Nicole Collins is the founder and creative mind behind Hints of Nature. After graduating from college with a business management degree in 2020, she found herself missing something in her life - the joy of creating jewelry. She had always been fascinated by the beauty and intricacy of jewelry, and knew she wanted to explore her passion further.
Each piece of jewelry she creates is a unique representation of the natural world, allowing the wearer to carry a piece of nature with them at all times. From earrings adorned with delicate flowers to necklaces showcasing intricate leaf designs, every accessory tells a story of the beauty that surrounds us.
As her business and creative journey continues, she is constantly exploring new ways to merge nature and art through her jewelry. She's excited to see where this path takes her and to share her passion for nature and creativity with the world.
Why did you choose to partner with Yellow Door to sell your work?
As a creative entrepreneur, I am always open to building genuine connections. It is among our goals to expand Hints of Nature within more communities and provide handmade jewelry in shops throughout Michigan and the U.S. I chose to partner with Yellow Door because we both share similar visions in connecting handmade items to locals. Also, Yellow Door is located in the thriving and growing community of Berkley. I am very excited for the
opportunity to connect with the Berkley community.
How long have you been making your creations?
I had been designing and creating jewelry for several years before beginning
Hints of Nature in May 2021.
What makes your work unique or distinctive?
In the world of polymer clay, there are numerous techniques that can be applied to create a variety of unique pieces. The techniques applied to our clay creations are distinctive with aspects of nature influence. Hint of Nature finds inspiration in nature. For example, each pressed floral piece will vary and be unique to each flower. The process of drying and pressing our
own flowers makes our wearable creations personable and natural.
What do you remember wanting to be when you grew up?
When growing up, I remember always wanting to become a teacher or counselor. I strive to make an impact on the lives of the youth.
What do you enjoy besides creating your work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Most afternoons consist of trying new recipes, creating new art, and going for walks with my partner, Nate and dog, Zoey.
I find peace in being outdoors and traveling to new places. Some of my favorite places I've traveled to include the U.P., Tennessee, Utah, Montana, and Colorado.
Yellowstone has to be one of my favorites for its diverse nature.
What's a receipt you're known for or like to make?
I greatly enjoy baking and cooking from scratch. I love experimenting with new recipes. Some of my favorite meals to make are green chili chicken enchiladas, chipotle chicken flatbreads and burritos, and chicken alfredo. There are endless baking recipes I love...to name a few include peanut butter kiss cookies, peanut butter brownies, and Mom's everything cookies. YUM!
What do you love most about the creative process?
I love a variety of things about the creative process, however, my favorite is transforming nature's elements and raw material into wearable and functional art.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
Some of my favorite artists are Jo-June, Salted Words,
Liv In the Moment Photography, and Johana gains.
Quotes you love or live by?
"Bloom where you are planted" and "Where flowers bloom so does hope."
Both inspire Hints of Nature's journey and serve as imperative reminders that good
things take time...so have faith and always live in the present.
Be sure to check out Nicole's space next time you visit Yellow Door. Hints of Nature can also be found on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and Etsy.