For the first in a series of featured local MADE sellers, we’ve been talking to Lydia Niziblian, Cardiff-based creator of the beautiful and quirky jewellery at www.niziblian.com

 

Tell us about yourself in one sentence.
I make jewellery, predominately from silver and gold sheet metal and wire.

When did you start your business?
April 2009

What inspired you to start selling your products?
The inability to find jewellery I wanted to wear.

Tell us an interesting fact about you or your business.
I foster puppies for Four Paws Animal Rescue, and each foster comes to hang out in the studio with me.

Without giving away too much, what are the tricks of your trade?
I’m pretty good with a blow torch and love fiddling with oxidising solutions. Most useful is having the ability to successfully interpret ideas, and turn them into sketches and finished designs.

What is your proudest achievement to date?
Getting my first hallmarked pieces back from Goldsmith’s Hall and seeing my maker’s mark on them was pretty lovely.

What is your bestselling product?
I don’t tend to make the same piece twice, but I’ve made a lot of paired rings for couples (wedding/anniversary etc). I also make Dia De Los Meurtos skull pendants that sell well when I make a few.

Are there any other craft/creative businesses you think deserve a mention?
My bad baby, Shottle Bop lets me indulge my dark side and have a lot of fun in the process.

Neo Hair design – insanely creative – Owen Roberts there is a true artist.

Liam O’ Connor – horribly talented Cardiff-based painter

Ed’n’Flo –Cardiff-based t-shirt design company – lovely folk and talented to boot

Hatchling Photo – Sensitive and beautiful portrait photography

The Chaos Engineers – One Cardiff born and one Cardiff based. Striking beauty and music photography.

Who is your biggest influence in business?
Sounds trite, but my family. They keep me going and inspire me constantly.

Can you recommend us an inspirational read?
I like a bit of sci-fi reading, so it’d be Stranger In A Strange Land by Robert A Heinlein. Stick to your principles!

What’s your advice for those looking to start their own creative business?
Be original. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Find your own voice and learn to express it as best you can, in whatever medium suits you best.

You can browse Lydia’s gorgeous jewellery at www.niziblian.com

 Pic: Crown & peacock feather jewellery, model Kitty Moran, photo by The Chaos Engineers