Charlene Paguandas

Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Miami, Florida

Describe your artistic style.
I would say my style is fun and chic, colorful yet classy. My pieces can be worn for any occasion from daytime dilemma to dramatic dinners.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
I seek out beauty in everything be it nature, people and cultures, the seasons, I believe there is beauty in every form of life and I try to interpret it with my jewellery.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
Oooh I work with all types of beads. I aim to order at least one of every item Fire Mountain Gems offers and that is a diverse choice they offer, but my absolute favorite material is Crystals ... All sizes, all shapes and all colors.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I started off about 7 years ago. I was living in Trinidad and Tobago then and my daughter needed to make a pearl necklace for a class project at school. I had no clue where to begin, so I visited our local art store there and found some materials that would help us. I also noticed other findings and wanted their uses explained to me. I was amazed to know what a crimp was and a lobster claw. I took my curiosity home and went online to find bead stores and supplies shops and of course this is when my relationship with Fire Mountain began. I found out about everything: supplies, sizing, color coding, stringing everything. I ordered my first catalogue to familiarize myself with the different materials. Then I made my first order. It was heaven and our relationship since then only has gotten stronger.

Who introduced you to beading?
Fire Mountain Gems!

Do you have an artistic background?
Yes, I do decorations for events and I am very creative with the kids and crafts.

What other hobbies do you have?
Events management and decorating.

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
It's my full-time career. I will encourage anyone to get into beading; it relaxes the mind and calms the spirit. It's like taking your soul on a journey where your imagination and energy is free to create what you think and feel.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I am currently designing my website and I have a jewellery page called Red Romans Jewellery on Facebook where I upload and advertise my jewellery. I also get comments and suggestions and sales.

Do you participate in any charity fundraisers?
I have not yet but I do have an interest in raising awareness in Breast cancer and raising funds as well.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
To design jewellery you need a passion for life. You need to be open minded and accept that everyone out there is different and has different tastes. If you have the passion you must have patience and in doing so you can accommodate anyone in any lifestyle and your work will reflect who you truly are. Be brave let your heart guide you and let life inspire you and nothing can stop you from being creative and appreciated.