the nogoodforme.com interview: Cajsa of Cajsita Design

Two things we love above all else: pretty trinkets adorned with birds, and pretty trinkets adorned with the faces of our most crushed-upon style idols. With Cajsita Design, the new-ish jewelry line from 27-year-old Cajsa Westerman, we get both and it's oh so happy-making. Reaching out across the seas from her native Sweden, Cajsa shares the story behind the "sprawly style" that infuses her fantastically kitschy/minimalistic collection.

Tell us all about how you started Cajsita Design. It was around two years ago when I began making my own jewelry: I was in the middle of my political science studies at university and needed a creative outlet. When I was younger I had always jumped from one creative thing to another, and even wanted to design clothes, but then I safed out when it was time to apply for university. Jewelry design turned out to fit my impatient nature very well, as I can see the results fast and working with the tiny details is kind of soothing. Just a little more than a year ago I felt confident enough to actually start selling my things. My then-boyfriend, who had been selling his art before, was probably the one who pushed me the most to attend craft fairs and go to shops and sell; he made me feel my creations were special enough. From the start I've gotten very positive response, which boosted my ego - so now I'm unstoppable!

What was your original vision for Cajsita? In the beginning I didn't have a vision per se, I just wanted some new cool jewelry that I couldn't find in the stores. Something different that stood out and was both sophisticated and fun! And when I discovered shrinky dinks, hama mini beads and all the gorgeous vintage brass charms out there, I kind of found my thing, even though it's still a very sprawly style.

What are the greatest inspirations for your work? It's difficult to pick out just a few things; many times it simply feels like an idea enters my brain and I have no idea where it came from. But probably it came from some of the following: 20s to 50s fashion (the best decades!), Japanese streetstyle (I flip through Fruits a lot), politics in general (e.g., I wanted diamond jewelry that looked really fake after I studied the diamond industry), toy stores (love to make something beautiful out of simple and even childish materials), nature, movies, art history, and stylish people in general. I am ALWAYS on the lookout for new materials and unexpected symbols!

Who are some of your favorite fashion and/or jewelry designers? A mix of minimalism and girly sums it up pretty well: I adore Vivienne Westwood, Commes des Garcons and Marc Jacobs, as well as Swedish designers Lovisa Burfitt and Helena Horstedt. When it comes to jewelry, Subversive Jewelry is my mostest favorite, and designers with unique visions like Grainne Morton, Melanie Bilenker, and Margaux Lange inspire me too.

Who are your style idols? The ones featured on my style icon necklaces! Generally, it's quite an eclectic mix, as in my designs: I like Dita von Teese's old-style glamour A LOT, Bjork and Chloe Sevigny because they are quite fearless in their choices (Bjork in terms of shape and colors, and Chloe by being ten steps ahead at all times). And Kirsten Dunst! She is the epitome of thriftstore chic, always very cool. People who bend the rules and come up with new ways to wear things is always refreshing. There are a lot of people whose style I like, but would never be able to wear myself, you have to find your own combo that makes you feel the most glamorous. Of men, I think Rufus Wainwright is very elegant and dandy-like with a touch of a craziness.

What's your favorite clothing item (or outfit) lately? It's hard to dress well in the summer, but Minimarket's knotted tee has saved many of even the hottest days lately; it's the most comfy cool thing.

What are some of your favorite clothing shops (around your town or in the whole wide world)? Here in Sweden, it's definitely Tjallamalla in Stockholm and Malmo: They have a great mix of both bigger Scandinavian brands and indie designers. Other than that, I mostly go to thriftstores - usually it's better quality than the chains and I don't support their inevitable sweatshops.

Who are your favorite bands/musicians? Antony & the Johnsons, Bjork, Fiona Apple, Rufus Wainwright and Morrissey.

Who's your number-one all-time music crush? Morrissey!

What do you listen to while you're working on your jewelry? I like to listen to Bjork a lot, and other electronic music you can dance to - it keeps my energy up and once in a while I jump around in my apartment to keep my body from getting to stiff being bent over the work space so much.

Any advice for girls/boys out there dreaming of launching their own label? It feels like I am still learning so much myself. But if you're really passionate about something: Just do it! You can start out small after you feel safe in your field, maybe register on Etsy and participate in local craft fairs - when you get feedback on your things, it will be a good guide where to take your designs next. I have also learned a lot of things as a member of various craft communities, uneducated as I am in the creative field, haha!

What's your favorite thing about running Cajsita? That I get to do what I love the most! The feeling of joy when I come up with a great new design, getting to meet my customers, and best of all: seeing people wear my designs!

Posted by Liz in Interviews
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