Kansas City has many up-and-coming jewelry designers. Among these designers is Susan Mayer, creator of 74 Harley Street. By day, Mayer may seem like your average stay-at-home mom. But by night she is an artist, repurposing any damaged, old-fashioned or vintage jewelry she can get her hands on and revamping it into something modern and beautiful. One of the most unique elements of Mayer’s designs is a taste of nostalgia, or “soul,” that is present in her work.
It is easy to walk into any mainstream jewelry store in the mall and buy a mass-produced, trendy piece of jewelry that will likely be out of fashion within the year. But by updating classic, vintage pieces, Mayer is able to create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that withstand the test of time.
“I design jewelry with vintage pieces – I love to add my own voice to these gorgeous old pieces, most of which aren't necessarily fashionable now the way they were intended to be worn,” Mayer said, “I give them new life and make them fun to wear. Plus, my stuff works day to night...great with a tee and jeans or dressed up for a party or gala. So fun!”
The diversity in her work is obvious, and each of her designs can be worn for more than one occasion. What makes her work so interesting is that her pieces always contain something different. Whether it is a mother-of-pearl brooch, an old pocket watch, or a skeleton key, there is something to tickle any vintage jewelry junkie’s fancy.
“I get inspiration everywhere, especially out when I'm shopping for pieces,” Mayer said. “I see a piece and I either know right away what I want to do with it, or I hold on to it for months before it hits me. My mom's got a great eye, and we collaborate a lot.”
When it came to the idea of 74 Harley Street, Mayer didn’t know what to do with it right away. Instead, Mayer held on to the idea for quite some time before it materialized into the business it is today.
“74 Harley Street started several years ago as a creative endeavor on a different level,” Mayer said. ”Then I took a break to be a mom.” One of the most influential times of Mayer’s life was the time she spent in London.
“What didn't I do there?” Mayer said when asked about her life in London. “Jewelry...boy, if I did then what I do now, just imagine the goodies I could've picked up! I was living in Chicago and working at a marketing agency. I transferred to the London office and lived at 74 Harley Street. After several years, I had my first son there and realized I wanted to be a full-time mom and move closer to family.”
After her time in London, Mayer moved to the Kansas City area where she had three more children and fulfilled her need to be a full-time mom. But, the idea of her own jewelry line stayed with her as well as the memories of London’s vibrant fashion world. Mayer refers to her flat in London as her “lucky charm,” which is why she named her line after it. Within the past three years Mayer has worked hard to establish 74 Harley Street as a reality.
“I feel like I have a point of view I can translate into jewelry, and I love creating something that I can wear and enjoy, Mayer said. “I've gotten a great response, and that feeds my creativity. I’m currently in several boutiques in Kansas City and I hope to continue to grow the business and expand regionally.”
Mayer’s jewelry has also been featured in local magazines such as KC Weddings, Spaces Magazine, Flourish!, and KC Star Magazine. Even with 74 Harley Street growing in popularity, Mayer continues to make her family her priority.
“My four boys keep me busy,” Mayer said. “Obviously, my days are too busy to sit and work, but when the house is quiet, usually after bedtime, I get out all of my goodies and get to work. It usually takes me a couple of hours of piddling around until the creative juices flow. I love it, so I enjoy the time I spend on it.” And Mayer’s love for her work shows. In addition to her line of jewelry, Mayer also creates custom jewelry, updates family heirlooms and creates personal pieces for brides. These are the kinds of special services that cannot be found just anywhere.
Mayer’s family-oriented personality has not only affected her path in life, it has also had a profound effect on her jewelry design. Even from the time she was a young girl she held dear to her the things her family passed on to her. This is why Mayer believes every piece of old jewelry has something to say.
“I've always been sentimental about stuff in general; anything my family gave me, I kept and cherished,” Mayer said. “It's like these things have soul. And that's how I feel about these vintage jewelry pieces. They have a story, a history. I've always had a passion for jewelry, love the classic and statement pieces, but I try to stay outside of the trendy. The two passions have finally crossed paths, it's great!”
Mayer has big hopes for the future of 74 Harley Street. Her ultimate goal is to be a regional competitor. But Mayer will not let this change her jewelry. She is dedicated to maintaining the personal touch and vintage feel that has made her designs so unique. Most important, Mayer wants her jewelry to continue to have “soul,” the element of Mayer’s jewelry that could never be mass-produced.
For more information or to purchase a piece by Susan Mayer, visit www.74harleystreet.com.
