Shop Small OKC *local artisan spotlight* Simple Designs
A quick note on SHOP SMALL OKC:
When I was dreaming Shop Small into creation, one thing I wanted to do was to focus on the local artisans of our city. The creators that didn’t necessarily have the capital for their very own store front, but had a passion to make something. The products that find their way into your home from website sales, trunk show sales, booths at festivals and marketplaces. Products that might just be carried in a local store… but also things that are garnering sales nationwide.
These creators are the lifeblood of our city. Collectively they are the very heartbeat of the city that drives us forward to innovate and evolve.
Our support of them is CRITICAL. Buying from a local artist, creator, maker, baker… this is the way that OKC supports OKC.
So with that being said, let me tell you about Simple Designs. I’m pretty sure that I started following Cristi Moore’s instagram feed soon after I began actively searching for people to follow for Shop Small. Her designs are modern and organic, they are intricate yet simple, and they appeal to my personal aesthetic. I would wear absolutely everything she creates. Go visit Out on a Limb in the Plaza District or Serendipity or you check out her etsy website and you will see what I mean!
Question & Answer with
Cristi Moore, founder of Simple Designs
Shop Small OKC: When did your business open?
Simple Designs: I started designing and making jewelry professionally about 4 years ago when my best friend opened her shop, Out On A Limb Boutique, in the Plaza. She needed a jewelry vendor and I had been creating pieces for myself already. She asked if I would make some to sell in her store.
Shop Small OKC: What is your company’s specialty?
Simple Designs: Simple hand crafted jewelry with a boho chic vibe. I also take custom orders. I have worked with brides on bridal and bridesmaid jewelry. That is always so much fun.
Shop Small OKC: Why did you go into small business/open your store?
Simple Designs: I fell in love with custom orders. Individuals were asking me to design special pieces just for them. I knew I wanted to do more of that, so I put myself out there and started marketing my jewelry and services. Jewelry is such a fun way to assert style or tell your story. It can be very personal (which is why I love custom orders). I especially love working with metal and stones. I enjoy being able to manipulate metal into so many different shapes. I adore working with raw stones because they make each piece of jewelry unique.
Shop Small OKC: What accomplishment are you most proud of as a small shop owner?
Simple Designs: I’m still amazed that people actually want to wear my pieces. I feel proud when I run into someone who is wearing a piece I designed.
Shop Small OKC: What is the biggest challenge of being a small shop?
Simple Designs: Time. I work a full time job in addition to the jewelry, I am working on my Master's degree, and I have two small children. It's hard to find time to do more involved pieces that require soldering and stone placing. They are some of my favorite pieces to do, so I try hard to squeeze them in to my busy schedule. ,
Shop Small OKC: When you aren’t busy with your shop, what do you enjoy doing?
Simple Designs: Reading. I am a sci-fi/fantasy fanatic. I also love playing with my kiddos and goofing off with my husband.
Shop Small OKC: Favorite OKC date night?
Simple Designs: My husband and I love to go to any of the local bars/pubs with our best friends (again, the owner of Out On A Limb and her hubby). We really enjoy FlashBack RetroPub or Roughtail Brewery.
Shop Small OKC: Favorite local thing to go/see/do?
Simple Designs: I like exploring the micro breweries with my husband (a complete beer fanatic) and spending time in the Plaza District. I know I'm a little biased, but I really do love Out On A Limb Boutique in the Plaza. I also really love Thrive Mama. And the food in the Plaza is the best.
Contact Information for Simple Designs:
Website: https://cristimoore.wixsite.com/simple
Etsy: https://SimpleDesignsOKC.etsy.com
Instagram: @simpledesignsokc
Facebook: @simple.OKC
