Tell us, who is the person behind the Aide-mémoire Jewelry?
I was born in Philadelphia, but have lived up and down the East Coast in the US, and now call Seattle home. I came into jewelry through academia, I then went on to complete nine years of post-secondary education in metals and crafts. I’m an obsessive maker. When I’m not working, I’m usually doing something else creative, volunteering, camping, or out riding my motorcycle.
Why do you do what you do? What do you love the most about your job?
As a lifelong maker, metal by far has been my favorite material to work with. I started this business because I wanted to create the kind of wedding jewelry that I would wear and the type of business that I would support.
As an artist, I find beauty in simplicity and the imperfect mark of the hand, so those principles carry through my designs. As a queer woman, it was important to me that I provide a space where people can feel comfortable and accepted. Also as a tree-hugger and activist, it was necessary that my material sourcing has a low impact on people and the planet as possible and that I give back to non-profits.
I love that I get to wake up every day doing something I love, working with a great group of people, and creating a different experience than people would find at a typical favorite store.
Do you have a favorite standout client?
Not one favorite client, but maybe a bunch of clients, during a standout time. When same-sex marriage was legalized in Washington, I had so many clients who came in and shared their stories with me. Couples who had been together for 10, 20, 30 years, and were now finally able to marry the person they loved!! It was such an excellent time to be in the wedding industry. All those stories they shared with me have stuck.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I spend a lot of time wandering through antique stores and looking at old jewelry. I’m also always looking at plants and nature for inspiration. The things I see out in the world are always spinning in the back of my mind. Then they often take form in my sleep. It’s not uncommon for me to wake up and sketch out a design in the dark. Then I interpret the drawing in the morning.
Lucky last, If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would we find by your side?
A bucket of sunblock – my grandparents were from Ireland, so tropical sun and my skin don’t do well together. A crate full of 80% cocoa dark chocolate (hopefully it won’t melt, but I can’t live without it), and probably some water.
You can find more of Aran’s gorgeous work and information here.
