My Story
To truly experience life we must tap into our inner creativity.
To listen to that little voice in our head that says, "Just go for it and see what happens".
My life has been one big beautiful adventure of tapping into my own creativity.
Adventurer
Traveling has allowed me to tap into that inner source of creativity. With each trip I went on I was able to step into unknown territory and be inspired by everything I saw and experienced along the way. From abstract artwork in museums in Paris, to carvings in India, to weaves in Indonesia, to the natural world all around me, I kept my eyes wide open to the possibilities that I will learn something new.
Jewelry-Maker
I started my jewelry-making journey in Bali, with the help of an experienced silversmith. I then learned how intricate designs take time and patience and of course the help of someone who knew the craft. Back then I was an international teacher, traveling on my breaks, never imagining how my life would end up changing later on.
Painter
In Bali, I also tapped into the world of painting. I spent many days standing waist deep in my pool painting for hours. For years after I continued working on this passion in my spare time, creating a collection that I would eventually exhibit. It was also during this time that I stumbled upon mandalas for the first time. I would spend the next several years sketching mandalas in journals, trying my best to create instead of scroll.
Business Owner
After leaving teaching, I decided to create my own jewelry brand and named it Cantik (meaning beautiful in Bahasa Indonesian). It's my small offering to the world as a way to give back all the creativity that I have been able to harness over the years. Our brass collection is handmade by artisans in Thailand and India and curated by me.
Artisan
I wanted to create something exclusive. Something truly special that used many of the skills that I have gained over the years. I learned how to create seed bead jewelry on a loom, after taking an online master class. It was here that I was able to bring together my love of traveling, all the artistic inspiration I have had within my travels throughout the years as well as all the ideas that I had from painting and sketching.
I lovingly design each piece, create it with my own hands bead by bead, thread by thread. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and exclusive to my brand. Welcome to MonicaHarris.co.
Family Made
I would be nothing without the love and support of my family. My mother and grandmother were a huge inspiration to me as I was growing up, putting situations in my path that would lead me to always choose creating over consuming.
My two beautiful nieces lovingly agreed to be the models for my online store. Their smiles light up the pages and highlight the beauty of each piece.
My father has always been a constant support no matter what time zone I am in, and there have been many over the years! I decided to use his last name as an ode to my family name.
Created with Love
My husband is the do-it-all person in the background who masterfully created the online store, took product and lifestyle photos, and helped me bring this passion to life outside my studio. He is a constant support in everything I do and I am forever grateful to be on this journey with him.
Grateful
I want to thank you for stopping by to hear my story. Each of my pieces is woven with love, light and laughter.
Wishing you grace and joy on your own journey of creativity.
Lots of love,
