> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > Unique creations
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Unique creations
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Allison Biggs, owner of Midnight Firefly jewlery. Reminder Publications photo by Danielle Paine.
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By Danielle Paine, Reminder Assistant Editor
SPRINGFIELD The mission of Allison Biggs' jewelry company is also the meaning behind it's name, Midnight Firefly.
"When you think about fireflies at midnight, they sound so magical but they're probably really common just like there are millions of women out there, there are millions of fireflies," Biggs explained. "But you have your own light that sets you apart from the rest, that makes you different and not as common as you might think you are."
Like the women she sells her hand-crafted jewelry to, each pair of earrings, necklace and bracelet that Biggs makes is unique and special. Much of her production time is spent hunting down one-of-a-kind stones and beads to work with.
"There are a lot of small jewelry companies being developed right now," Biggs said. "But I feel like my style is different and I have a different approach. Everything is one-of-a-kind and hand-made with quality materials that will make my jewelry set itself apart from the others."
Since beginning the home-based business in 2004, Biggs has used it as a vehicle to pursue her passion, promoting the individuality of every woman and banishing commercialized standards of beauty.
Recently, Biggs began donating ten percent of her profits to the Dove company's Real Beauty Campaign. Through no official affiliation with Dove, Biggs helps to financially support the campaign founded to raise the self esteem of women and girls through programs to change typical standards of beauty into broader, healthier and more realistic ideals.
"Growing up, I've always had self esteem issues and I think it is important for young girls to not only believe that they are beautiful but capable," Biggs said of her donations. "If they grow up knowing that they could do anything, maybe there would be more woman doctors and politicians in the world."
Biggs has even used her small company to discover the reaches of her own capability in pursuing her dreams.
In 2004, soon after she graduated college, Biggs lost her retail job of eight years. This prompted her to begin her graphic design career as a freelancer as well as to found Midnight Firefly. Although she had always had an artistic flare, Biggs had never considered making jewelry until a chance encounter with a jewelry design catalog sent her imagination running wild. Not long after this initial fascination, she began buying supplies and researching the same techniques she practices with flare today to make her colorful accessories.
"When I picked up that jewelry supply catalog, I was so excited and intrigued by it and it just snowballed from there," Biggs said. "I kept getting more excited about it so I knew it was something that I really wanted to do. I eventually plan on going back to school for metal-smithing to make my own components so it will be really unique and one of a kind."
Biggs' jewelry costs between $25 to $110 and is made with sterling silver and gold fill, gemstones, wood and ceramics. She also accepts custom orders for pieces including bridal jewelry.
"I incorporate color and fashion trends but I try to stick with the classics," Biggs said of her products. "They are very artistic, somewhat casual and very individual. I try to develop each piece so that you can see it is something made by me."
For more information about Midnight Firefly jewelry, visit www.midnightfirefly.com or call 783-2029.
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> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > Unique creations
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