If you've been reading our blog or following betsy & iya on social media for the past three years, you're already familiar with the man, the mane, the metal manipulating master, Matt. His role here - much like his hair - has gone through an evolution; he started as the face of our brick & mortar, working the floor, manning our booth at shows, and occasionally assisting with buying. His transition from shop boy to production man happened a little over a year ago, and ever since, he's taken his signature humor, determination, and physicality and put it into every single piece of jewelry he makes.
Let's get to know more about Matty, or as I like to call him "the one who made me a believer in man bling:"
Name: Matty (to his betsy & iya family), Matt (to friends), Matthew (to everyone else)
Hometown: Chicago, IL (obvious from his expert snow shoveling skills below)
Star Sign: (middle child) Leo
I've been making jewelry for: One year as a full-time maker
Items of jewelry you make most often: I make most of the wire hoops in the collection (Badlands hoops, Conatas hoops, Colubrina hoops,, Alameda hoops, The Span hoops). I also spend a lot of my time forming earwires.
Before I was a maker at b&i I was: Unhappy at my other job. (note: now Matty is totally happy. Coincidence? I think NOT!)
Describe your path to becoming a maker in an ice cream flavor & why: I guess I would say Coconut Bliss Vanilla with a jar of peanut butter on the side. It's an alternative choice that you stumble upon in a desperate situation, but then you are pretty much stuck with it.
Favorite b&i piece to make: Badlands hoop earrings
Do you listen to music while you make? If so, what's your current jam? What's that? Driver roll up the PARTITION please??
Being a maker has taught me: To see all the important little details that make up the whole world around me. And a better understanding and appreciation of good craftsmanship.
