As Seen On: Linda Vander Els

A mother’s support and love is often simple, pure, and entirely full.

Mothers can seem to flow seamlessly from career advisors, to medical practitioners, to bakers and chefs, to best friends, to that person you can always count on for an extra set of hands. There is often no end to their duties, roles, or talents. If this wasn’t enough, they manage all with strength, ease and grace.

With Mother’s Day in mind, I was able to connect with Amy’s mother, Linda Vander Els. She shared not only which of Amy’s designs she personally loves but also, heart-warming simple aspects of her relationship with her daughter, Amy.

To Amy’s mom, Linda, thank you. Thank you for being a reminder of all that mothers do.

-Kayla

As Seen On: Linda Vander Els

What piece(s) of Amy’s can you be seen wearing?

My favorite pairs are the Lac Dangles, the Sanctum Hoops and Gira Dangles.  I wear these regularly! And actually, I only wear Amy's designs.

You're a mother of three. Has your relationship with Amy developed in a new way or different way?

Amy is the youngest of my three children and I love having her living close to home and family. When she taught internationally for 7 years, her travels provided many amazing opportunities for growth and exploration, for both Amy and for us. Now having her nearby is wonderful!

Have your jewelry preferences or style changed at all since Amy started designing and making her own? If so, how so?

Amy's creations have encouraged me to wear more bold, larger earrings.

Like Amy, you're a former teacher. To what passions do you allocate your time to now?

After a career of teaching kindergarten and first grade I am very happily retired and take classes in quilting, watercolor painting and encaustic painting with Amy.

Linda Vander Els

And I understand that you also support Amy and help her in the studio?

Yes, I spend a few hours a week packaging Amy’s products for stores and shows which gives us an opportunity to spend time together chatting. Amy's artistic creativity and development of her jewelry and encaustic paintings and classes are so rewarding to observe and be a small part of.

Linda in the studio

What piece(s) of Amy’s can you be seen wearing?

My favorite pairs are the Lac Dangles, the Sanctum Hoops and Gira Dangles.  I wear these regularly! And actually, I only wear Amy's designs.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I am incredibly proud of all three of my children [artist Wendy V.E. Kaye and educator Jonathan Vander Els ]

Linda Vander Els

If you or someone you know wears Amy’s pieces and is interested in being featured, please reach out to us. We’d love to learn more about you and what you wear.

As Seen On: Kayla Doyle

Hello and welcome to As Seen On.

Let me introduce myself. My name is Kayla Doyle. I work as Amy’s studio assistant helping her with general production, wire cutting, beading, and support with other random tasks that need completion. I also help Amy avoid talking about herself by way of taking command of her blog.

I am a curious person. I tend to ask a lot of questions, wonder about various perspectives, and work to understand how another’s shoes feel or rather, how another’s jewelry fits.

And that’s exactly what we will be doing here, in this space. Each month, we will be introducing you to the wearers: customers who have become friends, friend who have become customers. These people have championed her and her work and make all of this so fulfilling for Amy. These individuals may be fellow creators, teachers, mothers, entrepreneurs, people of all kinds. We’ll be sharing small glimpses into their lives. We’ll ask them about themselves, what they wear, and why they love wearing it. We’re calling it As Seen On.

As Seen On: Kayla Doyle

How did you come to meet Amy?

Amy and I met for coffee one morning per the suggestion of my brother, Greg who has come to know Amy and her cappuccino order from working at the Market Square Bakehouse in Amesbury, Mass. We certainly had overlapping passions and an initial great connection and little to my knowledge, I was on a job interview.

Kayla Doyle, The Corus Hoop

Where are you located? Hometown?

After five years of living in Boston, I recently relocated to Newburyport, MA. I grew up in one of the surrounding towns so it certainly feels like a coming home. I love where I live and I feel lucky to say that.

What piece(s) of Amy’s can you be seen wearing?

I can be seen wearing the Corus Hoops. I wear them as an everyday statement. I love the straight lines juxtaposed against the roundness of the circle. They make me feel dressed up and casual, understated yet just statement enough.

Where can you be seen wearing them? Why do you enjoy wearing the Corus Hoops?

In addition to working for Amy, I am also a yoga teacher. I love wearing these earrings for teaching class. Of course, I wear yoga clothing to instruct but I like to show up to my classes in a way that makes me feel confident. It’s important to me that I prepare and dress in a way that communicates to my students that I care about the class and take pride in my role. It is jewelry that communicates a piece of “me” and my style to the world. I also really love that the hoops are mixed metal because it’s hard for me to commit to just one.  

Do you create? What are your passions? Occupation?

In addition to the work that I already mentioned, I am a painter and an artist. Living in Boston and working in the corporate advertising world caused me to drift away from my art for almost five years. I am now reconnecting back to charcoal and watercolor mediums. This began for me at 10 years old when I began taking watercolor lessons with my art teacher, Joan Gessner. Time with her was (and still is) special to me. Years ago, my lessons with Joan began and took place in the same space where I now work for Amy. Full circle, you could say.

What would you say to someone who feels a motivation to create something but isn’t quite sure how?

Simply begin.

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If you or someone you know wears Amy’s pieces and is interested in being featured, please reach out to us. We’d love to learn more about you and what you wear.