My name is Cheris Murphy...I love jewelry, but more than that I love designing jewelry. This love of mine stems from a creative desire I've had all my life. I get inspired by the beauty of the beads, by the color of the world, and most of all by the potency of style in people. The design process starts so simply, then slowly and methodically develops into this complexity of decisions all forming around an initial idea. When people find a piece of my work that truly reflects who they are and makes them feel beautiful, I know I must be doing something that I love!
I have been selling jewelry for over 15 years, teaching myself most of what I know, and never duplicating any of my designs. I am originally from Arkansas where I studied architecture at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. After quite a journey, I made my way up to the Twin Cities 13 years ago and have called it home ever since.
I have sold my jewelry over the years in a variety of venues. Shops such as Larue's on 40th and Lyndale, Evoke Gallery in St. Paul, Blue Moon Trading Co. at 46th and Bryant, C'est Fou on Grand Ave., Il Vostro on 50th and France, and Emella off Minnehaha Dr. have all carried my work. I started a seasonal Employee Art Show during the time I worked at Bobby Bead in Uptown. I set up for a full season at the Mpls Farmer's Market. I sold in the Dealer's Room and Art Show for 5 years at Convergence (a sci-fi convention). For 3 years, I sold during the art crawls at the Northrup King Building in Northeast. I have done numerous Home Parties, Trunk Shows, and small Art Fairs.
One time when I was trading out pieces on consignment at Blue Moon, an artist from London (originally from Duluth) was in town for the holidays and saw my work. She later contacted me to get together some of my more elaborate pieces to take over to the European market. So, I made a series and placed them in boutiques in Paris and London! It is very rewarding knowing that these pieces are on the front line of the fashion world!
What happened next brought me here. I did a river front show in Stillwater this spring, and I decided to take a coffee break. I came to Luna Rossa's Gelateria and Espresso Bar. The cheery barista, Tina, commented on the piece I was wearing and almost immediately offered me a space to set up a boutique in the building! Turns out she's the owner's daughter and runs the restaurant, coffee shop, and cave tours. Well, I went back to my booth with a big smile and told my friends that something very interesting just happened to me!
The very next weekend, Memorial Day, I opened "This Love of Mine" in downtown Stillwater! It has been very well-received, and I am producing and selling more now than I ever have!
It's been wonderful to see the shop quickly grow into something so beautiful. It really does feel like you've stepped into a very special place every time you walk through the door. In a very short period of time, with barely any advertising, I've sold over a piece a day. For someone who has worked very hard to get their work out into the world, it's such a great feeling!
I am constantly coming up with new designs and the possibilities are truly endless. Take a close look and see if there is anything that interests you. Come on by my store in lovely Stillwater, check out my Etsy shop online, or contact me if you would like to talk about a custom design! I look forward to connecting you with the jewelry you desire....see you soon!
