Ask a Hills and Heighter

Eighth entry in my simple mission to find out more about my neighbors and neighborhood. I plan to ask the same questions to artists, craftspeople, musicians and local business owners. This week we ask questions of Mary Andrews. Have you ever met a person that has a lot of the same interests and hobbies as you but does them 100 times better? Mary is one of those people for me. Mary is beyond friendly and easy to talk with so if you see her out and about don’t hesitate to say hello.

Where did you grow up and how did you end up in Stratford Hills?
I primarily grew up on the West End and Fan areas of Richmond. After graduating from the School of the Arts at VCU, I had a 3 ½ year love affair with Brooklyn, New York – then happily moved back from the big city to my hometown of Richmond (this time on the Southbank) to be closer to my loved ones.

How would you describe your jewelry?
Short answer: Nostalgic with a bit of curious quirkiness.
Long Answer: I’m continually fascinated with the idea of re-purposing everyday objects into a piece of jewelry which is both clever and inspiring. I’m forever collecting and seeking out new finds to incorporate into my jewelry aesthetic and find motivation in making pieces which tell a story beyond their face value.

What other ventures/projects do you have going on?
In addition to my jewelry line, Contrary, I help organize the merchandising efforts for the company Etsy.com (your place to buy and sell all things Handmade & Vintage). I met Etsy’s founders and began working for the company in 2007 when living in Brooklyn trying to make a full time go of designing jewelry – a large portion of which was sold through the site. Now continuing my work for the company remotely here in Richmond with the chance to travel up to the Brooklyn office periodically, I feel extremely lucky to be in a situation where I have the best of both worlds.

In my free time, I look forward to indulging in flea markets, shopping the South and Souther of the James farmer’s markets, and walking First Fridays. I also love trying out new recipes, taking on a new diy project, dabbling in photography, antiquing and am an admitted Netflix addict.

Favorite part of living on the Southbank?
I love the accessibility and proximity to the larger city – I feel like I can easily get to and from anywhere in Richmond from this neighborhood. I also love how many community organized neighborhood events take place such as the 43rd street festival, Forest Hill 5k, the upcoming Forest Hill neighborhood yard sale and unofficial Crossroads Happy Hour.

What would you change about Southbank?
I’ve heard legends of a local trolley system that ran between the city-center and Forest Hill park which I also hear used to be an amusement park. I’d enjoy seeing both of these neighborhood links to the past revived and modernized while at the same time keeping their old time feel.

Advice to someone moving into the Southbank?
If the river is above 5 feet, wear your life vest.

5 words to describe your neighborhood.
Stratford Hills is for Lovers!

Keep in touch:
Find my jewelry shop, Contrary, on Etsy.
Talk to me on Facebook: Facebook.com/ContraryJewelry
Keep up with the hustle and bustle on my blog: contrary-garden.blogspot.com
Tweet me @marymarytweets

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