About

Monek Harris, born in Peoria, Illinois in 1966, has always embodied a naturally creative spirit. From childhood experiments in creating hairstyles for neighborhood friends and family, summer camp crafts, and an enduring love for all handmade projects, her artistic journey has been lifelong. More than 30 years ago, she was introduced to beading by a close friend—a practice that soon became a passion where she enrolled in professional training classes and elevated the materials to include semi-precious stones in her work.

Her pursuit of creativity has carried her across the globe. Monek has sought out classes, jewelry shows, and rare gemstones from various gem shows in the U.S., and international locations such as Beijing’s Pearl Market, Bangkok’s Chatachuk Weekend Market, and artisan markets in India, Africa, and various destinations in Europe. Each journey enriched her understanding of craft and deepened her connection to the cultural stories that gemstones carry.

Monek was honored to design a one-of-a-kind gemstone necklace for a local news anchor at WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 2015, she discovered a new passion: metalsmithing. Enrolling in her first class at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, Monek was captivated by the transformative power of the torch. Using heat, hammers, and specialized tools, she began fabricating copper and sterling silver wire and sheet metal into refined works of wearable art. She continues to advance her skills, constantly inspired by new techniques and approaches to her craft.

She embraces the beauty of “fortunate accidents” that often spark one-of-a-kind creations and describes her process as “jewelry forged from the heart—shaped with fire and soul into hand crafted art—brought to life by the joy of each customer who wears a piece that speaks to them.”

In 2018, she founded Black Girl On Fire Jewelry, a brand specializing in bold, organic, hand-crafted metal jewelry that often incorporates her signature beaded designs. Today, her work is exhibited at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, and featured at shows and markets throughout Atlanta.

Monek is a proud member of the Metal Arts Guild of Georgia and the founder and President of Strange Fruit Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and promoting African American artists while fostering a thriving and vibrant creative community. 

Visit www.strangefruitartscenter.org to learn more.