Amber Mimz Talks Many Talents, Loves The Hell Out Of It

Amber Mimz is a woman of many talents. Not only is she an amazing musician and very humbling human being, but she is also a jewelry designer and hair stylist. Amber’s take on the way that the different talents she has connect with each other is stunning, as she has been known to discuss the way that people connect in hair salons and barber shops. We couldn’t agree more with her sentiment, and we have been blessed to be acquainted with her music, both from her debut LP The Life Of Riley, and her most recent EP, Three. Writer Emily Chu had the opportunity to ask Mimz some questions about her music and her business.

Tell me about your music.

Heartfelt, very story like almost as if you’re reading a journal or diary, bold, fresh, with hints of escapism but raw with emotion and connectivity. My music is original yet heavily inspired by multiple genres. I’d say it’s amazing, if that’s ok for me to say about my own music.

What is something you think everyone should know about you?

That everyone should know… That I make music and art, and I love the hell out of it.

How did you get into making jewelry?

I’d always been a crafty person and really hands on especially growing up. My father was a goldsmith so the creative bug is definitely hereditary but I didn’t start making jewelry until the spring of 2012. I actually started making jewelry out of necessity and being plain ole broke. I was living in LA at the time and like a lot of girls I felt like accessories could really set you a part. Outfits are cool but accessories can make plain look stylish. So I started make-shifting random things to see what they would look like as rings and necklaces. Not too long after I started taking things a part, pendants, necklaces whatever and repurposing them. I started getting compliments while out and some people even asked me to make them stuff, I was surprised especially because I knew I was an amateur but hey, why not give it a try. I got my first pair of pliers and wire cutters and just kept building on ideas. Before I knew it I was so hooked.

Tell me about your jewelry business. What’s it like owning your own business?

2322 is a brand that is composed of 80% recycled or repurposed materials. All original hand crafted pieces that are very rarely duplicated. The design/style may be the same but I very rarely make identical pieces. Owning my own business/brand has been quite a ride full of ups and downs but I truly enjoy it. As the maker of each product In many ways it has been an escape or therapy for me. Business wise it has opened up some great doors, helped forge some great relationships and expose me to a world that can be so different from music. That balance (at least for me) is much needed.

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?

Optimistic. I always find myself seeing the best in a situation and in people, even when its time to change courses I’m pretty hopeful that everything will work out as it should. This spirit has definitely helped me through some rough times and tough decisions and helped to appreciate what life brings. I think I get this from my mother. The optimism ultimately spreads belief and I sure as hell can’t call myself an artist without believing in myself.

What is your greatest inspiration?

Good Question. I’d say what greatly inspires me are stories. Weather its documentaries, personal stories told to me or ones that I get to tell others. For some reason the ups and downs and ebbs and flows of stories greatly inspire me. On Sundays (when ever I can) I often find myself watching documentaries or shows about other walks of life. It’s not always music related– although those stories are my favorite –but the constant in every story is someone’s ability to find their own way of being free to be themselves. And throughout each story that’s what inspires me the most.

What’s coming up next for you?

Next up is Europe! I’ll be doing some traveling in the fall to London and Paris hitting a stage or two and connecting with some folks across the pond. I’ll also be making and collaborating on some new music and expanding my knowledge of jewelry making as well.