We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Kowal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Essentially I was looking for a gift for my sister and couldn’t find anything that wasn’t mass produced so it was all the same. At the time id began making simple items of jewellery but I also had a huge passion for vintage and antique pieces, they were so unique and collectible. Sometimes made with very fine skills in ways you just don’t see anymore. So I opened my shop and began to showcase their quality.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I spent several years really getting to know antique styles and traits from various eras. At the moment I would say my knowledge covers from around 1837 to the 1990s. I have also correctly identified something from the Georgian era (pre 1837) which I was really happy about.

I think along the way I’ve learnt that vintage or antique each piece has it’s own unique value. For example older “costume jewellery” is often made using techniques used for fine jewellery but the materials are just more affordable and therefore more accessible. Many of them would still be right at home on a catwalk or a magazine.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in a really small village, but the good thing is nature is all around your doorstep. So I’d take her for some walks out in the fresh air to enjoy the big skies and endless views of my local area. We could also visit the local town which has a historic manor house that Henry the 8th once stayed in.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am without my partner Andy, he’s a mechanical engineer by trade and has often been on hand to answer questions or help me fix broken items of jewellery.

I also wouldn’t be here without my amazing English grandmothers, Edna and Mary who’s vintage collections inspired my imagination as a kid. It’s the name of Mary’s family Watson, that I used in my business name.

Website: https://watsonsattic.etsy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watsonsattic

Image Credits
Melanie Kowal

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.