We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sonya Coulson Rook. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Sonya, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Last year I began making an effort to convert more of our yard to native plants, and it’s been really fulfilling to watch as things begin to fill in. This will be a long term endeavor because I don’t have a ton of time or resources to jump all in, so I’m starting with small chunks and slowly expanding each year. I have already noticed so many new pollinators in the yard this summer which is really exciting. I’ve also added a walkway using reclaimed bricks I got from a neighbor and wattle edgings using vines from the previously overgrown grapevines to add visual interest. Being outdoors helps me slow down, decompress and feel grounded, which is really important for both my mental health and creative process. Its been too hot in recent weeks to do much out there, so I’m excited for cooler weather to arrive.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the owner and designer behind Metamorphosis Metals, a small artisan jewelry design company comprised of myself and my husband, Jackey. Our goal is to create pieces that are both unique and easy to wear, by combining industrial and organic aesthetics with a focus on minimalist styles that can be mixed, matched, and layered for a personalized look. The line consists of versatile everyday classics and special occasion pieces, including alternative engagement rings and wedding bands. We also offer custom jewelry design services, including restyling heirloom jewelry, and DIY wedding band workshops for couples who want to get hands on and make their own rings.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately in the current divisive climate we are living in. Lack of empathy and distrust seem to be the two biggest culprits. Human beings fear what they don’t understand, so they tend to reject those whose lifestyles or ideals challenge their own world view. This rejection leads to distrust on both sides. It’s a bit of a catch 22; you have to be empathetic to understand others but to do so means you must be allow yourself to be vulnerable which is impossible to do without trust, and it’s hard to trust something or someone you don’t understand or that acts hostile towards you or your choices. I think continued open dialogue is the best course of action, even though our natural instinct is to throw up that protective shield when things get uncomfortable.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Without a doubt, fear of failure and rejection is the one I struggle with most. When you take a risk, you put yourself in a vulnerable position, whether it’s emotionally, financially or physically. I tend to have a lot of anxiety which makes the prospect even more nerve wracking as I tend to think of all the ways it could go wrong. Throughout my life, there have been a lot of avenues I didn’t pursue, opportunities I didn’t take, programs I didn’t apply to, etc. because I was afraid I wasn’t good enough. Sometimes I look back and wonder how many of those might have actually become successes if I took the risk. While I may have prevented some emotional pain, I probably lost out on some amazing accomplishments.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
For the most part it is. Being an artist, my work comes from a very personal place. I follow that inner voice when creating, so by nature, my work is a physical manifestation of my intrinsic self. Additionally I try to espouse the same values professionally as I do in my personal life. Like most people though, I try and represent a much more confident and competent version of myself publicly and I think my public persona is more guarded where as the real me is much more emotional.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Most days I feel like I’m doing what I was born to do. I definitely wasn’t told to get a fine arts degree and pursue a life as an independent craft artist. In fact, 19 years in, my parents are probably still somewhat horrified by my career choice (though they have always been very supportive). I have always felt most fulfilled and at peace when I am creating, and metalsmithing in particular clicked with me from day 1. I remember having a feeling of “this is what I’m going to do” my very first week in my metals survey class in college. There are challenges to this path, mostly the financial uncertainty, that makes me question it from time to time but the reward of being able to make a living doing what I love and seeing my work connect with clients on a personal level is worth everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.metamorphosismetals.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metamorphosismetals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metamorphosismetals/
Image Credits
Sonya Coulson Rook
