-confidence is your strength. Do not worry about what others do, say or think. It is okay to fail. You pick yourself right back up and keep going. The jewelry business is very competitive. Too many makers give up before giving their business a chance to grow. It takes time to build a brand.

The greatest growing curve for myself is marketing and branding. Many makers, myself included are passionate about creating but still have so much to learn about the business end. Even though I had experience in hospitality and hotel marketing and branding, retail is a very different world. And as a small business owner, you do it all. I am still learning, growing, and evolving.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Fleur Noir Studio story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a jewelry designer and creator. My store is Fleur Noir Studio. The name means black flower was inspired by a fleur de lis ring I bought in New Orleans and have worn daily for the last decade. I create jewelry in various metals and stones. The style is clean, modern with a boho twist. My recent work is made of sterling silver, 14k gold fill, and gemstones. I also like to work with artisan blown glass or lampwork in my jewelry. I source those through some fantastic artists. All of my work is created by me. I employ techniques that include wire-wrapping, forming many of the pieces by hand starting with a piece of wire. Some of the jewelry is one of a kind pieces. Others are created in small quantities. Nothing is mass produced.

I love that jewelry is timeless and can import so much meaning to someone. And through my jewelry, I can offer both a service and an emotional journey for another. There is a sense of pride when someone chooses, gives or wears what I have made.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
When I was a Food and Beverage Leader in Hospitality, I never really put much energy into my gender as a woman. My focus was on learning and growth. I continued on my own path and kept trying until I moved forward.

Do the barriers exist? Sure, I just don’t buy into them. I think failure can be a harder pill to swallow. We as women, tend to be our worst critics, many will fail once and give up. Tenacity and patience are excellent tools. Use them daily and you will find you are right where you need to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.etsy.com/shop/FleurNoirStudio
• Phone: 480-688-5131
• Email: kathleen.silvani@gmail.com
• Instagram: fleurnoirstudio
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/FleurNoirStudio
• Other: www.pinterest.com/FleurNoirStudio

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