Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Muscio.
Hi Dawn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always knew I wanted to be an artist. After graduating from high school I attended Pratt Institute (1987-1991). My original major was graphic design, but through some great mentorship I had decided to major in fine arts and minor in illustration. My thinking was I would be a freelance illustrator and sell jewelry on the streets of NYC in between freelance jobs. With that I took a jewelry class to fill my fine arts elective schedule. I fell in love with jewelry and switch my major again. I began doing custom work in college for family and friends to help finance working in precious metals. After college I traveled cross country with a friend and took my work to galleries across the country seeing who would be interested in showcasing my work. We broke down in Houston Texas and I had to go home as I had run out of money. I had called a fine art jewelry gallery near my home town hoping they were looking for holiday help, sure enough they were. I got home on a Sunday night, interviewed Monday morning, started working that Tuesday as an apprentice under 2 experience goldsmiths and stayed for 8 years learning my craft. After 9 years I need to move on as there was no room for another independent custom shop in the area and my goal was always to have my own studio. I move to Atlanta in 1999. I worked for several independent jewelry stores and trade shops up until 2005 where I finally took the leap of faith to go out on my own. At first I worked out of my house doing trade work for other jewelry stores and continued to grow my private client base. In 2007 my partner and I moved the studio to our first commercial space in Brookhaven on Dresden Drive. Then in 2014 we moved to our currently location in Sandy Springs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It is never easy running a small business based on a luxury market, I would call it a roller coaster. The toughest time was the 2008 recession as we had just moved into the commercial space and everyone put the breaks on. My saving grace was in the niche market of restyling. As well COVID did make us look at our model and change the way our processes worked. As a small business (2 people) we are nimble and can adapt to the changing landscape more quickly.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Custom work has always been my passion. Creating bespoke pieces for my private clients for the last 35 years. I have created a niche for myself in the specialty of restyling. Which is here we take current pieces that have been inherited, are beyond repair or outdated and make them into something new. I am most proud of being able to make a living doin g what I love and creating new heirloom to be cherished and past down to the next generation. What sets my studio apart is my ability to be able to find creative ways to incorporate and preserve cherished family heirlooms. At heart I am an engineer and am always up for a challenge when it comes to finding creative and beautiful solutions when working with precious and unusual materials. I am also a good listener and educator. My process is not solely about me the creator but about the collaboration between me and my client. I am the conduit to help them bring an idea to reality. I educate my clients on the history of the jewelry industry and its practices. Help them decide what materials and design decisions are best for suited for their lifestyle and personality.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Seeing a project through every stage from concept to final presentation. I love the process and no 2 projects are identical. So every day is a new challenge and I am not doing the same thing over and over again.
Pricing:
- Custom consultation-free
- Concept sketches and estimates $300
- Custom work starts at $2600 and up with client providing stones
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dmuscio.com
- Instagram: @d.muscio
- Facebook: d.muscio fine jewlery studio
