Former CFCC Metals student opens jewelry shop at Wrightsville Beach

“When I know I want something, I work hard,” said the owner of The Nicoblue Boutique and former Cape Fear Community College Metals student Heather Talton.

In 2014, as a senior in high school, Talton started creating ceramic pendants and wrapping sea glass and shells found on the beach with wire to create jewelry. By requests from her friends and family, she started her own little business selling jewelry from her home.

With jewelry making as a hobby, Talton started at CFCC pursuing a career in occupational therapy. She used her electives to take Metals courses which taught the basic principles of metal design and contemporary art forms using brass, copper, and silver with emphasis placed on designing and fabricating jewelry and other objects.

“I pursued occupational therapy with a desire to help people. But my passion was in jewelry-making and CFCC helped me realize that” Talton said. “I am realizing how I can help others through jewelry-making, too. Jewelry isn’t necessarily something someone needs, but it has the power to make people feel something when it’s created with loving, genuine intentions.”

At CFCC Talon learned to create things, that before, she could only think of. Her ideas came to life. This inspired Talon to pursue her career as a Metalsmith. In January 2017, Talton opened The Nicoblue Boutique located at  7202 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, NC, 28403 . She now works full time at the shop creating and selling her jewelry. The boutique sells jewelry along with other local goods, some of which include essential oils and crystals, pottery, and bathing suits.

To others shy or afraid to go after what they want, Talton advises, “honor your soul and do what makes you happy. Surround yourself with the things that feed you. Work hard. When you want to do something bold or different, the first thing you need to change is your mindset. If you think ‘I can’t do this’ or ‘I won’t profit from this’ then you will never allow yourself to take the first step.”