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Kyrah Gomes for The Meadow

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interviewer: Sara Sharif (@sarangelic)

interviewee: Kyrah Gomes (@shop.etherie)

Etherié is a jewelry brand started by Kyrah Gomes, a high school senior from NYC. Our goal is to provide affordable and high quality jewelry to help you express your inner magic.

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"Etherié comes from the word ethereal, meaning extremely delicate or beautiful in a way that seems too perfect for this world. The brand is inspired by life’s dreamy and delicate beauty. Etherié is like the kind of magic that you only notice in the moment, or that content and peaceful feeling you never want to end."

Kyrah shares a fear...

I can’t stand those long, bird-like black plague masks from the 1300s… something about them just terrifies me.

* in relevance to our issue #2 FEAR 

t h e   i n t e r v i e w

1. Please start with a little introduction about yourself!

Hi Pastel Serenity! I’m Kyrah, I’m 17 and a high school senior in NYC. I’m a jewelry designer and the owner of Etherié, an online jewelry shop. But I also love making oddly specific Spotify playlists, and reading everything from science fiction to poetry. 

 

2. What is Etherié and the story behind it?

Etherié comes from the word ethereal, meaning extremely delicate or beautiful in a way that seems too perfect for this world. The brand is inspired by life’s dreamy and delicate beauty. Etherié is like the kind of magic that you only notice in the moment, or that content and peaceful feeling you never want to end. I wanted to translate this magic into jewelry that makes the wearer feel their best. 

 

3. How has your journey been so far?

It’s been a learning experience, but also very fulfilling. I’ve loved every second of the process. Many customers have ordered earrings as gifts for others, which reminds me of the “paying it forward” idea. I’m glad that I can bring some happiness to others, even if it’s a small amount in the form of a package. 

 

4. I love how simple and minimalistic your designs are. They would complete any type of outfit. Tell us more about your designs and the thought process behind it. Is there a specific theme you stick to?

Each design really begins with the collection it belongs to. Something that makes Etherié unique from other brands, and that I enjoy doing, is creating seasonal collections. Each one starts with a moodboard centered around a concept, usually related to the time of year when the collection will be released. Here, I basically collect the visuals associated with the theme. While planning, I also keep an eye on the upcoming trends and the styles of jewelry becoming popular. I try to walk the line between vintage-inspired styles that still feel modern, and also have a few playful pieces, like the peach earrings, to balance out the more classic ones. 

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5. Do share more about the making process of the earrings.

Well, after the planning process, I start to gather supplies, usually from other small businesses and sustainable suppliers. Before the pandemic, I enjoyed shopping for supplies in-person so I could compare quality and styles, but I guess we all have to adapt to the new circumstances. The final step is making the piece and putting everything together, as all of our earrings are made to order. 

 

6. Etherié clearly specializes in earrings (extremely gorgeous) but do you make or plan on

making other accessories as well?

I’ve thought about making necklaces and rings, but for now, I plan on just making earrings. I do accept orders for specific designs and custom necklaces with any of the charms from the earrings, though. I’m also working on a few commissioned pieces for a magazine, which I’m really excited to share when the project is finished. 

 

7. How is the experience of having your own online store?

I love it! Honestly, it’s kept me grounded throughout the quarantine earlier this year, and the chaos of the past few months. It can be a lot of work, but I like having creative control over the entire store, I’m kind of a perfectionist in that way. 

 

8. Any tips from your experience for our creators out here who might like to start selling their art by online means too?

Go for it! There’s a niche for almost every style that exists, and there might just be someone who appreciates your art and is willing to support it. Also, it’s important to know the value of your work when determining your pricing - it’s not just the material costs, but the creativity and time that goes into it. 

 

9. Who is your fashion and style icon?

I don’t have a definite fashion icon, but I would say Julia Kong (@juliaakong on instagram). Her style and confidence is amazing, and she gives really inspiring spiritual and life advice. For makeup and hair inspiration, I usually turn to @fairiegl0ss, her style is so gorgeous. I’m also inspired by content creators such as Ashley aka bestdressed, and Jenn Im, who also gives great business advice. 

 

10. Is there anything you would like to say about the current stresses all around the world?

It’s cliche, but I hope this is a turning point for humanity. People are realizing that it’s not just about them, that everyone is a part of something larger and that we’re all connected in some way. With the pandemic, social justice movement, and an election coming up, it can be hard to find a middle ground between fighting for what’s right and taking care of yourself. Self care isn’t just limited to a face mask or watching a show, sometimes it’s doing an important task or replenishing your energy so you can keep going. I’ll be the first to admit that I have been overworking myself, so this past week I took a step back, but it was what I needed. 

 

11. So, what should we expect next, in the near future?

Winter is just around the corner, so that means another collection is in the works! I haven’t announced this yet (shhh!!) but the next collection is “winter faery”. I’ve been into the juxtaposition of different styles and I’d like to step out of my comfort zone, so I’m thinking of remaking traditionally feminine pieces with an edge. 

 

12. How do we place an order for your mesmerizing and classic designs?

You can visit our website, or check us out on Depop or Etsy. For custom pieces, feel free to send us a DM on Instagram (@shop.etherie). 

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13. Any message for Pastel Serenity’s creative community?

You don’t have to be perfect or even good at something to do it. If creating something makes you feel alive or meaningful or more like yourself, then that’s enough. You never know what plans the universe has for you, and that’s scary, but also freeing. As long as you stay true to yourself and have pure intentions, everything will work itself out.

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