Nikki Jenkins
of Cincinnati is an entrepreneur and mixed-media jewelry designer, the owner of Nimmy Designs, which is sold at art and craft shows, concerts, trunk shows, boutiques and online. With experience in fashion modeling, personal styling, metalsmithing and glass artistry, she is passionate about incorporating artistic vision into professional development. By day, Nikki is a Certified Health Education Specialist; she holds a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, specializing in project management and in personal and professional development. She has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati. Nikki volunteers for local non-profit organizations, and she enjoys traveling, good eats, mud racing, music and dancing — she’s also a salsa instructor!
At Midwest Craft Con she’ll be teaching: Making an Action Plan, and Find Your Tribe: Building a Craft Community
Why do you do what you do?
Spreading joy is vital to me. One way I do this is through gift-giving. Over the years, jewelry making has taken shape by initially wishing I could, to learning, doing and releasing (through gift-giving and selling). I have always been drawn to creativity, fashion and style; they are a part of my self-expression. Jewelry design allows me to tap in and infuse these aspects into each piece I make. I delight in colorful, beautiful things, and I have fun making them.
What’s your earliest crafty memory?
One of my earliest craftastic memories is of creating a cookbook and hand-sewing a fancy pink, heart-shaped apron for my mom.
What crafty personality would you most like to get a drink with?
Keri Smith (author of Wreck This Journal).
What advice would you go back and give your younger self?
It is a privilege to create, so make the most of it. Don’t feel that you have to know it all or do everything at once. If you just get started and commit, you can make magic happen. Learn and explore new things; use positive thoughts, words and actions to fuel your growth.
What’s your favorite craft or business book?
Crafty Superstar by Grace Dobush and Craft Inc. Business Planner by Meg Mateo Ilasco.
How did you get where you are today, in 10 words or less?
Support, passion, inspiration, commitment and patience. Plus, I adore learning!
What are your goals for 2016?
To build a stronger online presence and expand my glass working in new directions.
Midwest Craft Con 