You’ve just been granted seven wishes; make sure your judgment is as good as your taste before you pick up those shimmering earrings.

If ever you were bored when you were a kid and your mom told you to find a hobby, maybe you should’ve listened. Southern California native, Nicola Nakase took up jewelry as a hobby when knitting became time consuming. Snagging the right craft and expounding her creativity, she’s created Wahine wire jewelry with Hawiian influences to create sassy, chic look. Drapery wires covered by light semi- precious stones that contour your angelic features from head to toe create head waves. Her affordable and colorful line has landed her new designer on the rise.

Ymib.com: How long have you been in business?

Nicola Nakase: For one year. I opened a retail store a month ago selling beading supplies for people to create their own jewelry and designs. My objective is to try and help out other artists or people who want to be an artist and find an avenue for a creative outlet.

Ymib.com: Briefly explain your line and its importance to engulf your Hawaiian heritage in your jewelry collection?

Nicola Nakase: My mom’s side of the family is Hawaiian and every year I went there for a summer vacation. I admired the culture and friendly people, the landscape of beaches (ocean, fish, and seahorses) and water falls, so I wanted to incorporate the landscape and culture in the jewelry. Instead of having traditional coco shell necklaces that you see most travel back with, I want to make it more fashionable, which is the goal for the line by using a lot of shells and pearls, things that would be referenced to Hawaii that you would find already there.

Ymib.com: This past year your line was featured in a fashion show, Urban Elegance: Benefit for Red Cross/Hurricane Katrina, how was that for you?

Nicola Nakase: It was a great experience, and my first fashion show that I’ve ever done. It was a little chaotic with getting models dressed and changed for the runway. I met a lot of designers and all the money raised was donated to the red cross/hurricane Katrina victims.

Ymib.com: How important to you is being involved with charitable events and making sure your name is featured as a sponsor?

Nicola Nakase: It’s very important, I want to get more involved in doing charitable events and I’m in the process of starting one for my store. The idea is to have celebrities come in and design jewelry and then have a silent auction go toward a charity that I have yet to find. I want part of the proceeds to whatever business I’m in, whether its jewelry or a bead store and donate to a certain worthwhile charity.

Ymib.com: Are you involved in any other charities?

Nicola Nakase: I’m involved with the Aids Walk, by helping one of the walkers find sponsors in order to raise money. Currently, we’re designing a beading necklace that she can also use to raise money for her aids walk.

Ymib.com: How has your experience been with wire wrapping?

Nicola Nakase: I use pliers, wire made of silver and or gold with little wraps, and it takes only a couple of hours. I prefer making jewelry because it gives instant gratification and versatility with using different stones and colors.

Ymib.com: How has the fashion business been for you?

Nicola Nakase: It’s been a lot of fun; it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Having a creative outlet to design something with my hand and then have people buy it and wear it.

Ymib.com: What can we expect from you next season?

Nicola Nakase: Currently I’m working on my spring line; I’m starting to use more green than with hints of pink and purple. I also try to incorporate silk clips or silk shawls.

Ymib.com: What advice can you give to upcoming designers?

Nicola Nakase: Be true to who you are and try to reflect that within you collection and be smart business wise.

To see styles, go to: www.wahinejewelry.com