Life & Work with Clare Thanhauser of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clare Thanhauser.

Hi Clare , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my journey as a jewelry designer quite young, even as a child I was a prolific beader and crafter. My formal career in the field began in my 20s, when i was studying art at The College of Santa Fe and would sell my handmade jewelry at the farmers market on the weekends. I took a part time job, while a student, at a gem and mineral store in Santa Fe and embarked on my quest to know everything there is about gemstones. After college I completed a graduate program in Gemology at the The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) earning the highest degree available in my industry. I founded The MoonTree Boutique in 2006 and have been selling my handmade jewelry full time ever since. Initially I was a brick and mortar store in Santa Fe, but after falling for my now husband (a Georgia boy!) I went primarily digital and moved to Marietta. Now I do many shows and pop ups in the Atlanta area as well as tending to my online store hosted by Etsy.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say that the struggle of any small business is that the founder has to wear so many hats. I love being a jeweler, however I am less keen on being a bookeeper, photographer, salesperson, website administrator, social media promoter and all the other jobs it takes to keep a business running successfully. However, if you want to succeed you must learn to be adaptable as well as hardworking.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a jewelry who works exclusively with natural precious gemstones and my expertise has allowed me avoid many of the pitfalls that come with gem business. I can identify treatments and synthetics, thanks to my gemology degree and 20 years in the business, thereby providing my customers with top quality creations showcasing the natural wonder of gemstones. Each one of my designs is handmade by me, and is a one-of-a-kind wearable art statement. I do not mass produce anything or outsource any step of the creative process. If you buy a piece of jewelry from MoonTree Boutique it is a wearable work of art, that one else will have.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I consider myself an extremely fortunate individual, who has benefited enormously by being in the right place at the right time. I met my mentor, Garrick Beck of Natural Stones in Santa Fe, at 20 and even now in my mid 40s his guidance and knowhow has shaped my business practices and general outlook. Not everyone is lucky enough to be taken under the wing of an industry expert who will put the work into mentoring them.

Pricing:

• My prices range from $40-$400 for a peice of gemstone jewelry. My mantra is that i want to make things at i price point i mayself could afford to purchase.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://moontreeboutique.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moontree_boutique/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoonTreeBoutique/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@moontreeboutique