Artist Spotlight, Maiden Perras
PoCo Inspired: Tell us a bit about yourself
Maiden Perras: Hi, I’m Tristen. I’m the designer and creator behind Maiden Perras based out of Fernie, BC. I grew up in Winnipeg and moved out to the mountains after finishing my degrees at the University of Manitoba. I am a wife, a mom to two handsome boys, and a teacher by day who makes jewelry at night. Being self taught from a young age, I have worked hard to refine my craft over the years. When not creating, you can find me vending a variety of handmade markets, snowboarding, playing guitar, camping, tending to our hobby farm, or enjoying the mountains with my family.
PoCo Inspired: When did you first start making jewellery and what was the first piece you ever made?
Maiden Perras: I have been creating jewelry for as long as I can remember. My mom was a big influence who taught me the basics of beading and knot tying. Some of the earliest pieces I remember making are friendship bracelets with embroidery thread, however, I definitely dabbled in most mediums in my teens (friendly plastic, gimp, hemp, etc). The evolution of my jewelry has come a long way!
Maiden Perras: I have been creating jewelry for as long as I can remember. My mom was a big influence who taught me the basics of beading and knot tying. Some of the earliest pieces I remember making are friendship bracelets with embroidery thread, however, I definitely dabbled in most mediums in my teens (friendly plastic, gimp, hemp, etc). The evolution of my jewelry has come a long way!
PoCo Inspired: What inspires your creativity when making a new piece of jewellery?
Maiden Perras: My pieces are often inspired by nature and contrasted by geometric shapes. I am so grateful to live in such a beautiful valley and also draw inspiration from the colours that surround me. I am known for my high quality gemstones and brass work, but also love wire wrapping, metal stamping, and silver smithing too!
PoCo Inspired: What is the single most important skill you have learned and why?
Maiden Perras: The single most important skill I have learnt is perhaps not a skill. It is the importance of repetition and not getting frustrated or giving up. Mistakes are often the best teachable moments and practice makes progress! So make, make, make!
Maiden Perras: The single most important skill I have learnt is perhaps not a skill. It is the importance of repetition and not getting frustrated or giving up. Mistakes are often the best teachable moments and practice makes progress! So make, make, make!
PoCo Inspired: What challenges do you face in your work?
Maiden Perras: The biggest challenge I face in my work is a shortage of time. Being a stay at home mom with young kids, I can only work and create at night. It’s hard to motivate yourself after a long and busy day. Likewise, it’s difficult to fit in designing, creating, bookkeeping, packaging orders, photographing pieces for social media and posting on social media into a few short hours in the evenings.
Maiden Perras: The biggest challenge I face in my work is a shortage of time. Being a stay at home mom with young kids, I can only work and create at night. It’s hard to motivate yourself after a long and busy day. Likewise, it’s difficult to fit in designing, creating, bookkeeping, packaging orders, photographing pieces for social media and posting on social media into a few short hours in the evenings.
PoCo Inspired: What is your biggest achievement so far in your business?
Maiden Perras: The biggest achievement so far in my business is now having 30 retailers; 28 in Canada and 2 in the United States.
PoCo Inspired: Where can we find you to shop online or in-person?
Maiden Perras: You can shop Maiden Perras online via my Instagram page by browsing my available items in my story highlights. In person, you can find me vending a variety of shows in Southern Alberta and the East Kootenanys. Or you can shop from any of my retailers that are also listed in my story highlights on Instagram. @Maiden Perras
