The release of my newest Made to Order line is quickly approaching (exact date TBD).
Several new designs from earrings to rings to necklaces with varying stones and metals. It felt important to include some options with stones because I myself tend to be drawn towards gems. My made to Order jewelry up until this point has always been all-metal designs, no stones. As a small business, it can be difficult to find gemstones that are uniform enough to replicate designs over and over again. Incorporating stones is also more time-consuming, and when you’re the only one making the jewelry, it can become quite daunting.
All that being said, this felt like the right time to take on this challenge. From finding the stones, to dreaming up the designs, every step of this process has been slowly unfolding over the past few months.
I’m at a point with my business where the actual designing of the jewelry has taken a backseat to the manufacturing and managing of the business. As a creative person, this slow lean towards growth and management over creativity and play has been putting a strain on my motivation and, dramatic as it may sound, my sense of self. I started to have doubts about my path for the first time since I picked up a torch four years ago. Was I worthy of continuing on if at the same time I was feeling less and less connected to the designs I was fabricating? Am I being fraudulent for creating jewelry that didn’t push my skill level or challenge me as an artist?
After weeks of feeling like an imposter and then subsequently feeling like I had better give it all up and just move to a different country, it occurred to me that all I had to do was get back in touch with the reasons why I started this business in the first place. My love for jewelry and all that comes with it, from the designing to the craft itself to the customers who wear it. I had to start by dedicating time to my sketchbook. I had to design pieces that made me excited to get in the studio and start making them.
So, that’s what I did. I haven’t figured it all out just yet, but this feels like a good start. Keeping the design, the jewelry, and my community at the forefront of my business is and always will be my reason for continuing on.
I hope you love these new pieces. I loved making them.
Sending you love,
Rachael
