01.

When I was younger I went through a phase of wanting to be a vet. I love animals (I have two cats) but changed my mind when I realised it was maybe a bit too gory for me. I’m not a fan of blood, injections or anything at all like that. Sometimes I have to close my eyes when watching Grey’s Anatomy (a guilty pleasure). It’s probably for the best that I decided to pursue my creative dreams instead.

03.

Part of the fun of being self employed is the fact that everyday is different. You are juggling many hats and often have multiple job roles. As well as running my business I also work as a freelance designer at V & A Dundee. I work with the creative learning team delivering their workshops, tours and events to schools, families and community groups. And occasionally I Cat sit through Cat In A Flat. It’s fair to say that no two day’s are the same!

05.

I love a list and need Google maps to get me anywhere, my sense of direction is non-existent. Sitting down to plan the week ahead helps me organise my thoughts and calm my overthinking brain. I’ve struggled to find a diary or planner that can accommodate my list making and mix of business with general life, so this year I’ve decided to try a bullet journal for the first time.

Hello I'm Kirsten

I’m the face behind Kirsten Manzi Jewellery. I started making after graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone in 2013 and set up my business a few years later and am now a full time self-employed jeweller and freelance designer. Over the past year as well as dedicate more time to my business, I’ve also been able to involved with some fantastic projects here in Dundee, such as organising Dundee's Mini Make - Off, working with youth groups to create work for Dundee's Design Parade and I'll be part of the V & A Dundee freelance team, running workshops and tours. So, it's not all jewellery!

I'll be using this blog to give you some little insight into the life of a jeweller and to keep you up to date with all things Kirsten Manzi Jewellery. If there is anything else you'd like to see on here, let me know. I’ll start with 5 facts about me, so that you can get to know a bit more about the person who makes your jewellery.

02.

I love to travel and at university I had the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at SUNY New Paltz where I studied jewellery design alongside printmaking. I was a bus ride away from NYC, I became an adopted Australian, made the most wonderful memories and learned a lot along the way. It’s by far one of the best things I have ever done.

04.

My surname is Italian, my Grandad’s family emigrated to Scotland from Italy many moons ago. However there is a dispute about the correct spelling of Manzi - some of the family are Mansi’s. A few years ago we went on a family trip to Italy to try and find out about our family tree. We didn’t find very much but had the best time exploring the Amalfi coast.