Meet the Designer: Crys Rivers

If you happen to be one of the fretful minority who can do creative work, never force an idea; you’ll abort it if you do. Be patient and you’ll give birth to it when the time is ripe. Learn to wait.

~ Robert Heinlein
through Lazarus Long in Time Enough for Love
leaf

A born artist, idealist and dreamer, Crys Rivers nonetheless attended UNC law school and spent her early career trying to fit a corporate mold - proving the cliché about square pegs and round holes correct. Crys continued to express herself through various art forms and yoga in the few hours between work and sleep.

In 2003, Crys began having the most detailed dreams about Albuquerque, NM – a place she had never visited. Believing in dreams as a guide, Crys made her way to New Mexico and discovered a culture that resonated with her – and in particular, the native beadwork! Her greatest frustration was that she could not afford to bring it all home, but a gifted artisan in Albuquerque taught her some beading basics and Crys went home determined to recreate some of the beauty she saw there.

Crys learned from a number of skilled artisans; as her craftsmanship grew, she discovered her own unique style. Friends and family began requesting her jewelry; eventually came requests from a growing customer base for jewelry parties, a website and some retail locations to carry her lines.

Ultimately, Crys quit her corporate job to pursue her passions. As an entrepreneur, she is free to be the “square peg” that she is, and the nourishment her spirit receives from this freedom is expressed in her jewelry designs.

Crys currently works out of her home studio in the Raleigh, NC area. A Yoga Alliance-certified instructor, she finds inspiration in her yoga practice and students, family, spirituality, Cherokee heritage, love of natural elements, travel, and fashion.

Thank you for participating in Crystal Rivers Designs’ journey. Please contact us with your inspiring thoughts and comments.