Meet Alexandra Jamroz | Urban Gardener & Accessory Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Jamroz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I thought it was important to start to find a way to have the art support itself. I did invest some money at the very beginning but for it to continue the selling of the items would support the supplies needed to continue. I enjoy the process of making of the jewelry and now I enjoy both the process and the selling of what i create. Also it is important to know what is on trend and to listen to what your clients are saying about your work. Learn from them and learn about what it is that keeps them coming back.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a maker of metal and leather jewelry and small leather goods which includes guitar straps. Also I have played with throwing clay on the wheel.

I really enjoy expanding and learning things on my own however I try to keep an element through each piece that ties everything together. Each of my metal pieces is hammered and rather simple in design. The leather became a part of my collection when I learned of Horween Leather which is produced in a tannery here in Chicago. The leather is beautiful and very rich in texture and feel.

The first item I made with the leather was a cuff bracelet which combines both the leather and the metal. I would draw an illustration with the intention of it being cutout of a piece of metal such as brass or silver. This piece would then become the center piece on the leather cuff which is stamped out of the leather.

I took a workshop at the Chicago School of Leather Arts which gave so the tools to go forward and create what I saw in my minds eye. As for my skills in metal I started by taking a class a Lillstreet and later shared the metal studio with several other artists. As I no longer have the need to solder I was able to create a studio in my own home.

Working at home allows me to be to create something whenever I have an idea even if it takes me just five minutes or an all day thing. I feel very fortunate that I can have this in my life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite building is the Chicago Cultural Center, a walk along Lake Michigan is pretty fantastic as there the Chicago Park District really takes care of all the green and native plant areas, a current favorite restaurant is Forbidden Root along with Roots Pizza.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
TG Jamroz and my parents, Zbigniew and Marysha Krygowski

Instagram: www.instagram.com/axjamroz

Other: https://linktr.ee/ajamrozdesigns

Image Credits
TG Jamroz