At The Table With Carmen Hoffert

One of the best things about starting my own business and launching Goldie Home has been meeting other amazing female entrepreneurs. This is the very reason I started this blog, At The Table With...as it gives me the opportunity to feature these women, introduce them to you, showcase their talents, what makes them tick, what inspires them, what we can glean from their process and perspective, and most of all - introduce you to the amazing work they are putting out into the world each and every day. Lo and behold, I bring you Carmen whose gorgeous jewelry line, CARM.N you must check out.

See more at www.carm-n.com

At The Table with Carmen Hoffert, Founder of CARM.N

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH CARM.N?

Most of all my love of adornment! I was in the corporate world while always knowing that art was what really excited me. Making a switch like this didn't seem very realistic but I continued to dream about it. I've collected jewelry all my life and was drawn to hand crafted work. It all really came together right before the Covid Pandemic began. 

I'm deeply inspired by my surroundings. Texture, form and color are important to my inspiration - and you can see that everywhere. I have a small journal where I write down ideas or inspiration. Some of those sketches never see the light of day and some of them become collections.

YOUR MUSHROOM COLLECTION IS YOUR NEWEST LAUNCH WHICH I PERSONALLY LOVE - WHY MUSHROOMS?

The Mushroom Collection took about 2 years to really get the design to the place where I wanted it to be. There were a lot of iterations on it. It was inspired by my young daughter. She and I would take walks in the woods and she would always look for mushrooms b/c she thought they looked magical. It was this really beautiful game she would play with the forest and there was a connection that was undeniable. The Mushroom Collection really captures those moments that you want to pause and remember.

OF ALL YOUR CHARMS + COLORS, WHAT IS YOUR ONE FAVORITE?

That's like picking a favorite child! I can't do it.... The shells and the mushrooms are the most special to me. They both symbolize such different things (Earth + Water) so wearing them layered together feels really balanced. They also walk the line between playful and elegant which is exactly what the brand is about. I am deeply inspired by vintage pieces and feeling like the old is new again.

WHAT NEW STYLES DO YOU THINK ARE ON THE HORIZON NEXT?

We just launched The Mushroom Collection and are basking in the joy of that launch.

  I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO MEET YOU AT A RECENT TRUNKSHOW. YOU HAVE SUCH A MAGNETIC PERSONALITY. OFTEN RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS CONSISTS OF A LOT OF ALONE TIME. HOW DO YOU KEEP YOURSELF ENERGIZED BY PEOPLE + IDEAS?

Great question! I have a beautiful core group of girlfriends who really lift me up. My daughter and husband keep me grounded and I feel very loved. I'm sure to take time for myself too - I think as I get older the more time I need to refresh.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE OCCASION TO SET A TABLE?

Setting a table is deeply important to me. I love to dress a table for any day of the week. The past few years really invited me to experience each meal as a celebration - big or small! It's why I love Goldie Home so much. This brand further invites me to make gathering at the table a time of connection and love no matter what we're serving.

DO YOU HAVE A SECRET TRICK OR SIGNATURE STYLE WHEN YOU ENTERTAIN?

All of it! "Love is in the details," as they say.

  MUSIC YOU CAN"T STOP LISTENING TO:

My style is all over the place. Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Taylor Swift, Mumford & Sons, DMB - just to name a few!

CURRENT PODCAST(S) IN CURRENT ROTATION:

Onward, Busy Philipps Is Doing Her Best, Heavy Weight, Dear Chelsea, On Being, C-Word

COLORS YOU ARE CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH:

I used to be all about neutrals and my clients keep nudging me to color! I'm drawn to turquoise, purple, orange and green!

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR COLLECTION + ABOUT BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR?  

I love that I'm able to create art that can be part of someone's daily life. It's so special and so intimate. It's an honor.