Meet Holly Rae Wind | Metal worker, jewelry designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Holly Rae Wind and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Holly Rae, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Art was never really a thought process for me, to was just part of me. What was however, was the love I had for fashion and creating clothing. After going to fashion design school, I had high hopes of going to NYC, becoming famous and living an exciting life. Instead, life gave me a family, 2 sons, the decision was made for me. Open a clothing design business that gave me the ability to to create and make beautiful clothing and be able to raise my sons while I was working in my studio.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I had a wonderful business career designing and making couture clothing, specializing in special occasion clothing such as weddings, gowns and ice skating customs. However during that time I would have people say, I can’t find the perfect jewelry to go with my outfit, so, Holly to the rescue, I researched how to make jewelry and what the trends were. It was fun and each piece, as was my clothing designs, very unique. Life, career, family was fabulous. And, with so many life’s, mine took a turn. I had to give up my career to make a regular pay check and insurance, life stuff. So, I went from my business, creative life to a worker in the corporate world. Scary, but, oh, did I learn a lot. I altered clothing for models, running an office preparing for photo shoots and became a stylist.. However, my creative side kept moving forward. I kept making jewelry. I learned how to use stones and crystals for healing abilities. People started asking for jewelry to help heal what ever their issues were and still wear fashionable jewelry, another reinvention, jewelry designer. I continued to study and got a degree as a gemologist. I left the corporate world after 13 years, moved from NY to CA! What to do to to pay the bills? Jewelry, of course. More research and another invention of myself. I discovered metals that were becoming popular in jewelry, especially copper. I love copper, so it was easy to start using it in my designs. Life was great, however my creative side kept knocking at my door,???? What to do? Go bigger it said, More research! I went bigger, I now make copper, brass, aluminum and steel wall art! I learned how to use a torch, grinders, sanders saws, I feel like a bad ass. Today, a happy life! I make jewelry with stones, crystals, and metal and large metal pieces. I am in galleries in southern CA. I am so grateful for my continual creative growth and the joy it brings me! I am not sure if I am done reinventing myself, but I am ready.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a life long exercise fanatic, so most of my friends are too. I live in a small town, Yucca Valley, my community has all dirt roads and is just a short distance from hiking trails. We would hike, of course! I am also just outside of Joshua Tree National Park. The beauty is incredible, even for those that don’t want to hike the views are magnificent! Down the hill about 35 miles, is Palm Springs, you gotta love Palm Springs!. I love it when people come during Modernism Week, So much going on, it is almost like going back to the 1950’s! There are so many tours to take and old actors and actresses homes to visit. And Art, Art, Art to see. Galleries are open, artists studios to visit, and food, so many choices. Being a vegan for 48 years, does limit us a tiny bit, but they certainly do not go hungry! SO! if they don’t want to hike, and they don’t like art, just the fun and excitement of the Palm Springs area is overwhelming!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to say, my two sons and brother have always pushed me in what ever creative endeavor I try. They are much more realistic than I am, but their input is great, My husband has pushed me too, not always to his benefit because he has to help me with my torches and tools. And friends, of course, that have encourage me to try new art! I am a lucky woman.

Instagram: hollyraejewelry

Facebook: holly rae wind

Other: hollyrae49@gmail.com