Episode 45 :: Joanna Otten

joanna_first“What I was making with my hands
had to match up with my life.”

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JOANNA OTTEN began making her gorgeous jewelry over six years ago because she couldn’t find jewelry that was “more than a jewelry or lifestyle line, but fabricated with a mindset to live with intention, inspiration and kindness, to all living beings.” As a vegan and a person dedicated to the beauty of the natural world, Joanna wanted to wear pieces that were made entirely ethically– without animal feathers, skin or bones.

So she created her own way of making jewelry using only natural elements like linen, cotton, flax, hemp, clay, metal, etc.

“Layers Of Earth jewelry is created with plant-based, naturally dyed fibers and are vegan, eco-conscious and cruelty-free. And, a portion of every sale goes to carefully selected animal sanctuaries & rescue organizations, dedicated to bringing a vibrant, peaceful life to animals in need.”

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I met Joanna last Spring when she traveled up from her home outside Baltimore to vend at the Squam Art Fair and we were all BLOWN away. Her work utterly dazzled us all and I wanted to get to know her better– so I reached out to see if she would join me for a chat on the dock so YOU could get to know her better, too.

There was so much resonance for me in her story as she described what prompted her on her creative journey was that she found “some emptiness in my soul” working full-time in a corporate job.

Take a listen and see if there isn’t some bits of inspiration there for you, too.

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photos courtesy: Joanna Otten

bottom photo: Forrest Elliott

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