Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Chamberlain.
Hi Nicole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began creating jewelry when I was around eight years old. I would make porcelain head brooches and melt plastic slabs in the oven then mold them into hats as the porcelain head ladies were too creepy without their decadent hats. I’d sell them to the women at church. They were kind of creepy looking but shockingly people still bought them!
Even thirty years later I still have those shock-like feelings when my jewelry collection sells out the first day of the launch. I’m always so stunned that people want to wear the art that I’ve created. I’m just so grateful for their loyalty in supporting my jewelry brand Urbane Cole.
I started my jewelry company Urbane Cole on April 7, 2017. I was able to quit my full-time makeup artistry job two years ago to pursue my lifelong dream of being a small business owner, artisan collaborator, and jewelry designer. I would not be where I am today without the support of my loving husband, family, and friends.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What fun would life be if the roads were smooth? The pandemic was a struggle. My why behind the brand is really to inspire people to get up, get out, get dressed, and spread joy. Well, we were all locked in our homes and not going anywhere. So, I had to pivot and find new inspiration. There were times where I felt gross and just weird about selling jewelry because I knew many were struggling and out of work. The struggle was real.
Jewelry being an item of luxury at that time I would battle with feelings of what’s the point? Thankfully, I had strong opinionated people in my life to remind me of my why. They motivated me to keep going and so I did. During the pandemic, my sales actually increased. I would do live Instagram launches and people continued to support the brand. It was baffling! I also started collaborating with other artisans to help support their small businesses during the pandemic. It makes my heart full looking back on that time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a small business owner and jewelry designer. I am not a mass producer. I believe in sustainability and ethically sourced stones. Urbane Cole is brand that gives back to local nonprofits like the Poiema Foundation. A faith-based organization that aids in the fight of human sex trafficking.
I am most proud of the collaborations I’ve done in support of other artisans.
One of my favorite career moments is when I partnered with the cosmetic brand Chantecaille at Neiman Marcus. They were launching a crystal lipstick holiday collection and I created gemstone bracelets that mimicked the lipstick colors. It was fun and humbling to pop-up shop at Neiman Marcus NorthPark especially since I had previously worked there.
What matters most to you? Why?
Breathing art into the world while supporting other artisans along the way. Because art heals the soul.
Contact Info:
- Email: nicole@urbanecole.com
- Website: www.urbanecole.com
- Instagram: @urbanecole
- Facebook: Urbane Cole
Image Credits
Kieone Young Photography
Vanessa Fettig Photography
