We fell in love with Ash Jewelry Studio because of how unique her jewelry is. We fell in love with Ash all over again after hearing the story of her small business. We know you will fall in love too!
Meet The Maker
Why did you turn to your handmade craft and business?
My shop, ASH Jewelry Studio, was born out of necessity when my husband was laid off from his job. I had a BFA in Ceramics and had been creating with clay for many years so the technical expertise was there but I decided it was time to learn a bit more about the business side. Gratefully, my husband has since found a good job, but it’s been so satisfying to run my little handmade business, so I just don’t want to stop. I feel so validated and encouraged with each and every order that I receive.
What inspires your craft?
My creations are influenced by everything I see whether that is a work of art, a part of nature, or a beautiful Instagram photo. Of course this is true, but in my experience the actual process of creating is what inspires me most. When I create something I’m often inspired to create something more… take it one-step further and then even one more step. Hopefully, at the end I have something more beautiful or more interesting than the initial piece.
What are a few benefits and challenges of being a handmade artisan?
I’d say that one of the greatest benefits of running my own handmade business is that I get to be my own boss. I make my own schedule and work from home, which is really very helpful since I’m a full time mom to three little girls. That being said it’s also sometimes a challenge to be my own boss because I have to make all the decisions. Some days I just want someone to come and tell me how to spend my time so that I can grow my business in the most effective way.
Describe the process behind the production of your craft. Please include a photo.
Each piece begins as a bit of porcelain clay that is meticulously shaped, dipped in glaze and painted with gold luster. During the course of creation these little clay works endure three firings. This is a simplified description of the detailed process I use to make my jewelry, but each careful step is well worth the effort when I open up the kiln after the last firing to see the matte finish of the unglazed porcelain against the shiny glaze and the brilliant gold luster. The final product is not complete until I string the pendant on a 14k gold-filled chain.
Do you have a favorite memory surrounding your craft, company, and customers?
I love interacting with my customers whether online or in person. I have loved selling at craft markets for this reason. Since I’ve spent so much time making each piece it’s really wonderful to see it going home with someone who loves it.
Do you have any advice for other artisans?
One thing that has helped me is getting feedback about my designs from people who I see as being my target market. I think that sometimes as artists we feel like we’re not being true to ourselves if we change our creations to better match our market. It’s easy as a maker to stick with our products even when they’re not working for us and it’s even easier for us to sell them far too inexpensively. If you’re not making as many sales as you think you should or you have to price your items too low to make those sales then maybe it’s time to get feedback from a few people so you can find out what needs to change.
Based on the feedback you get you may decide to change your designs or the materials you use to create your items. Maybe in order to sell your handmade goods for what they are worth you need to rethink your packaging or improve your photos.
