Meet Sol Felix, Owner and Jewelry Designer of FUNKY SEEDZ

Sol Felix of Funky Seedz has brought St. Augustine a piece of Ecuador in her gorgeous jewelry designs. She found her niche in the competitive jewelry making industry by creating her unique and colorful pieces using beads made from the Tagua Nut. Her striking designs can be found at the Farmers Market every Saturday. and on her Instagram @FunkySeedz.

What inspired you to make jewelry?

I’m originally from Quito, the capital of Ecuador and I visit my family there every two years. One visit I saw some jewelry in a store and was drawn to the colorful carved beads used in the pieces. The beads are made from the tagua nut which comes from a palm tree, it’s also known as vegetable ivory. The indigenous people from Ecuador make all sorts of things; jewelry, figurines, you name it they do it!

When I came back from my trip and wore some of the jewelry, people were in awe of it so I decided to start making my own. I began selling it to friends and it was such a hit I decided to sell my pieces at the Amphitheater’s farmers market. It’s been two years now and I’m there every Saturday.

Do you get all your beads for the year when you go for a visit?

Yes and my family brings me what I need when they visit me here. I usually focus on the beads that I use in my most popular pieces, but I do get inspired by what they are doing in Ecuador which gives me new ideas, so I always buy something new and different.

How does do they process the nut to become beads?

It's a long process to design it and color it. The process is organic and eco-friendly even the coloring. I buy the beads already finished.

What brought you to St. Augustine?

When my husband and I got married we were living in Boca, it was expensive to live there and we didn’t want to raise a family there. The year before we came up to St. Augustine on vacation and loved it so we thought why not just move here, so we did!

What did you do prior to making jewelry?

I went to cosmetology school, I tried it for a bit but didn’t like it. I did massage school too, but being a mom with twins takes up a lot of my time, so I really just wanted something for myself and the jewelry making gives me the balance I need between work and family, plus I really enjoy doing it.

Do your girls help you make jewelry?

They don’t, but sometimes they come to the market with me. They are too young and get distracted easily.

Where can people find you?

I’m at the Amphitheater farmers market every Saturday unless I am away. I also do a few big craft shows a year. This year I will be at the St. Augustine Makers Fest and the Arts and Craft show Thanksgiving weekend at St. Francis field.