✨ How were you first introduced to Narrow-Gauge Designs? (NGD) What initially attracted you to the jewelry? Was it the design? Materials? Story?
“ A mutual friend (Heather) was wearing a pretty bracelet and earrings, and I commented on them. She was wearing a minimalist bracelet, and I just loved the look. I also loved the fact that the bracelet fit her wrist. (We both have small wrists) A few days later, I placed my first order! Since then, (I’ve lost count) I’ve had surprises, bought when I saw something posted and fell in love, and had a couple of custom items made! I love everything about these bracelets, the styles, the stones, and the sizing! I’ve recently purchased rings and earrings as well! “
✨ Do you have a favorite piece of NGD jewelry? Was it from a collection or was it a custom design?
“ I have two custom designs that my heart loves: the custom piece made as a memorial to my mother, and the wrap that was designed using a cheetah as an inspiration (so I could wear at least one bracelet to Namibia)! But if I were to be honest, I love them all! “
✨ Jewelry is a creative outlet for me. Do you have a creative outlet or is your job your passion?
“ I am an interpretive volunteer at the San Diego Zoo. I’m also a volunteer, donor, and sponsor for the Cheetah Conservation Fund. (Based in Namibia; but we have local chapters and offices in the US) Finally, I actually got to meet Esla, the designer of these magnificent creations, because I volunteer (and support) the Southern California Ballet!
Something new I’ve been doing is volunteering as a field assistant with the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Biodiversity Reserve Team. We go out and remove weeds, perform plant counts, clean up debris from the reserve, and more. This reserve forms a key part of the larger system of interconnected protected areas designated to conserve San Diego’s unique regional biodiversity over the long term.”
✨ Where does NGD jewelry accompany you? Activities? Special occasions? Work? Exciting travel locals?
“Everywhere, always, every day - I am wearing my bracelets! I never take my bracelets off. The only time I did was when I went to Namibia. I took the entire stack off my right wrist, and wore only the cheetah inspired, custom made wrap bracelet. When I returned home, that cheetah wrap went onto my left wrist, which is closest to my heart, and the stack went back onto my right wrist. (With a couple of new additions that I just couldn’t resist.)”
✨ if you could step back in time to any decade or error, which would you choose? Why?
“ I am a big feminist (and have been an activist) so I’d say the 2000s and especially the early 2010s are probably my favorite decades. Much of what I believe in was front and center and I was actively campaigning for gay rights and to get out the vote. Early in 2017, I transitioned to working for conservation and animals, recognizing the need to inform others of how endangered some (all of ) our favorite animals are. I was also traveling a lot then and visiting so many of my favorite countries: Singapore, Sweden, and Australia to name a few.”
✨ Would you like to add anything else?
“ In spite of all the time I spend volunteering, I actually have a full-time daytime job. I work for a large computer security company, in audit and compliance for our enterprise security products ( mostly products in the cloud). I’m pretty technical and actually do like what I do. I have a passion for traveling, and I love meeting folks in new places and learning about the food, culture, and history. Finally, and most importantly, I am owned by two furry kids who meow.
You can find Sue at any of the following:
www.facebook.com/sueheim
www.instagram.com/sueheim
www.LinkedIn.in/sueheim
Visit www.Cheetah.org for more information
And thank you, @sueheim !!! You’re an absolute treat and a joy! Thank you for supporting me and NGD!!!!
