Viviana Francis is pictured at her new jewelry- making studio located on the third floor of the Lynn Arts Inc. building on Exchange Street.
Viviana Francis has big plans for Funky Handmade, a new jewelry-making studio located on the top floor of the Lynn Arts Inc. building, 25 Exchange St.
Francis, a 30-year-old resident of Lynn, first started the business as Viviana Francis Handcrafted Jewelry. Her jewelry is one-of-kind pieces that include a mix of recycled, natural and sustainable materials.
“Anything that can be recycled – it’s an eco-friendly jewelry line,” said Francis. “The same philosophy applies to my studio; I use eco-friendly materials here.”
Francis makes necklaces, rings, bracelets, anklets and other one-of-a-kind pieces that have caught the eye of other Boston-area jewelry designers and stores.
The comfortable, relaxed setting that she calls the “Jewelry-Making Studio by Viviana Francis” is where she is currently focusing her energies.
The former enrichment coordinator at the Gregg House and youth coordinator for the Lynn Economic Opportunity program, Francis decided she wanted to “give something back to the community” by teaching her unique jewelry making skills to children and adults.
“I have a following because of my jewelry line but I decided I wanted to focus more on teaching,” said Francis. “My studio is open for people who want to make their own unique piece. They can assemble the piece themselves or make it with my assistance.”
Her jewelry-making technique classes are conducted in workshops or in private lessons. She hopes to start a jewelry-making class for mothers and their daughters. “I’m also available for adult and children’s parties either at homes or in the studio,” said Francis.
Francis also makes appearances at charity events and enjoying assisting non-profit organizations. She had a jewelry table showcasing her beautiful pieces at a Casa Myrna fundraiser held at the home of Lynn resident Saritin Rizzuto.
“I want to commend not only her contribution to the domestic violence organization Casa Myrna but her efforts in general in the community – we’re very happy with Vivian’s generosity to the organization and she helped make the event a success,” said Rizzuto. “And her jewelry is absolutely beautiful.”
Francis grew up in the Dominican Republic and came to Lynn with her family when she was 12 years old. She attended Marshall Middle School and Lynn English High School.
Francis loves the Lynn community and hopes to join the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce who was very helpful in providing information about starting a new business and marketing it. She is planning an open house for this fall at her studio.
To learn more about Viviana Francis jewelry-making classes and her line of jewelry, please visit the Web site: www.funky-handmade.info or call 857-236-5441.
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