Rediscovering Passion: Emily Leslie Moran's Journey from Teaching to Fine Jewelry

For Emily Leslie Moran (aka Abby Normal), the transition from traditional teaching to the fine jewelry industry was more than a career shift, it was a personal revival. While teaching was fulfilling in many ways, it eventually led to burnout. "I enjoyed teaching for a period of time, but it completely burnt me out socially and physically," Emily reflects. The demands of being constantly present, managing a classroom, and advocating for students, especially during the COVID-19 era, took a toll. Though she valued the relationships built with students and fellow educators, the profession drained her ability to engage in personal creative projects.

Jewelry crafting, however, rekindled a lost piece of herself. Initially dabbling in screen printing, Emily discovered an allergic reaction to industrial cleaners, which led her to explore fine jewelry. "It was tactile, multifaceted, and complex yet so satisfying," they say. They embraced the steep learning curve, moving from repairs to manufacturing, refining her technical skills, and finding a renewed sense of purpose.

Challenging Industry Norms

Despite her passion for jewelry, Emily is acutely aware of the industry's long standing gender disparities. "The jewelry industry, especially in corporate settings, is still very sexist," they state. Historically, women have faced barriers in securing promotions, equal pay, and leadership roles. Corporate giants in the field have a reputation for gender bias and misconduct, issues that permeate all levels of the business.

However, Emily found solace in her current company, which caters to women and queer individuals, values sustainability, and emphasizes ethical sourcing. "They upcycle fine metals, focus on circular economics, and create unique, beautiful designs." Through this work, they not only honed their craft but also contributed to a company aligned with their values.

Embracing the Dark and the Divine

Emily’s artistry merges elements of divine femininity, body horror, and gothic aesthetics, often infused with humor. "I love anything dark and messed up to the point it’s almost cartoonish," she says. This fascination isn’t about shock value but about understanding human suffering. "You have to laugh at yourself and the depravity around us to keep going."

Their work often deconstructs conservative aesthetics and ideologies. One example is their “stupidly opulent” chastity belt, which satirizes the regressive aspects of the 4B movement in South Korea. Emily critiques extremist ideologies that weaponize feminism against inclusivity, using art as a medium for both self-expression and social commentary.

Art as a Reflection of Experience

Emily’s personal journey including growing up in a conservative household, navigating autism, and overcoming social trauma deeply informs her work. "I always felt off and struggled to maintain friendships," they share. Through RPGs, horror literature, and DIY fashion, she built a world that felt more like home than the one she was born into.

"Horror and true crime media resonate with me because they capture the unexplainable and deeply uncomfortable," she explains. Their work reflects this duality: discomfort as a vehicle for humor, self-reflection, and emotional intimacy. Whether in jewelry or painting, she strives to evoke a visceral response from the viewer, blending beauty with the grotesque.

Collaboration and Community

One of Emily’s greatest joys is working alongside other artists. "Some of my best experiences have been collaborating with fashion designers and other creatives," they note. For her, art isn’t meant to exist in isolation; it's meant to foster community and connection.

"We are all social creatures. It has been scientifically proven that we live much shorter, poorer-quality lives without social interaction and the ability to form healthy, respectful bonds with others," she emphasizes. Finding the right creative circles has been instrumental in her artistic and personal growth.

Looking Ahead

Emily Leslie Moran’s journey—from an overwhelmed teacher to an empowered artisan—illustrates the power of self-discovery. Her work challenges norms, sparks conversation, and invites viewers to engage with themes that might otherwise be uncomfortable. Whether crafting fine jewelry or painting evocative portraits, Emily continues to push boundaries, using her art to both confront and celebrate the complexities of human existence.