Allison Stewart Bishins, Owner
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/happyfoxstudio
Facebook: www.facebook.com/happyfoxstudiojewelry
Instagram: instagram.com/happyfoxstudiojewelry

I met up with Allison at one of my favorite coffee shops in town, Lift Bridge. I love the light in the building and the people behind the counter (beware, their coffee, even the decaf is deliciously strong). I love that I can grab a coffee and mail a package all in one spot, and that I can walk from my office just on the other side of the bridge to do so.

When I arrived, Allison had claimed a spot on one of the leather couches and greeted me with a big hug and a smile. She had on two pieces that drew me in immediately, her necklace with yellow amber beads and her earrings (which I actually bought a pair of in silver once we were done with her interview!)

We got settled in and started our chat.

Tell me about your business and what makes it unique.

I create unique, minimalist jewelry with reclaimed materials. Except for the wire for the earrings, I reconstruct old jewelry or hold material swaps with other artists. When I started making jewelry, I realized that there were several environmental and human right issues to sourcing and wanted to change up where I sourced my supplies.

What’s your favorite business district in Tacoma to work/play/create in?

I love working at Metronome on 6th Avenue. I stumbled onto their open mic night one evening while getting out of the house to create and have been back several times. I also love the Pacific Ave District and the Three Bridges District.

What would you do to improve Tacoma?

I want to see a vibrant downtown where people live/work/play. An area that has its own identity. An area that is accessible to all ages and types of transportation. I also would love to see Tacoma utilize and celebrate the waterfront, so many businesses are along the waterfront, but it isn’t the focal point for its patrons.

Do you currently have a favorite item in your shop?

I am really into geometric shapes, filling in spaces that were perhaps not filled before, and I love when things are quirky and a little bit imperfect (as in not symmetrical or completely balanced) in my work.

How do YOU experience Tacoma?

I spend a lot of time in coffee shops. Bonus in that they are family friendly and have a view. I think it gives me a great feel for the community and the buzz of what’s going on in the neighborhood. I love being on the waterfront. We spend time on Ruston and at Owen Beach. And I also get involved in the handmade and art events in town. The community of creativity.

**Be sure to meet Allison at the Women in Business Workshop she has coordinated for Saturday, April 29 and at the Children’s Maker’s Market on May 13.

You can find Allison’s work in several shops around town and across the country:

WASHINGTON
Drizzle and Shine (Seattle)
Compass Rose (Tacoma shop only)*
Gigi Pop (Tacoma)
Revisioned Boutique (Tacoma)
Forgeous Jewelers (Fircrest)
Paper Luxe Shop (University Place)
Misha (Puyallup)
The Foundry Home (Enumclaw)

ALASKA
Kindred Post (Juneau)
NEVADA
Never Ender (Reno)*
NEW JERSEY
Mimosa Goods (Bordentown)

 

Interview and images by Vanessa Simpson, Focus in Photography
www.focusinphotography.com
Instagram @Focus_in_photography
Facebook @focusinphoto