By: New Naturalista
Let me start with the package.
It arrived from Singapore – which made it all the more intriguing. Inside, a pair of earrings and a necklace I’d purchased from Fleur Ave.’s Etsy site. I’m late to the Etsy party — I’ve perused a few pages but never took the plunge to purchase. Fleur Ave.’s page was too good to pass up — the jewelry was just my style. Classy, simple, elegant — and handmade! So back to the package.
I'm Beautiful!
I opened it and was greeted by this small paper bag with the Fleur Avenue emblem. “Fleur Avenue,” it reads, “Your Are Beautiful.” How sweet!
The jewelry did not disappoint. Absolutely — me. Inspired by Chanel, a couture looking locket necklace, minus the couture price. ($22) The bow earrings, classy and vintage looking. ($10) And handmade by the sweet as sugar Brenda Pan. She’s a graphic designer by day in Singapore and a jewelry maker by night. Her disposition is just as refreshing as her jewelry; I can just imagine her making my beautiful bow earrings and necklace with a smile.
I have to say my first Etsy experience did not disappoint. As part of my new naturalista lifestyle, I love the idea of buying from someone who really appreciates my business. Arrivederci big box chains!
Q & A with the queen of Fleur Avenue, Brenda Pan:
NewNaturalista: How did you get started making jewelry?
Brenda Pan: I guess it just sort of happened. I quit flying, became jobless and it was a year before I could attend university. So instead of looking for another ob, I decided I wanted to do something for myself, to be my own boss, to have a little boutique to call my own and hopefully make some money. I was also constantly in search of “my ideal” whimsical jewelry but nothing came close. A little voice inside of me said, “why not just create my own?” and FA was born.
New Naturalista: Where do you gain your inspiration?
Brenda Pan: A huge part of my inspiration comes from my imagination and “feelings” (maybe being a pisces helps too lol). I daydream alot about fairies, old castles, countrysides and romance. I also draw inspirations and palettes from daily objects, the environment, fashion shows, magazines and places like “lookbook.”
NewNaturalista: Are your pieces custom?
Brenda Pan: No, but no two pieces come out the same so I do alterations on length to fit.
NewNaturalista: What are your future aspirations?
Brenda Pan: It’s a secret but you will see!
For more information on Brenda’s designs: fleuravenue.com
