Meet Anne Nichelson | Jewelry Designer + Owner

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

Hi Anne, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” – Rumi

I like this quote and think it applies in a variety of ways in life. To me, it means that it’s ok to take risks and not have everything figured out in life. Sometimes things seems like they will be hard, but often the hardest part is deciding to take the first step. I’ve found that once you start taking steps – even if they’re baby steps – that the seemingly hard task never is as hard as it initially seemed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a jewelry designer and artist and my business name is fortenna. I create many of my pieces by hand-carving and shaping them from wax before the casting process. It’s a form of sculptural wax carving, and when I incorporate stones I use the cast in place method which allows for a beautifully imperfect look. I think this way of creating jewelry encourages experimentation and uniqueness. I enjoy the freedom to take designs in bold, raw, and unexpected directions. Also, I like to bring a touch of exoticism to my designs. This is rooted in my time living in other countries and experiencing other cultures, and from spending time Southern California (one of my favorite places)!

What I’m most proud of is having the gumption to pursue a creative path after many years of working in other industries – a path that is both artistic and entrepreneurial- and believing in myself. The pandemic provided the opportunity for me to truly think through what matters to me. I decided to start my own jewelry design business during that time, and I have never looked back.

What does fortenna mean? fortenna is a combination of the words “forte” (meaning strong, loud, and also specialty) + “enna” (anne spelled backwards). forte is a nod to my love of music, and I believe it evokes emotions almost like how we emotionally connect with jewelry as well.

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.
Though I live on the East Coast, I like to spend as much time as possible in Southern California. I visited a friend there initially and didn’t want to leave! If my best friend and I had a week to explore, I’d love to checkout different beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway. We’d start at Zuma Beach outside of Malibu and take our time heading south toward San Diego, stopping along the way at Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach (and checkout the artisans at the Sawdust Festival and get a drink at the Deck), San Clemente, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach (and also stroll through Cedros Avenue Design District), La Jolla, etc. just to name a few! We’d checkout a Padres baseball game (so much fun!), walk around Belmont Park, and neighborhoods in/around North Park (and get fish tacos at City Tacos). We’d definitely want to do some biking as well as swimming too!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
For friends and loved ones who have continuously supported me during the different phases of life and inspiring instructors and professors I’ve learned from along the way.

Website: https://www.fortenna.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annenichelson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fortennajewelry

Other: https://faire.com/direct/fortenna (wholesale)

Image Credits
I took these myself.