Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After a successful career as a creative director, I began taking metal-smithing, stone cutting, wire wrapping, gem identification and other classes related to lapidary. As an artist, I was like a sponge and couldn’t get enough. I wanted to design jewelry utilizing everything that I was learning.
I began accumulating so much jewelry that I started exhibiting at local craft shows but my jewelry designs were getting progressively sophisticated and expensive. Not know which way to go from here, I found myself in the hospital facing life-threatening surgery. I prayed before being put to sleep that if I awoke from the surgery, I would take it as a sign to proceed professionally in the jewelry design business. I did not want to be on my death bed again saying “I wish I would have tried.” That was the beginning of my Jewelry of Faith collection.
I began entering fine jewelry design competitions and was winning many. This gave me the confidence to go on. My jewelry has been worn for the Emmys and Oscars, I have two pieces in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian in DC, I have been a judge for the International Pearl Design Competition and do lectures such as at the Lizzadro Museum in Chicago to represent American designers. I have been featured on a documentary produced by the Cultured Pearl Association that follows pearl jewelry from the farm to the finished piece.
Has it been a smooth road?
I was not brought up in the jewelry business. Everything I learned was on my own. When I began, it was at the lowest point in our economy. I decided to use this time to learn as much about the business as possible so that when the economy improved, I’d be educated about the business and my art form.
One of the largest challenges is finances. Creating jewelry from noble metals and gemstones is expensive. That when I decided that I needed to exhibit in fine jewelry trade shows and do trunk shows at jewelry stores. There were many times that I wanted to quit but felt that I had too much invested in time and money to back out. I am following my passion and that keeps me going.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Brenda Smith Jewelry story. Tell us more about the business.
I enjoy creating something beautiful and unique from raw materials. My pieces are miniature sculptures with dimension and movement. I really like custom work because I know the piece is sold and I like creating something for the client that makes them happy. I also create one-of-a-kind pieces that are works of art. My current three collections are Jewelry of Faith, Black ‘n Gold ‘n Diamonds and Gold for You. I work by appointment only and have a limited selection on my website.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Brick and mortar stores are being challenged by online shopping but my unique product is a hands-on, personalized craft for the discriminating client.
Pricing:
- My three collections are priced from $200-$2000.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2295 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 116-215 Woodstock, GA 30189
- Website: www.BrendaSmithJewelry.com www.JewelryofFaith.com
- Phone: 770-337-6399
- Email: info@brendasmithjewelry.com
- Instagram: BrendaSJewelry
- Facebook: BrendaSmithJewelry
- Twitter: Brenda Smith@BSmithJewelry
Image Credit:
John Parrish, Brent Rowlett
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
