Meet Kelly Curtis | Silversmith / Jewelry Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Curtis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, what principle do you value most?
Honesty and Integrity are core values of my work. As a silversmith creating one-of-a-kind hand-forged jewelry, I take immense pride in ensuring that every piece is built to last.

I feature ethically sourced stones from trusted suppliers, most of whom I’ve met in person and had meaningful conversations with, and who have traveled far to ensure they are working with ethical miners as well.

When I’m at an in-person show, I love when customers ask me about my work or where I get my materials. It gives me the opportunity to share about the various mines, and where these unique, beautiful ethically sourced stones come from, as well as getting to share how I create my pieces.

I’m also the jewelry who wants you to find that special piece that really draws you in and speaks to you, that feels like I made it just for you. When that happens, it truly is a magical experience for both of us! This is what fills me up and keeps me creating, the stories and experiences that are shared with me about one of my pieces, is truly validating.

(As someone who loves being in nature, and supporting our environment I have partnered with One Tree Planted, and for every sale we plant a tree. When you purchase from my website you have the option to match my donation as well.)

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When creating, I sit with a stone and play with different shapes and elements that I may incorporate.. Sometimes I start out making a necklace, then through the process it starts to feel more like a cuff or ring. I let the feel of the piece and stone help guide me along the way. Nothing is set in stone, until the stone is set!

I’m told quit often that my work is ‘clean’, and I actually LOVE that! It means that my work looks solid, polished and well-crafted, reflecting the care and attention I put into every piece.

Without a doubt, I am most proud when someone seeks me out, shares the compliments they’ve received, and shows me that they are rocking a piece I created with my own two hands.

It’s not easy teaching yourself, and / or learning on-line. I’m a very hands-on learner, so this has challenged me to problem solve and learn without a teacher to ask and show me. On the business side, this is a completely new concept to me as I’ve always worked for others. I’m learning about all the aspects of business as a one woman, small business owner. I’m fortunate to have a few small business friends that I can brainstorm with, ask questions and get another opinion.

I do have a full time job with an airline, so finding work / life balance can be a struggle sometimes. The importance of art and creativity, whatever that means to you is so important to have in our lives. This is also something that I’m learning how to be better at, It’s a never ending balancing act, but oh so worth it! I encourage everyone to find their creative side; from reading, writing, doodling to painting… having some sort of creative outlet is important!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family! My mom and my brother have always been supportive of my crazy adventures, which has helped shape who I am today, and always allowed me to be myself. They have been super supportive in all of my creative endeavors for as long as I can remember.

More recently in the last decade I’ve had the most incredible support from my boyfriend, who has been there through my exploration of various art mediums, finding my true passion in silversmithing, always there to tell me how amazing my next, new piece is.

Website: https://kellycurtisdesigns.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellycurtisdesigns/

Image Credits
Lena Lee
https://www.lenaleephoto.com/