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Nicola Ballard

The vehicle carrying her life has always been art, albeit she struggled with self-acceptance. In 2016, she received the devastating diagnosis of Uterine cancer, a turning point that shattered her perception of femininity. The subsequent journey through menopause was further compounded when the global pandemic hit in 2020, forcing her and her family to relocate to Shreveport from WNY. As she adapted to these new circumstances, she found herself artistically lost and yearning for a creative outlet. Visual art and writing had been her previous mediums, but they no longer conveyed her pain and anger. It was during this time of searching that a serendipitous encounter with her oldest son discarding a bag of hoodie strings opened her eyes to a different artistic pursuit. Intrigued by their potential, she began to intertwine and knot the strings, symbolizing the loss she felt within. Through this process, she discovered the artistry of Macrame String Necklaces, which represented her own personal metamorphosis into something greater than what was initially intended. With each knot and twist, her art became a reflection of the different aspects of herself. During the healing phase of her cancer recovery, she made a bold choice and opted for crystals instead of chemotherapy. Harnessing the healing properties of crystals, she began crafting wire-wrapped crystal rings and necklaces, a foray that would become a central focus in her growing jewelry-making venture. Each piece was imbued with the expressive femininity of knotted necklaces, the gentle touch of healing, and the unwavering strength of leather studded items. In her artistic journey, she discovered that her creations became a war cry, resonating with others who shared similar stories of struggle and resilience. Her jewelry encapsulated the fighting spirit of fashion, providing solace, inspiration, and a sense of connection to those who needed it most.
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