What inspires you?
The world around me — how can it not be the most inspiring thing imaginable?

If you weren’t a custom jewelry designer and jewelry store owner what would you like to be doing?
I would be making other forms of art – no doubt about it!

What talent would you most like to have?
I would love to sing.  My fantasy is to sing torch songs, in a tight red dress, leaning on a grand piano in a small jazz club.

How do you feel having received so many accolades over the course of your career?
Grateful and humble.

What do you like best about being a custom jeweler/goldsmith?
I love the relationship that develops with each client and the collaboration that generates a beautiful piece of jewelry.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Figure out what you do best, and then go do it.

If you could pick a super power, what would it be?
If you are talking about a “marvel comic book” superpower, I would fly.
Or I could be queen of the world and set things straight.

What book are you currently reading?
The Last Castle by Denise Kiernan and Born a Crime by Trevor Noah.

What do you hear most often from your shoppers?
“I love this store, the jewelry is amazing and everyone is so nice.”

What is the most exciting (adventurous) thing you have ever done?
Kayaked the Grand Canyon in my little boat, spending 21 days on the Colorado River. WOW what an adventure!

Describe an ideal day off.
Fix something broken, have a picnic style lunch, dig in the dirt on my tractor and finish the day sitting by the river.

What do few people know about you?
I wanted to be a cowgirl, just like Annie Oakley, when I grew up.

Paula Dawkins
Jewels That Dance, Asheville NC 28801