LJS: What’s your background? How did you get into jewelry making, and when?
LAE: I am Nigerian. Born and raised in the Northern parts of Nigeria. I have a Bachelors in Engineering from Nigeria and Master in Business and Innovation from Lancaster, UK and a Diploma in Gemstones from GIA. It has always been about the gemstones for me. They inspire me to create. I started collecting stones at a very young age and only started creating pieces with them in university/ college.
LJS: Describe your process, from inspiration to final product. Do you draw a design first or do you just start creating? Is it different everytime?
LAE: Inspiration for me comes mainly from gemstones. I am also inspired by where I come from and nature
LJS: Do you ever hit creative road blocks? How do you remedy that?
LAE: Yes I do. I just take short trips if I can or visit my favorite nature tumblr blogs.
LJS: What’s your favorite piece you’ve ever made?
LAE: It has to be the clustered pendant neck-pieces,
LJS: What class(es) have you taken at Liloveve?
LAE: The Gold Workshop
LJS: If you could collaborate with another designer/artist, who would it be and why?
LAE: I don’t know too many designers but I recently saw Hampley Design online. I would work with them because they have unique style and a similar inspiration to mine.
LJS: Where do you exhibit / sell your work?
LAE: I have exhibited in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya and Washington DC. I plan to do more shows locally and internationally. They will be listed on my blog – myminastones.blogspot.com. I currently sell online at http://www.myminastones.com
LJS: Have you been featured in any press?
http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/gemstone-expo-slated-for-abuja/113440.html http://nannewsnigeria.com/jewellery-dealer-calls-establishment-gemstone-laboratory
Website: http://www.myminastones.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myminastones
https://twitter.com/minastones
https://www.instagram.com/mina_stones/ myminastones.blogspot.com
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