If you love accessorizing with color, you’re going to love our maker of the week. NB Makes is a jewelry brand that creates fun earrings out of clay. Each pair adds a touch of whimsy and magic to every outfit, and we promise it’s hard to choose just one pair. We can’t wait to introduce you to Nicole and share her beautiful handmade earrings with you!
(Featured photo credit: Waffles Weekly)
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today, Nicole! Can you please tell us a little about yourself?
Hi there! I’m Nicole Bernard (NB), Founder and Chief Maker at NB Makes. I’m originally from San Antonio, Texas and made my way up to Dallas 8 years ago where I found my love of clay. Beyond our brand, I’m passionate about my plants (plant momma to more than 40 plants!), photography, fitness and vocal performance (I sing in 2 bands in the DFW area - Texins Jazz band and my group Nic and the Congress).
You are just full of creativity! This past year has been a tough one. Can you share something good that has come out of this time?
We were actually founded in September of 2020! In an otherwise challenging time, it’s been amazing to see how much joy our work has brought to people just in the first year!
That’s amazing! Congratulations on your growth so far. We can’t wait to see how you continue to grow! Tell us about NB Makes! What do you make and how long have you been doing it?
NB Makes is a Dallas-based ceramic jewelry and tableware project that makes each piece by hand and heart locally.
Our handmade colored porcelain pieces are a daily reminder that a little beauty and fun is always within reach, and we’re honored to bring our studs and statement earrings to both Mosaic Makers Collective stores this fall.
The world definitely needs more beauty and fun! Why did you get involved with MMC?
I wholeheartedly believe that a good life is worth making, and that by surrounding ourselves with handmade, artisanal goods, our lives are better. We got started online only in our first few months, but have always dreamed of bringing our work to stores. We’re a purpose-driven project and we adore the space Katy has created to let the talent of local women shine.
We love what you bring to the collective! What advice would you give a young artist?
My favorite thing is when kids see my work or come up to my booth at a local market and I get to explain to them that everything they see is made of clay. They can’t believe it!
In moments like that, I give young artists 3 pieces of advice:
“Just start”, “Keep going” and “It’s never too late to start.”
I’ve been creating since I was young, and back then I was never concerned about putting my work out into the world. As I got older, comparison and pressure to be “successful” stifled my creativity. I’ve been working in clay for 6 years, but just in the past year or so have I given myself the permission to create without judgment. Perfect is the enemy of good – just get started with sharing gifts to the world (it needs them)!
We love that philosophy! If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Spain and Morocco are next on my list! As you can imagine, I’m inspired by all things color. I love to pull patterns and colors I see while traveling into my work, so I can only imagine what inspiration I’d find in those beautiful countries!
We hope you make it there soon! There is so much color, passion, and beauty in both of those countries. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today, Nicole. We are so glad you’re a part of the Mosaic Makers Collective!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop NB Makes? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Shop NB Makes online
- Meet more of our Mosaic Makers on the Blog