Meet Paula Romero: Artisan

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paula Romero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paula, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Slowly.. slowly I am learning that the silly “comparison trap” that we all fall, is my worst enemy.   I am learning to trust in the way my own experience unfolds.  Ups and downs will happen, embracing and not forgetting the ups is important, they are the ones that will help you moving forward. And the downs are important too, they bring growth; learn the lesson and after let them go.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Zeta Leonis Handmade was born out of the desire of wanting to change my life and create something with more meaning that can bring beauty to this world. I always enjoy doing things with my hands. You can find me experimenting with different mediums like leather, concrete, wood so many materials, but at the end I keep coming back to making jewelry. The business started with beaded bracelets. At some point curiosity and the need to offer rings took me to the art of metal-smithing. Took a couple classes and since then the business changed dramatically. I offer now pieces crafted with carefully selected gemstones and recycled materials whenever is possible, and yes.. beads are still very present on my designs. The road hasn’t been easy, its a huge learning process. I think that the most important aspect has been to stay open to change, to discovery and trust. Trusting in the process. Things take time and that is okay. I don’t call myself a designer. I am an artisan, who loves gemstones and minerals, and artisan who likes to feel and connect with the material and find a way how to express their beauty.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my! depends of the season. Colorado has so much beauty to offer. Now that we are in winter, I will take you to the Ice Castles in Dillon to add some magic. For food: Avanti for the best views, DaGabi Cucina if you really want to feel like a local. Gold-Hill Inn for a little travel in time. The Kitchen, Hapa, Il Pastaio… Gosh so many places. If we have a full moon I will take you snow-shoeing. El Dorardo Springs for jaw dropping scenes. So many places, the list is endless.  

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
“Boulder Metalsmithing Association”. This is the studio where I do all the work. I am grateful for the space they offer and for always being there whenever is needed. “Boulder Farmers – Artisan-Market”. Their support and commitment to all things local. I have met my best clients at their artisan events. “Firefly Handmade Market”. Beth and her family, they are always so on top of every detail at their events. Mark Reaves, my partner. For all the love, the patience and the infinite support. He believes in me, and pushes me to keep going. He is the backbone of Zeta Leonis Handmade, we are a great team.

Website: https://www.zetaleonis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zetaleonishandmade/