Life and Work with Elyse Mixon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elyse Mixon.

Elyse, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I took my first jewelry and metals class in Athens, GA at UGA while pursuing my undergrad in Biology. I spent two years in science classes before finally switching my major to psychology, and then to studio art a semester later. I had found this tangible creative outlet and knew I needed to be in the Arts. A few art classes in and I realized this major was perfect for me, and that I would find tremendous personal growth on this path I had chosen.

I have always had the desire to help people and to reach people in the community in some way. I am still bridging this connection to the community through my work, and I feel like I am meeting so many amazing people at the markets and art shows where I present my work..

Three years after meeting the love of my life working at Transmetropolitan, a pizza restaurant in Athens, GA, we found out we were expecting a son! I knew I had to get back to Columbus, GA to be with my mom and family.

Two semesters away from my degree, and right after my fiancé’s graduation, we packed up and moved in with my mom. I knew that bringing my son into the world surrounded by love and family was what I wanted more than anything. I was so fortunate to be offered a job at my family friend’s beautiful salon and boutique, Phyxx Salon, in North Columbus.I am surrounded by inspiring artistic women who encouraged me to keep working towards my dreams.

When my son was about six months old, I went back to school at Columbus State University after transferring my Jewelry and Metals classes. I ended up in the sculpture department to finish my Bachelor of Fine Arts. I am still working on my degree while working part-time as a manager at Phyxx Salon.  I also sell a lot of my work and make custom pieces for our clients at the salon. I am slowly growing my studio in the sunroom of our house as I watch this jewelry business take shape. I have been able to both support my creative needs and my little family. I feel so fortunate to have learned this skill and have the opportunity and the encouragement to keep working doing what I love.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t always been the easiest at times, but I knew that it was worth it to keep working hard to reach my goals. I still have so much that I want to accomplish and I realize that good things take time. I try to focus on balance, forward momentum, and enjoying the ride, I trust that by being true to myself my work will be authentic as well. There has been the challenge of losing the awesome metals studio at UGA and the incredible instructors I was so fortunate to learn from while I could. My advice for young women starting their journey is — don’t wait. Have a vision for what you want, know that you are worthy of the good things in your life, and don’t miss the opportunity to have a big adventure! It sounds like a cliché until you experience it, but sometimes you have to take a chance or a risk to put yourself out there. There is plenty of room for what you have to offer the world.

Please tell us about EMM (Elyse Mixon Metals).
My jewelry usually starts with imagining a  design while in my living room enjoying my son (Ledger) my Fiancé (Hunter), and Kingston (my black lab ten-year-old baby) run around the house. I like to play with drawings and bending wire and then refine my design and start fabrication. I make all of my work in the Florida room in our home in Cataula, Ga. I lovingly refer to my current jewelry line as my “Sunroom Collection” to give reference to the place and time in my life that I started realizing this dream. I have worked really hard to  grow my studio, to make EMMetals an official GA business, and I continually strive to move forward and to keep my dream alive. Hopefully, I am known for my hard work and dedication to the business that supports my family and keeps my dreams alive!

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think women are capable of anything they dream and desire to achieve!! I realize that not everyone is born with the same opportunity to share their individual abilities with the world, and this makes me feel so fortunate to be able to do just that. I wish everyone had the chance to share their individual magic. I think the world would be a much better place. I think what your organization is doing, giving exposure to peoples passions and encouraging connection, is very important. I am so happy to be included in this group of talented individuals in our area.

Contact Info:

• Website: elysemixon.com
• Phone: 7065663729
• Email: elysemixon13@gmail.com
• Instagram: emmetals
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emMetals-632573380447414/

Image Credit:
Jess Jones Photos

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