One of the most exciting parts of working at Archipelago is discovering up-and-coming and diverse Maine artists. When we discovered Choo 11 in the spring of 2023 I could not have been more excited. I instantly fell in love with the colorful and creative statement polymer earrings, and purchased a pair for myself as soon as they arrived in the shop. I was thrilled a few months later when Kira, the artist behind Choo 11, agreed to chat with me and give me a tour of her studio.
So one sunny summer morning I took off down the coast and met her and her adorable and very excited pug Mushu—namesake of her brand (mu-choo!)—at her home in Scarborough. There, she gave me a tour of the most immaculate art studio I have ever seen, and walked me through how she built Choo 11.
Kira’s artistic journey took root during childhood with a passion for art and craft and a particular interest in fashion. Raised in Thailand, she attended fashion design school in Bangkok and later moved to the US. After a brief stint in Cleveland, Ohio, Kira and her husband moved to Scarborough. There, Kira found community while working at a local Thai restaurant, but moved on to work for popular Maine fabric designer Erin Flett, whose studio is nearby. Erin Flett’s influence became a catalyst for Kira to explore her own creativity, and while working as Erin’s stitcher, she saved up to start her own business.
Kira explained to me that she had become inspired after attending a number of craft shows where she witnessed a diverse array of handmade creations. Spurred by her need for a creative outlet, she decided to try her hand at jewelry design. Kira discovered polymer clay and knew it was the perfect medium for her to express her creativity and explore endless design possibilities. She taught herself the craft and eventually decided to dive full-time into creating jewelry. She left Erin’s studio and planned out her gorgeous home studio and, as it turned out, the timing could not have been better.
The COVID pandemic began just as she was settling into her new studio, so she got right to work. Once the COVID lockdown ended, she started participating in art and craft fairs and, with the help of CEI Women’s Business Center, she went to her first trade show. She found a supportive network of artists and craftswomen. She tells me about how her favorite parts of shows and markets are the lulls when she can walk around and meet other local artists. Since then she has been building her supply of jewelry, growing her collection of designs and styles, and has developed strong marketing for her brand, which is now a familiar favorite across the art and craft scene in Maine.
As we chat, Kira walks me through her process of making the polymer earrings. Through a long trial and error process, she has created a meticulous assembly system which has allowed her to create a stunning and high quality line of statement earrings. She begins with her book of color swatches, a recipe book of sorts where she records the colors and mixtures of clays to make the signature hues of her earring line. Once the clay colors are mixed, she uses a trusty pasta maker to roll the clay into a consistent width, which she then cuts out using an array of cookie cutters and other stamp tools. Kira shows off some dried shapes she has prepared and walks me through the hardware stage of the process. Once the pieces are connected and the ear wires are attached, the finished earrings will then be ready to wear!
Kira’s recent exploration has been in mixing many colors of clay to create long rolls which, when cut crosswise, show a stunning pattern. Cutting open one such clay log reveals an intricate and joyful pattern to which she adds a backing green color before cutting the clay sections into earring shapes. The process is mesmerizing to watch.
Kira now finds herself running a thriving business. She attends art fairs across New England, offers wholesale purchasing for resale across the country, and even keeps up with a popular social media presence. “I feel like I am really fulfilled” she tells me, “I [felt like] I had something to offer, coming from a different country, I can offer a different style and perspective.”
She feels as though she has found her place in the Maine artist and maker community and is proud that her background makes her work unique. She tells me she has begun to be recognized by followers of her work and has even seen her pieces out in the wild – she once saw a sports reporter wearing her work on TV! She explains that since English is not her first language, talking about herself can feel uncomfortable, but what she finds is that her jewelry business speaks for itself. “I feel like I don’t have to introduce myself” she says, “with my business and Instagram it’s like—that’s me!”
I can’t help but gush over her work even more as she shows me her favorite past pieces and plans for future designs. “My job is running [the business] and my hobby is creating jewelry!” she says and I feel as though she might just have it all figured out. As we wrap up, Kira graciously offers me a pair of her earrings, and of course I can’t say no. Now the proud owner of a second pair of Choo 11 earrings I make my way back downstairs where I say goodbye to Kira and a grinning Mushu. Kira has inspired me to take a chance at my own passions and I cannot wait to see more as she continues to make amazing earrings to share with the world!
Shop Studio Choo 11 earrings at Archipelago!
About Archipelago
Archipelago, a program of Island Institute, showcases Maine artists and makers whose work reflects the beauty and endurance of Maine’s islands and coast. Archipelago has an artist-centered pricing agreement, which provides 60% in sales revenue to consignment vendors. Our gallery and retail store showcase the work of over 300 artists and makers. Archipelago has generated $5.4 million in sales income for our artists to date. With your help, we can continue our efforts to bolster Maine’s creativity economy well into the future. Learn more here.
