Beyond the Ink: Alysha and Malorie Go to Paris

Full Photo Gallery Follows the Text

Alysha Nett checks in with us as often as her busy schedule will allow to give her insight on modeling,tattoos and art. She even throws in a recipe from time to time. Alysha always makes sure to include plenty of sexy pictures of her exploits, so check back often to see what she’s been up to.

During my recent trip to Europe I was able to meet up with some of my girl friends from the states in Paris. There’s nothing better than having an adventure with your gal pals.

Malorie (@malnm) and I had taken photos for Beyond the Ink before in Orlando, but unfortunately the film was lost and we never got to see the resulting images. Luckily, we were able to shoot an amazing set in Paris which helped take away the sting of the previous loss.

While visiting, Malorie took us to Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise where Jim Morrison rests, amongst other greats. She has visited him for the last 9 years and I understood why once we arrived. The cemetery is absolutely beautiful and now considered a major tourist attraction.

She had on her favorite For Love & Lemons lingerie set and a clean pair of converse. Adorned with the jewelry she made herself, we shot through a quick roll of film before leaving.

I’ll let the photos speak for themselves, but I was really pleased with the outcome. Check out the interview to learn about my badass friend Malorie and her killer jewelry business, Terra Coast.

Hi Malorie! Can you tell us a little about yourself in a few sentences?
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh. I moved out to San Diego at 17 and have been living the west coast lifestyle ever since. I’m an avid snorkeler and I’ve been a certified yoga instructor for a few years now. I’m pretty easy to please. I stay active and soak up all the California sun I can.

I’m so happy we were able to shoot in Paris. You’re such a globetrotter! Where are some places you’ve visited lately?
Recently? Well, France obviously. England, Russia, Costa Rica.. and I just got back from Mexico!

What has been your favorite place to visit thus far and do you have any travel plans coming up?
That’s always a really hard question for me to answer. They’re all my favorite!

Without sounding too cliche, I’ll have to say Paris. About 8 years ago I was lucky enough to meet my French counter part. We’ve been the best of friends ever since. It’s always better to experience a city through locals’ eyes, you really get to see a whole other side of it. Paris is home base when traveling to Europe at least. Get to Paris, day trip to Belgium. Back to Paris, weekend in Spain. You get the idea.

As far as future plans.. I’m really excited for my upcoming Havasupai trip, and Bali with some girlfriends.

You’re a woman of many talents which range from snorkeling to yoga to healthy living and, more recently, jewelry making? Your pieces are really beautiful. Can you explain a little bit about your jewelry making process and what actually goes in to it?
All of my jewelry starts with a rock. I cut the rock into slabs until I hone in on a section that inspires a work of art. From there it’s cutting, grinding, sanding, and polishing until I’m left with a one of a kind gemstone.

The silversmithing, while it’s the trickiest part is also the most fun. Turning an idea into something tangible can take some work. Sometimes hours are spent in my studio, other times the piece comes together in no time at all. After I’ve fabricated, layered on embellishments, and filed smooth the sharp edges it’s time to polish.

The last step for every piece is introducing the cab to the freshly smithed silver setting. It’s a long process but extremely satisfying in the end.

Of course, I could be more specific but I think you get the point!

Do you have any favorite stones you prefer to work with?
Bloodstone! No, Serpertine. No, Hyperstene. Wait, Moonstone! Honestly, It’s too hard too choose. Each stone really does have it’s own personality.

Is there any inspiration behind your designs?
Absolutely! The majority of the inspiration comes from the stones themselves— size, shape, color. It kind of just tells you what it wants to look like. But also, my travels. I’ve been gifted enough to see some really cool places, with some really unique design styles. And of course, I always try to incorporate some of my own personal style: simple, clean, everyday statement pieces.

Let’s talk about your tattoos a little bit. Do you have a main artist and if so, who are they and where are they based?
My good friend Britney Goodman! She works out of Downtown Tattoo in Las Vegas, Nevada. I love her American Traditional style.

I know you got tattooed when you were in England recently, do you try to get tattooed as you travel to different places?
Sure! Sometimes it’s the tattoo that inspires the trip, other times it’s just a right city at the right time thing. I love new experiences and meeting new people so sometimes a new tattoo is the perfect souvenir.

I want quality and I want originality. It’s mine forever, that’s worth the price, time, and travel it takes to get it. So as far as my English tattoo experience goes. Matt Chahal definitely delivered.

It seems like you’re drawn to more traditional work. How do you choose your designs?
In all honesty, I don’t really choose designs. I prefer to choose an artist and let them go to town. For me, that’s the point. I want a work of art.

How old were you when you started getting tattooed and what did you first get?
Ha! The truth… 15. I had a mohawk at the time, and I wanted the tattoo on my butt so my parents wouldn’t see it. Clearly, no one cared to check on my actual age. I got an ouroboros on my right butt cheek, ya know, that snake eating it’s own tail thing? I guess I lucked out, 15 year old me definitely could have gotten something a lot worse.

I think you mentioned before that you’ve had something removed. How was the removal process and have you finished that up yet?
It’s been really great! One tattoo is completely gone, a couple others are on their way. The laser is quick and not nearly as painful as I expected it to be. I might even go as far as to say that it is easier to get lasered then it is to get tattooed.

Is there anything else you’d like to let readers know?
Umm.. Take it as it comes, don’t move too fast? Thanks for reading, thanks for looking!

Where can they find your jewelry and where can they follow your adventures online?
For now, Etsy and Instagram. The website is still in the works.