Figs + Ginger makes eco-friendly sterling jewelry, gifts wedding and party goods. And is known for the Bird Nestling Mother's Necklace (like the one on the left).
Each of their piece is made by hand and is generally based on forests, or things you could imagine finding on a walk through an enchanted one.
The couple set-up their company in 2007 and jumped into the wholesale market in 2008. Initially, it was a roller-coaster ride for the couple but today Figs + Ginger products can be found in museum shops, catalogs, national and worldwide chain stores and can also be bought online.
Rhonda and Elijah got married in 2004 and are currently based in North Carolina. Apart from working on Figs + Ginger, the couple loves to travel to craft shows and restaurants.
Elijah is also an indie-pop singer and songwriter. You can checkout his work at The Decent Lovers.
Learn more about the couple and their family business in our exclusive interview with Rhonda Wyman.
Happy reading!
1. Hi Rhonda, please introduce Elijah and yourself to our readers.
Hi. We're Rhonda and Elijah Wyman. We live in the mountains of Asheville, NC where we spend our time working on Figs + Ginger and other fun things.
2. What is Figs + Ginger? What inspired you guys to come up with it? Curious about the etymology of your company's name.
Figs makes Gifts for Every Stage of Life. Mostly what we're known for is our jewelry line, but we also make paper, party and wedding goods. We try to create special items for memorable days. Honestly the name was just made up! We liked the sound. :)
3. What are the sources of inspiration for your jewelry? What technique do you use to make your jewelry, right from coming up with a concept to actually giving the finishing touches to one? Please elaborate on the tools and processes you use.
I studied metal-smithing at RISD in Providence, RI and Alchimia in Florence, Italy, so Figs uses traditional techniques such as soldering, cutting, casting etc. for all of our sterling pieces. We keep a small workshop and have several jewelers who do piece work for us when we get busy.
4. Your Mother's Gifts jewelry pieces are just amazing, I love the momma and baby(s) theme. Is there a story behind choosing this particular theme? Can you please share it with our readers.
We were just trying to make the perfect Mother's Day Gift. The necklace just kept growing! It started with a single bird and then a mother and a baby. Pardon the pun, but over the years we've branched out to include larger families and different animals as demand increased.
5. How do you see the advent of eCommerce and now mCommerce? Share with us your experience as an etailer.
I think it's great. We make most of our money through our website and the websites of our wholesalers. I'm not sure anyone has bought our goods on their phone's yet, but I expect that to happen more in the future.6. Tell us something about Decent Lovers. For how long Elijah has been doing singing and writing songs?
His whole life! Decent Lovers is just the latest iteration of his music. It's a fun, awake, experimental pop band. Check 'em out at Facebook.com/TheDecentLovers!
7. It must be fun for you, working on your design and craft company and being around Elijah. Share your experience with us. What has been the biggest compliment that you have received for your work?
We're just so grateful every day that people are supporting our little family business enough to keep it going. I think that's the biggest compliment really. Over the past 5 years we've worked with some companies that were just dreams before, and that also makes me feel proud.
8. What sort of activities do you like to pursue in your free time? Which of these do you find to be most de-stressing?
Hiking. I wish I could play volleyball.
9. If you are given the option to be some superhero (or be given a magical power), who/what would it be and why?
To make toothe pain go away. (I currently have a cavity.)
10. What your future plans, both in respect to yourself and Figs + Ginger?
My plans with Figs include expanding our product line and trying to keep growing. For myself, I'd like to get rid of all my debt and be free to live anywhere for any amount of time.
11. One piece of advice that you would like to give to aspiring and budding entrepreneurs/ designers?
Just work hard. :)
Thanks Rhonda for taking out the time and doing this interview with us. We'd like to wish you and Elijah the very best for the future.
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