Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn.
Hi Dawn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I lived in NYC for several years, I had a furniture showroom by appointment and to the trade. I am always drawn to working with unique materials that don’t have much exposure to the US, which is how I started out working with materials from France used in the 30’s and 40’s such as parchment, shagreen, feathers that supplied to the couture houses, and rare woods., These materials were a lost art form. When we had children and needed to relocate to school on the UES, a friend had visited my showroom and asked if I would decorate her Park Ave classic 6 apartment, I had continual work after that project and I never looked back.
After growing up in Michigan surrounded by nature I wanted my children to grow up the same way. When my husband could work remotely for the first time all my Southern friends suggested we move to Sullivans Island. Having the best of both worlds, 20 min from downtown CHS we settled down here. I dabbled in interior design, but one of the 19th century butterfly cloches I had made caught the eye of a friend who was a designer at the time. Afterwards I got more requests from word of mouth. Shortly after an editor from Garden and Gun reached out and they did a five page story on my work. That article led to more national magazines publishing my work. Soon after I had orders from several established designers which led to an introduction to Blake Lively who purchased several pieces and members of the royal family in Denmark. I was also invited as a guest to showcase my work on the BBC show with tastemaker and former Housewives of London Caroline Fleming.
Recently I’m collaborating with designer Alexandra Branca for her Palm Beach atelier and shop on Worth ave. Shell artistry is having a revival. As I started making more shell cloches, this eventually evolved into mirrors, fireplace mantles, bar surrounds, and lighting. I worked with designer Charlotte Lucas on the Southern Living Showhouse making bookcase surrounds, a shell crown molding in a guest powder room and a chandelier as the focal point of the dining room which was on the cover of Southern Living Magazine.
Posting on instagram daily has grown my business to where it is today. I also do several pop up shows during the year. This year I will be doing a pop up in High point with the Ticking Tent and have some special announcements that are very exciting which I cannot yet discuss.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve been fortunate that my business has been pretty consistent, I think it helps using a variety of different mediums. I always have a long list of pieces I want to create but don’t have time until someone requests it, That’s how I started my first fireplace mantle. The possibility’s are endless with shells and the structures that can be created to mount them. Shell structures add an element of surprise to a space you wouldn’t necessarily expect.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The art pieces which started my career showcase sustainably sourced butterflies and shells within 19th-century European domes. Each piece presents a life-like display of movement inspired to mimic nature itself — transforming preserved specimens into breathtaking sculptural arrangements that captivate and display natural forms found in nature.
In addition to these domes, my art evolved into making custom mirrors. I didn’t want the mirrors to be kitschy like the shell mirrors you typically see, I wanted them to be versatile not just used in sea scape towns, but organic and edgy for a city dwelling as well. Examples of some unexpected shells are purple pectins, blue abalone, peach ruffle shells, tortoise limpets, I like to grab your attention and use oversized sea fans as the focal point of the mirrors. I also like to incorporate sea life such as sea urchins, starfish, and crabs. I use a combination of shells that you typically don’t see in shell mirrors which are moody, and more organic in nature.
Since I also have a background in interior design, when a client shows me a space to create a piece, I focus on the colors, aesthetic and shape of the piece that would work best to complement their surroundings. Sometimes it may not be a mirror, but a fireplace mantle, chandelier or outdoor shower depending on the impact they want to make and budget of the project.
I’m most proud of my followers who have been so loyal from the beginning and think of me for projects when they want a special piece whether it be on a larger scale for a client or for a special gift such as a piece of jewelry, a 19th century custom dome, frame or butterfly ornament. It always amazes me the joy a piece can bring to a client. I often hear back from clients reminding me how much they love a piece I made for them or a loved one.
I’m also proud of my shell nutcrackers. I make these special pieces during the holiday season. They have been a highlight of the holiday season and never cease to amaze me how life like they can be. I’m also proud of the fact that I’ve never seen anyone make one before or after me. Which is a testament to how complex they are to make. I love to see the joy they bring to children when they first see them, instantly their eyes light up!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Travel for me keeps me sane and inspires me for the next chapter of my work. When I create I can spend several hours or days working on one piece, so I have a slew of different podcasts I like to listen to that keep me going! Oprah, On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Traveling Through, Julia Gets Wise, Mel Robbins, Wayne Dyer, and Sentinel Watch.
Pricing:
- I charge for mirrors by linear foot
- If a client has a range for a budget I can work with that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dawnnakamura.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnnakamurainteriors/
