By Elizabeth Harper By Elizabeth Harper | September 26, 2021 | Style & Beauty, Feature,
From floral masterpieces to little clay wonders, jewelry designer Kenzy Nigbur is ahead of the curve.
“For years I was so used to creating with my hands almost on a daily basis,” says Kenzy Nigbur. After years in the weddings industry as a floral designer, Nigbur left her florist gig behind to care for her young daughter. “I soon realized I was yearning for something to ignite my inner creativity again,” she says. Be it by fate or divine intervention, the creative stumbled upon polymer clay and was intrigued by all its possibilities. “I instantly felt so enamored by the process and endless possibilities of the medium,” she recalls. So much so that she perfected her clay craft , and soon after her discovery, she launched her jewelry brand, Venus Sunrise.
“The name of my brand is so special to me,” Nigbur says, “Venus being the Roman goddess whose functions encompassed love and beauty, which is what I strive for my customers to feel when they wear my pieces, and sunrise because nothing can beat the stillness, peace and warmth quite like morning rays rising.” This summer, Nigbur reaches a milestone with Venus Sunrise as the brand becomes 100% sustainable. “It’s a simple step toward showing love to Mother Earth, from whom I draw the most inspiration for the pieces I create,” she notes. When Nigbur isn’t in the studio churning out spectacularly earthy, fluid and organic jewelry and accessories, here are a few of her favorite spots on Maui and beyond.
“From the day I created these little yin yang charms, I have been completely obsessed, and they have been on my ear lobes every day since. These are a perfect everyday staple and match with just about any outfit. The best part about the charm-style earring is the charm itself can be removed, swapped for another one, or you can wear the chunky gold hoop on its own for a simple look.”
“The Monarch Collective is a boutique located in Makawao, upcountry on Maui. It’s one of my favorite little spots filled with various options of handmade items from local artists. The perfect place to treat yourself or gift someone you love to something handmade and sweet. The Monarch also carries monthly restocks of Venus Sunrise goods.” 3682 Baldwin Ave., Makawao
“I am loving Oshan Essentials’ LĀ After Sun Mano‘i—made on Maui. I love supporting local any way I can. You can’t go wrong with any of its products, but I love this oil for my hands aft er working all day with clay. All of its products have top-notch ingredients to keep my skin looking nourished and glowing.”
“My home away from home. Wailuku Coffee Company is nestled on Market Street in Wailuku. It’s just five minutes away from my home studio—the best little spot with the best vibes. I truly enjoy everything they make, from their delicious coffee to their full menu of scrumptious eats.” 26 N. Market St., Wailuku
“I love to listen to music and groove out while I create my pieces, so a good speaker is truly a must for my studio. The Marshall amp is nice to look at and has the best sound.”
Photography by: By Kenzy Nigbur; courtesy of Venus Sunrise; courtesy of Monarch Collective; Keith Glassman; Pariwat Pannium/Unsplash; Xu Haiwei/Unsplash