I am inspired by so many things, from the constant hum in my brain to a horizon line, a walk on a city street, riding my snowboard, a day in a museum or a quiet hour floating around on my computer.
~ Margot
We recently had the chance to sit down and interview Margot Goldberg, the founder and creator of Geaux Jewelry.
Our interview went great – and we are beyond thrilled to have this artist with us at VibeWell on October 27, 2019 – but we were even more enamored with the list Margot sent us AFTER the interview.
Margot was inspired by the one and only Ellen Degeneres, and Ellen’s list of 12 things she “can’t live without.” She started to pen down her 12, and was kind enough to share.
What did we learn? EVERYONE needs to write this out for themselves! How amazing to see what really matters on a simple sheet of paper. Perspective? Check.
Here’s Margot’s. Make sure to spend some time with her at VibeWell and offer up a glimpse into what made your top 12. Our interview follows!
- FAMILY. The very top of my list is my family.
- ANIMALS. I am in awe of animal sanctuaries like Rancho Relaxo, Farm Sanctuary and Catskill Animal Sanctuary where farm animals are rescued, loved forever and become ambassadors to educate humans that they are friends not food!
- YOGA. Yoga keeps me going. I have lots of favorite teachers! Homebase is Synergy Hot Yoga in Fair Haven, but I love to try new studios when I travel.
- TUNING IN. Audible so I can listen to books while I’m in motion.
- SCENT. Favorite perfume: Santal 33.
- ART. Art that I live with: Peter Beard Photos of Africa with amazing illustrations along the image border and my palm tree art collection of photos, paintings and watercolors.
- MUSIC. I listen to all kinds of music. I love the line from American Pie, “…can music save your mortal soul?”
- VIEWS. My balcony overlooking the bay with NYC in the background and the sounds of nature a constant.
- FOOD. Favorite local restaurants: Seed to Sprout, Good Karma, Jus, Yumi, and Belford Bistro.
- FASHION + FUNCTION. Black leggings or jeans, layered t shirts and my faux leather Jacket.
- OUTDOORS. Snow covered mountains with my Jones snowboard.
- JEWELS. My double sided vegan tag with my small Star of David that I created, on my long chain from Marche aux Puces in Paris, where I recently spent a fabulous day with my sister Jill. And my diamond ring that I won on a bet with my husband!
I create heartfelt charms that speak to the power of our inner mind, our faith and our connection to the natural world. My goal is for my clients to be able to express what is important to them through their charms as unique personal talismans.
~ Margot
Tell us about your company. What do you do? What’s your mission?
My company is called Geaux Jewelry, a little play on words and spelling of Margot Goldberg and my nickname GoGo. On a trip to New Orleans I found the spelling, Geaux. It works perfectly as my company name and I also love the visual of it as part of my logo! And of course I’m always on the Geaux (go). I create heartfelt charms that speak to the power of our inner mind, our faith and our connection to the natural world. My goal is for my clients to be able to express what is important to them through their charms as unique personal talismans.
Who (or what) inspires you, and why?
My collection of handcrafted jewelry is connected to my passions as a wife, mother, vegan, animal and nature lover. I am inspired by so many things, from the constant hum in my brain to a horizon line, a walk on a city street, riding my snowboard, a day in a museum or a quiet hour floating around on my computer.
Do you have any mentors? Who? How have they influenced you?
I am constantly absorbing creative images and thoughts from reading, traveling, driving, walking and thinking. These experiences provide tools for me to create. I also love the process of making jewelry. The hours pass like seconds and I just want to stay in my studio and work.
What does “yoga” mean to you?
I love the cumulative effect of the 20 years of my yoga practice. Yoga keeps me going, grounds me, and keeps my mind and heart open, even on a bad day. I had a teacher many years ago who said “Shift Happens” when you do yoga and that’s what keeps me coming back to my mat!
What’s your creative process like?
My creative process is like a wave. I think, research, view, dream, absorb a lot of info. I go to museums, read books and magazines, watch films, spend time in nature and then, boom, the idea comes. I hold onto it for a bit longer and then I sit down and create. After that, I start all over again, like a wave!
What have been some of your biggest challenges, biggest rewards, and biggest lessons as a female founder?
Once I chose my path of making jewelry and I discovered precious metal clay I knew exactly what I would do with it. Creating Geaux has been rewarding in terms of finding a way to express myself artistically. It is also very rewarding when my clients express their joy and connections to their new piece of jewelry. Of course there are challenges in starting a business. Time management is key to getting it all done, from creating a charm to posting on social media, day to day operations, and finding time to attend my favorite yoga classes every week! Lessons I have learned fall into 2 categories. I have many wonderful teachers out there who have taught me my craft and I continue to study every day on my own. Other lessons have come in the form of learning how to use technology and social media to enhance how Geaux is received in the world.
Always trust your instinct and follow your intuition.
~ Margot
How do you want women/people to feel when they wear your creations?
I want them to feel connected to their story. I want my charms to be similar to a tattoo. I want their charms to be a reflection of their hearts and souls.
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