Meet Harmony Bazaar
Nina Breuer | Artisan Jeweler & Designer
Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I am Fort Collins CO based Artisan Jeweler and Metalsmith. I’ve lived in Colorado now for over 20 years, but I’m what you would call a “Oil Brat”. Like a military kid but my Dad worked in Oil & Gas, so we were fortunate to have lived and traveled to so many different parts of the world.
But when it was time to find a place to lay roots, my Dad who had been working in the Northern Colorado area decided this is where we would call home.
You can see so many references to my South Asian heritage, travels and my love for Colorado in my pieces.
I’m most recognized for my Red Rocks, Rocky Mountain National Park & Colorado Wild Flowers collections, each piece is a celebration of all the beauty around us.
Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
Every one of my pieces has a story or thought behind it. Nature, art, music and travel have been huge influences in my life. Once I have an idea I like to sketch it first and then make a note as to what inspired the design.
One of my favorite pieces to make are Earrings from my Alhambra Collection, influenced by Spanish tiles found in the Alhambra Palace. I had taken detailed pictures of the different tiles used throughout the palace on a trip to Spain during my gap year. I found the photos in an old album and saw so many inspiring designs and patterns. I decided to sketch out some ideas and used hand cut tile shaped organic metal to hand stamp the design. The design has to stamped perfectly, by hand without bending the metal. They are some of my most time consuming pieces but truly one of my favorites to make.
What is the hardest part of your creation process?
Work /Life creative balance.. Finding the time to focus on the creative side and then also being able to take some time to focus on my family.
When Market season is in full swing which for me is September-December being a jeweler, it’s pretty much make and sell. And every weekend is busy, I love doing craft shows, markets and connecting with my clients. I just don’t get much time to be creative and have to wait till January to try out new designs. And I’ve been trying to have a better work/ home schedule during the week so I can be present for my family. I absolutely love to create and keep going, so I’ve had to remind myself it’s ok to take breaks.
What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?
I have so many favorites and every one of my designs has a story behind it. And when I recreate that item it brings back all the memories and feeling put into the making of that piece. One of my favorites to create are my Zen Necklaces a.k.a Anti-Anxiety Bowl necklaces.
It was created in 2018 for a friend dealing with anxiety and stress who needed a fidget necklace. The design features a hammered bowl pendant. It can be used to self-soothe by tracing the rim or rubbing the textured interior. Made with organic, non-toxic materials, the necklace can be worn at all times.
What do you love most about Colorado in general?
Beyond the natural beauty, Colorado boasts a rich cultural diversity. And being able to access a city or the mountains within a 40-minute drive offers a great balance.
In university towns like Fort Collins, you encounter people from all over the world, exposing you to various languages and cultures and providing unique experiences of Colorado alongside them.
We also have a strong artistic community, with many people supporting and appreciating the creativity that local artisans pour into their work.
What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?
I speak 5 languages, English is my primary language but I also speak Urdu, Hindi, Pashto & Hindko. I can also read Arabic, but don’t speak it. With so much diversity here in Colorado, it’s fun to meet folks from all over the world at Artisan Markets and speak with them in a different language. It helps you connect with them on a personal level and makes the world feel so much smaller.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully still creating and evolving! I absolutely love what I do and hope to keep creating handmade and hypoallergenic life long pieces. And I’d love to travel more, as my kids get older I’m hoping to take them to places I went as a child to experience it with them.
You have the day off, what do you do?
Spend time with my Boys & Hubby. I have a 13 yr old and two 10 year olds so we try to go for as many bike rides, walks and visit the park when the weather is nice. And then we also enjoy time at home watching movies or playing board games. My days off my goal is to spend quality time with my family.
Anything special you’d like to share?
When I started Harmony Bazaar I wanted to do two things, create a brand that was truly inclusive to everyone. From offering different size options, materials to suit your needs of every age, and high quality pieces that were created one at a time, affordable but lasted a lifetime.
And 2nd was to give back to my community. This is my 6th year of making jewelry and since day one I have given 10% of my sales to Local Food Banks, No kid Hungry & Feeding America.
Catch Harmony Bazaar at Jackalope Arvada on October 4th & 5th, 2025
Website: www.theharmonybazaar.com