Blakbird Jewelry is not a bird, or a business, it's a vehicle.

Selima am a visual artist and designer. She grew up making visual art and crafts inspired by her father who was an artist and her mother who was a seamstress and creative. They were both very versatile with their crafts and how they incorporated them into everyday life-  that really taught her that anything can be art. They also inspired her to make a living from her work. No one told her how to do it but they both showed her that as an artist you should put yourself out there and take your work seriously. 

What materials do you use when making jewelry?

I currently use bronze metal and recycled aluminum and other metals that I can find to repurpose. I also like to incorporate natural elements like feathers and beetle wings to add color and different textures.I currently use bronze metal and recycled aluminum and other metals that I can find to repurpose. I also like to incorporate natural elements like feathers and beetle wings to add color and different textures.

What is your process for creating a new jewelry design?

I often start with a sketch but some designs just require creating different forms with metal like sculpture. Sometimes new designs start with a mood or a place I imagine and I have to figure out how to represent it visually.

So many creatives struggle with balancing self care and business. Tell us about your blog and what inspired it.

Self-care and wellness is probably the most important work I have to do. I’ve come to understand it’s my first priority if I want to create things and take advantage of opportunities that come through that. I’m honestly learning to balance self care and business as I go and I want the blog to be a means of sharing that process. Also, writing has been an important part of developing Blakbird Jewelry and staying in touch with my purpose for doing it. I want to share my work and provide for myself but I can’t necessarily follow anyone else’s model. I have dealt with different mental and physical health issues and I’m very sensitive to the way I need to move to maintain balance. I’m trying to work out the issues of maintaining mental, spiritual and physical health while running a business. Writing is one thing that helps me solve problems. 

Tell us more about he quote “Blakbird Jewelry is not a bird, or a business, its a vehicle.”

When I started Blakbird Jewelry in 2010 I knew that it was a vehicle I didn’t have those words at the time but I had a sense that it would allow me to do a lot of the things that I wanted to do in life. I never wanted jobs or careers. I wanted a situation that would allow me to be an artist, explore my gifts, and help people. Since relaunching Blakbird in 2019 I have really been able to see it’s potential. The doors continue to open even when I feel like I’m stuck.

What is your favorite collection you have created to date?

The Standards is my favorite collection. This is the core collection I created when I relaunched and I wear these styles every day.

Are vision boards a part of your creation process?

I do really enjoy making mood boards and vision boards. So much of my work starts with a mood or an image so I like to use them to get in touch with the aesthetic I envision or to give myself something to focus on for inspiration. I made a mood board in 2019 that really helped figure out what my brand is about. I had spent so much time on the technical aspects of putting the pieces together and I needed to think about it in another light. 

What are three of your favorite books?

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf.

Did you start any new hobbies during quarantine?

I didn’t really start any new hobbies during quarantine but I did become more obsessed with plants. 

Who is a designer you would aspire towards collaborating with?

Rosario Dawson-Studio One Eighty-Nine.

Where do you see Blakbird Jewelry in the next 5 years?

In five years I want Blakbird Jewelry to be a brand that provides a range of jewelry products, including luxury items with a focus on recycled metals and sustainable materials. I also want to use the business as a vehicle for women in transition to provide employment, mentorship, and direction.

As it is Black History Month, who are some other black owned businesses you’d like to give a shout out to?

Shout-out to  Nisha Blackwell and Knotzland also The Official Woven Kente

How can we buy your products and where can we follow you on social media?

My products are available on BLAKBIRDJEWELRY.com. Select styles are available at the PG&H store in downtown Pittsburgh.  Instagram @Blakbirdjewelry.