Jul 29, 2025
Alex Lopez, pictured with some of her jewelry designs, alongside Jeanette Richardson, executive director of ACOK. PHOTO BY LJ RADON
Authenticity is the underpinning of the life and work of Alex Lopez.
An artist and entrepreneur, she is the Arts Council of Kern’s Makers Market coordinator, a new initiative designed to showcase local artists and artisans.
Born and raised in Bakersfield, Alex and her husband, Angel, are the parents of Emiliano, 9, and Esteban, 5.
“They are rambunctious boys, very funny and the best part of me,” said Alex, who has found balance with motherhood and her job.
Alex began making jewelry during the pandemic, which served as a creative outlet during that uncertain time.
Angel and Alex Lopez, with their sons, Esteban and Emiliano at Stiern Middle School’s Mariachi Festival. PHOTO COURTESY ALEX LOPEZ
Alex was making jewelry at her booth in the space that would become the Arts Council of Kern, formerly The Brickyard, 1020 18th St., when Executive Director Jeanette Richardson came to tour and invited her to interview.
“The job really came to me,” said Alex, who was already familiar with many local vendors from her attendance at other events and being part of the Kern County creator community.
“Our goal is to provide a space for makers, to support artists and artisans, advocate, educate and give access to the public to all of the art we have here in Kern County,” said Alex. “Featured artists are on a three-month rotation. We have participants of all kinds, from painters to writers, candlemakers and more.”
Calling All Makers!
Apply for a spot in Makers Market, a curated showcase at the Arts Council of Kern. Selected artists earn 70% of sales, with no booth fee, and gain exposure through weekday displays and weekend events like Second Saturday.
Spots are limited—apply now at kernarts.org.
Alex is also a Makers Market participant, so she knows firsthand how important sales opportunities and local support are.
“I am close to both sides of the family. They are all extremely supportive and always wearing my jewelry and reposting photos of my jewelry,” said Alex, who can be found on Instagram @CowgirlyCreations
When it comes to balancing work and family, Alex suggests all parents give themselves some grace.
“Some days are more work-focused, while others are focused on family. Take it day by day. There are life events a parent really can’t predict and trying to predict can bring on unneeded stress. Sometimes, you have to take it hour by hour.”
Alex being silly with her sons before bedtime. Photo by Alex Lopez.
Q. What advice do you have for women going through tough phases of motherhood? You are not alone. Any person who has been a mother has been through that phase of life, which can feel endless. Take real time for yourself. Tasks like running errands alone or cleaning the house in silence might feel like a break, but that is still labor. Get yourself a coffee, do your nails. Moms deserve rest that isn’t tied to productivity.
Q. What should families in the Kern County area know more about in their community?
Kern County is so rich in arts and culture. You just have to know where to look. Check out First Friday, Second Saturday, our upcoming event, Latination, on Sept. 5 and Sept. 6 are all family-themed events. There are always things happening. Come downtown on a weekend and see what’s going on; I really want to encourage families to support small events.
Q. What is your parenting PSA?
Just stop and have fun with your kids. They are only little ones. I have never gone to bed and thought ‘We shouldn’t have had so much fun today, but I have gone to bed and thought ‘I shouldn’t have been so hard on them today; it wasn’t that big of a deal. Why couldn’t I just have fun with them?’ It’s better to enjoy the moment.
Fill-in-the-blank questions:
- The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is… Make my coffee.
- Before I go out, I always make sure I have… A claw clip for my hair.
- My favorite music group is… NSYNC.
- The best book I've read lately is… “The Witch Series” by L.S. Gagnon, which is the pen name for the author, who is my aunt.
- So far, my best life advice is… Dream for yourself. Balance isn’t selfish. It’s sustainable. You can be everything as long as you have balance. You can be the rock for your family and still make space for yourself.
