Maker: Dani from Agapantha

I’m a little behind on the fashion scene. Always have been, but I am recently kindling a love for mixed metal jewelry. I used to shy away from anything gold or gold-toned. I don’t know where my aversion to it came from, but I’ve had a particular bent to avoiding it. I accepted my first gold accented gift when my great aunt died. My sister and I were able to choose one of her many sets of fancy china. I picked a simple ivory with a gold rim. {baby steps} A few years later, I bought pair of earrings that were silver, with a small part of gold. And I’ve slowly added a few gold (or gold toned) pieces to my jewelry box. I like to wear them when I need to feel grownup, which isn’t too often, but still a nice thing. I love how mixed metals look together. I love how sometimes copper looks beautiful with silver, and how the different colors contrast and complement each other. And I love when someone takes something that they love, and make it into something beautiful. Dani from Agapantha has done just that. Her use of gold, silver and semi-precious gemstones turns her pieces into unique and fun jewelry and anyone can love. Meet Dani!

{Angie}

 

Please introduce yourself.

Hi, I’m Dani. I’m originally from Torrance, CA, aka one of the beachy suburbs of Los Angeles. I managed to sneak away for many years – Los Feliz, San Francisco and most remarkably 9 years in New York – only to end up back in Torrance for the past 4+ years. Life is funny that way. Met my East Coast bred husband and when I was pregnant with our now almost 4 year old son, he got a job in Torrance of all places.

What do you make or do?

I make a line of delicate, modern, classic jewelry with attention to detail. I use mostly 14k gold fill, sterling silver and semi-precious gemstones, but have been playing with other metals recently and have been known to repurpose fun vintage pieces in my work as well. Some of my collections are strictly wire-wrapped, some are cast and soldered and some, a combo.

Where can we find your creations?

You can find Agapantha online at www.agapantha.com, at retail boutiques all over the US and of course at retail shows like Patchwork and Unique USA. Plus, we love to come to you and do home parties.

Is there an interesting story behind the name of your business?

Agapantha is a the first flower that my Grandma taught me how to say. When I was naming the company I wanted to honor her and all the influential women in my life. In addition, all of the collections are named for other influential and all around fabulous women that I have been inspired by.

How long have you been creating and is it your full-time job?

I have been in business since April 2004. A couple years prior, I was a full-time musician and needed something to help pay the rent between tours. Somehow, though I was self-taught, I thought I was qualified enough to work as a production assistant for a couple of wire-wrapping based jewelry designers and after a couple of years I decided to go out on my own. People don’t like to pay for music and I was ready to do something that was both artistically fulfilling, as well as financially viable.

When you’re not making things, what do you do?

When I’m not making things, I’m busy being a mom to a spirited and hilarious 3 year old, singing in a band with my husband and training for triathlons. I try to fit a few other things in there as well, but until they give us a 30 hour work day, I’m in trouble.

Did someone in your family, a friend or teacher introduce you to your creative side or have they helped you along the way?

Lucky for me, I grew up with a super creative mom. When I was little she taught kids classes like “hammer and nails” and built refrigerator box forts and giant felt wall cities. As an adult she built a mini retail balloon store empire and originated hand painting on balloons. I grew up working in the store (as did everyone in my high school…) hand painting everything and decorating imaginative parties. I was more into drama and music but started making and selling jewelry in high school. I was mostly encouraged, though for many years there was a lot of law school talk. I pushed through and followed my heart and ultimately my family members are my greatest cheerleaders.