That’s It LA is highlighting female entrepreneurs, creatives, and artists whose work seeks to make the world a better place. Every intention counts and how they’re sown into our actions plants the seeds to grow a garden where everyone is given their flowers.
The work of Joey Scher does just that with her collection of jewelry that encapsulates the flowers we want to give one another. Full of whimsy and delight, Joey designs resin flower earrings with love with her truly one of a kind gifts. We recently caught up with her to talk about the evolution of her shop, how she got started, and the causes she supports.
That’s It LA: Tell us about yourself and how you got into your line of business:
Joey Scher: I am the founder and designer of Joey Shares Earrings. I am an artist/arts educator/jeweler based in Los Angeles, CA. I started my earrings business when I was making some serious changes in my personal and professional life. I was underemployed and so worried about my future as many post undergraduates are. I graduated from school studying video and fiber arts. I was trying to distance myself from institutional art-making. I wanted to a way back to crafts. To go back to craft after learning about capital “A” Art meant that I would have to retreat to childhood. I had to embrace flamboyance and cutesy but reinterpret it into something else. That’s how my signature resin flowers were born. I used polymer clay at first but then moved to resin when I discovered what I wanted my flower to look like- gummies!
TILA: How has your upbringing and culture inspired the work you do?
JS: My grandma, Betty, inspired my love for crafts growing up. She always had several projects that she was working on. She is well versed in fiber arts: sewing, knitting, crocheting, etc. but she also used to make jewelry too. Betty used to make bracelets, earrings, and necklaces with jade and pearls and sold them to her friends. She has been so important in my evolution as an artist. Much of what I know and love is because of her.
TILA: Can you think of a time where a challenge was presented to you and it ended up being a breakthrough?
JS: I work really hard to make work that is authentic to me. I created earrings that I never saw and only dreamed of. The issue of making work and posting it to Instagram is that it makes it really easy for people to try to replicate your work. I have had several incidents where people appropriate my designs for their own profit. It’s really hurtful and frustrating because I put my heart and soul into my craft. I think any makers who have endured this understand how debilitating it is to deal with copiers. I am not the gatekeeper of flower earrings, but I do believe that what I have created is distinctive and special. Having those tough conversations with people who leech off your creative energy and process is so unpleasant and discouraging. These incidents always push me to work harder, smarter, and turn to my community for affirmations and love. The people who support me online and IRL really keep me sane. I am so grateful for the ways in which I have found community- there are such warm and generous people out there!
TILA: Who are your role models?
JS: The women in my family! I come from a family of brilliant, strong-headed women who have shown me both what tough and tender love looks like. Most of the women in my educational and professional careers have inspired me in a myriad of ways. I have always valued mentorships.
TILA: Tell us about the causes that are most important to you, your work in amplifying them and how we can support:
JS: I strongly believe in defunding the LASPD and reallocating those funds to provide more art programs, extra curricular, school counselors, and social workers for youth in LAUSD schools. Lobbying for this change is crucial. I also support organizations that are providing wonderfully rich after school resources like the Compton Girls Club and Greetings from South Central. You should too! Give them a follow on Instagram, reshare their posts, donate money!
Instagrams:
You can follow Joey Scher and support her shop via:
IG: @joey_shares
