Detroit native Karen Erickson has created a name and brand for herself by solidifying the true essence and beauty of fine jewelry. Her collection consists of original pieces created with crystals, beads, chains, pearls, and suede--just to name a few materials. With top fashion houses, runway collaborations, an extensive list of A-list celebrities, and even the First Lady, being fans of the brand, its no wonder why Erickson Beamon is an in-demand collaborator. 

We caught up with Karen for a quick Q&A...

Name: Karen Erickson

Profession: Founder and designer of Erickson Beamon 

Your passions? Life

What’s your best trait? Never give up, never get bored, always excited.

What’s the first thing you do in the morning? Kabbalist Meditations to Yehuda Berg's book "Dialing God" and coffee.

Any mealtime rituals? Organic Avenue, mostly faithful to Green Love, but been playing around with Medicinal Green.

Do you have a favorite designer? Cristóbal Balenciaga 

Or a favorite musician? Iggy and the Stooges

What things do you always carry with you? My Blackberry and my beloved flip phone.

What are your favorite materials to work with? Always love working with Swarovski crystal but don't play favorites with material, I am fickle. I am loyal to the concept of beauty and proportion.

Congratulations on having Beyonce wear your gorgeous pieces in a few of her new music videos! How are you feeling about having the biggest superstar showcase your pieces in her videos? I am honored.

Your concept of jewelry is bold and glamorous, is this a characteristic trait that you carry within yourself? Does your jewelry match your mood? I think every day and everybody should be bold and glamorous.  Not impressed with meek and mild.

Who/what has inspired you in the past when creating your pieces? I am inspired by every day, sounds, smells, things I see, dreams... Even the person standing in line at Duane Reade drugstore.

What is one of your most memorable and precious items that you have personally? My family.

The best way to spend your weekend? Kabbalah Center and designing.

The best way to relieve stress? Stress is a state of mind, I don't think you can beat it, you need to harness it and use it to try and transform stress into energy.

Do you have a role model? Karen Berg

Is there a specific collection you and Eric are working on next? Designing the new collection for fashion week. We love to collaborate. We have three collaborations in the works: 

1. The jewelry for Anna Sui's February fashion show

2. MAC Cosmetic Campaign styled by Patti Wilson and photographed by Sølve Sundsbø

3. Custom making a necklace for a photo shoot of the May issue of W Magazine, styled by Jacob K, photographed by Tim Walker.

WEBSITE: www.ericksonbeamon.com 

WRITTEN BY: STEPHANIE RAMIREZ