Q. When did the business open?
Q. What inspires you when you're creating a piece?
include aromatherapy jewelry using lava beads, as well as our newest line of Morse code jewelry where people can spell out custom messages using sterling silver, gold and rose gold beads as dots and dashes. We also bezel (back and side with sterling silver) one-of-a-kind sea glass into stunning pendants and, for people who are a little less nostalgic and all about pretty things, we also make a line of crystal and pearl jewelry using Swarovski elements.
Audrey: We registered the business in 2016 and took a little over a year to carefully source our components before testing our finished products at various markets and fairs on the Island. We wanted to make sure that all of the materials we use come from sources where no child labour is used or workers are underpaid. We also wanted to make sure the sterling was high quality.
Audrey: Our customers. A lot of great stories about engagements, weddings, growing up at the beach, and exciting travel destinations come with the little bags of sand and other elements that get dropped off at our shop.
Q. What is your favourite aspect of what you do?
Q. Who are the owners of the business?
Q. Are custom pieces available?
Bianca: Knowing that we help people give such thoughtful and unique gifts to their loved ones. A pendant is just a thing, but the experience it represents - going to your grandparents' cottage every summer, the beach you got engaged on, or that amazing vacation you'll never forget - that's special and we get to be a part of that.
Audrey: Yes, all of our lines are highly customizable. That's the point. We want our customers to have something that is special to them.
Bianca: Myself and my mother, Audrey.
Q. Do you have a storefront?
Audrey: We now have two seasonal store - fronts! One in Mariner's Cove Boardwalk in Cavendish, and we just opened another at Peakes Quay this past Canada Day.
Q. Do both of you create the pieces?
Bianca: I make all of the resin jewelry and anything that needs to be assembled. Mom creates all of the one-of-a-kind sea glass pieces. These require a lot of torch work, sanding and polishing and can be labour intensive.
Q. Have you always been a creative person?
Q. How can people find you?
Audrey: Both Bianca and I are creative people and we're doing what we enjoy.
Bianca: People can visit our website at www.mcgregorandcurrie.ca or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
Q. Do you have any plans to add more types of jewellery, etc., in the future? Bianca: We're currently sourcing a line of lockets that we can customize with sand or other elements as well as pictures provided by customers. Mom is also working on a little Island fox bezel that I will fill with either blonde, red or black sand. We consistently support Anderson House. Considering our customer base and wearers are women, we thought we should do something to help women.
Q. What kind of training did you receive?
Q. What type(s) of jewellery do you create?
Audrey: I graduated in Fine Arts from the Alberta College of Art + Design. I majored in metals and worked as a
Bianca: We specialize in sand resin jewelry set in sterling silver. Basically we take sand from popular beaches, or people bring us sand, and we set it in pendants, rings, bracelets, charms, earrings etc., using a jeweller's grade resin. Our pieces make really personalized gifts. We get a lot of people purchasing gifts for family members living away, or they'll show up with sand from the beach they got engaged or married on. We use the same process to set just about anything people want - crushed shells are popular, dirt from family farms and even ashes from loved ones and pets. We've expanded our customizable lines to
goldsmith for a few years before pursuing a career in teaching. Bianca is a Business Administration graduate from UPEI. I've been teaching her some more complicated jewelry making skills.
Q. What do you love the most about what you do?
Bianca: The creative process is therapeutic. It's fun to make beautiful things that hold meaning to the wearer.
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