Modern Bird Owner Aims for More than Jewelry

Laura Flavin, the owner and operaitor of Modern Bird Studio and Gallery, wants her creations to do more than just look nice.

“I enjoy creating jewelry that makes you feel special when you wear it,” says Flavin on her website. “Modern Bird jewelry tells a story. I infuse themes of peace, love, nature and growth into my creations.”

Flavin started her foray into metal-smithing as a hobby ten years ago in Florida. There, she ran a store that sold mid-century antiques and collectibles. Her work with silver became her second career.

She began selling her work on Etsy in 2007, just a couple years after the site’s opening. It was here Flavin developed a following. She’s sold over 1900 items on her site.

“My jewelry was very well-received,” she said.

Flavin’s challenge, though she doesn’t seem to see it as a big one, is learning to be the maker, photographer, promoter, curator, and shipper of her works as a store owner and entrepreneur. “You wear every hat,” she said.

Flavin’s work features themes of love and nature. Birds are incorporated into much of her jewelry, which stems from a term of endearment her future husband gave her when the two began dating back in Florida. Her simple designs and aesthetic are inspired by her background in mid-century works.

Her store not only offers the work of other creative minds, but also unique and exciting vintage items. Flavin likes to track down these jewelry and “all kinds of funky stuff” at flea markets, street sales and garage sales, which still gives her a little outlet to continue to collect.

“It’s been a warm reception here,” Flavin said of her move onto the Ave. It’s been exciting to watch her business grow with each month. “It’s really fun to be part of the community,” she said.

And the other area store owners have created a warm environment for the area.

“There great stuff happening at the bottom of the hill,” she said, and encourages everyone to come visit the artists and store owners at this end of Chestnut Hill.