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How Jewelry Designer Jill MacKay Built a Successful Career
- Podcast
In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker

Tamara Honaman sits down with the multi-talented Jill MacKay, an acclaimed jewelry component designer, digital content creator, and artist. Jill shares her incredible journey, from overcoming early challenges to becoming a leading designer in the jewelry-making industry. She discusses the evolution of her business, her passion for mentorship, and her deep commitment to creating meaningful, story-driven art.

The Power of Relationships and Networking

Jill offers practical advice for aspiring artists, reflecting on the lessons she’s learned over her career and the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to one’s creative vision. This episode is filled with heartfelt moments and invaluable insights for anyone seeking to build a sustainable creative business or simply navigate the ups and downs of an artistic career.
Places you can find Jill:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Recommended Resources:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Jill uses these habits in her daily practice, focusing on prioritizing tasks that create the greatest impact.
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
Jill recommends this book to anyone wanting to improve their drawing skills, as it teaches how to “see” rather than just “look.”
Key Episode Takeaways:

Success in the creative industry requires being good at what you do, delivering on time, and consistently meeting your commitments.
Finding creative inspiration and turning your passion into a business requires perseverance and continuous learning.
Technology can both enhance and challenge the creative process, and it’s important to adapt and embrace new tools and techniques.
Mentorship and community support are invaluable in the creative industry, providing guidance, inspiration, and opportunities for growth.
Setting prices as an artist can be challenging, but it’s important to value your work and not settle for less than it’s worth.
Simplifying and prioritizing your life and work can lead to greater focus, productivity, and fulfillment in your creative journey.
Find your creative flow state and make it a priority.
Relationships and networking are crucial in the creative industry.
Be a good friend and surround yourself with supportive people.
Bring depth and storytelling into your creative work.
Make things fun and enjoy the process.

Jill MacKay feature in Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist
Chapters:

(times are estimates)
00:00
Introduction and Keys to Success
04:11
The Power of Drawing and Writing
05:08
Adapting to Technology and Embracing Change
07:04
The Value of Mentorship and Preparation
13:55
Setting Prices and Knowing Your Worth
19:31
Understanding the Brain and Creating New Habits
21:56
Finding Your Niche and What Works for You
23:50
The Challenges of Pricing and Settling
29:08
Dreaming Big and Creating a Future
30:05
Ignoring the Doubters and Pursuing Your Passion
32:00
Finding Your Creative Flow State
36:19
The Power of Relationships and Networking
39:24
Bringing Depth and Storytelling into Jewelry Making

Fort Collins, Colorado; Art in the Park installation, by Jill MacKay

Necklace design made using leather-cutting dies by Jill MacKay

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Kierston Aiello: Artist, Metalsmith, and Bootstrap Beads
- Podcast
Finding Your People: A Conversation with Jewelry Expert Kierston Aiello

Jewelry expert and business owner Kierston Aiello shares her creative journey and how community, authenticity, and collaboration shaped her success. Kierston opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of finding your niche, and her exciting plans for her new foundry. Tune in for inspiring insights on following your heart and surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded people.

The Importance of Community in the Creative Process

Born and raised in sunny California, Kierston Aiello is a metalsmith and designer with a passion for American craft. While getting her B.A. in Art History at Humboldt State University, she unexpectedly fell in love with metalsmithing.
Her experience in production jewelry, including her time at TierraCast, solidified her love for the craft and the intricacies of large-scale production.
Find Kierston here:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
Key Episode Takeaways

Find your community and surround yourself with like-minded people who support and inspire you.
Follow your heart and be authentic in your creative journey and business endeavors.
Embrace your niche and offer something unique to your audience.
Collaborate with other artists to create diverse and exciting collections.
Seek support and guidance from small business development centers and other business groups.
Don’t let fear of failure hold you back from starting your own business.
Enjoy the process and have fun with your creative endeavors.

Series of rings: Kierston Aiello
Chapters

(times are estimates)
00:00
Introduction and Welcome
03:04
Kierston’s Creative Journey and Business Evolution
11:10
Transitioning to Self-Employment and Starting a Foundry
21:06
The Importance of Community and Connection
25:29
Embracing Authenticity and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
32:30
Navigating the Business Side of Starting a Business
38:20
Creating Something Special and Being Yourself
41:59
Upcoming Plans and Closing Thoughts

Bootstrap Beads & Foundry's new home!

Tree brooch: Kierston Aiello

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Carrie Story: Hobbyist to Inventor, Manufacturer, Instructor
- Podcast
In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker

Carrie Story, a renowned metal clay artist, inventor, manufacturer, and instructor, shares her inspiring journey from a hobbyist to a successful entrepreneur. Carrie began her creative path beading and making jewelry as a relaxing hobby. Her discovery of metal clay sparked a deep passion, leading her to start teaching and eventually recognize a significant demand for metal clay products and education.
This realization prompted Carrie to launch her own business, Clay Revolution. Here, they manufacture clays and products to serve the artist community’s needs (more tools!). Clay Revolution continues to grow and will be celebrating the first anniversary of Project X, their newest product line, a family of silver metal clays.
Throughout the episode, Carrie emphasizes the importance of identifying one’s strengths and being honest about skills and passions. She advises entrepreneurs not to fear competition but to learn from it instead.

Artists work shown above with permission: Clockwise starting (center) upper left:
Michael Marx
Cathy Flesher
Brandy Boyd
Melissa Kay-Steves

JUMP. Just do it. Weigh your risks so you know what you can afford to lose. Then take any necessary precautions and risk the rest. There is no harm in sticking your neck out there. What is the worst that can happen?

Carrie Story
Key Episode Takeaways

Find your niche and understand your strengths to build a successful business.
Competition can be beneficial and push you to be better.
Analyze opportunities and make informed decisions based on their potential impact.
Seek advice and support to overcome self-doubt and fear of failure.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or hire expertise in areas where you lack knowledge. Overcoming self-doubt is crucial for success
Surround yourself with supportive people
Don’t be paralyzed by fear, take action
Put yourself out there and take pride in your work
Innovation and differentiation are key in marketing

By: Stephanie Chavez
Chapters

(times are estimates)
00:00
Introduction and Background
01:19
Carrie’s Creative Journey and Business Evolution
05:06
Meeting the Demand for Metal Clay Products and Education
07:03
Expanding into Silver Clay and Business Growth
08:19
Embracing What You’re Good at and Enjoy
10:12
Learning from Competition and Finding Opportunities
23:45
Competition as a Source of Growth and Innovation
29:41
Seeking Help and Overcoming Self-Doubt
30:08
Overcoming Self-Doubt
32:30
The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with Good People
34:54
Navigating the Challenges of Having Your Name on a Product
36:19
Striving for Excellence in Your Craft
40:26
The Process of Developing a New Clay Formula
50:30
Innovative Marketing and Branding Strategies
57:02
Bringing Metal Clay to a Wider Audience

By: Michael Marx

By: Cathy Flesher

By: Melissa Kay-Steves

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Jessica Coté: Metalsmith, Jewelry Artist, Mentor
- Podcast
In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker

Join me for a captivating conversation with Jessica Coté, a metalsmith from Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. You may know her from her brand name, Rosy Revolver.
Jessica shares her remarkable journey in the world of metal fabrication and her found passion for teaching and empowering others to find their creative voice. The conversation winds through topics such as the importance of authenticity in art, the value of failure, impact of social media on the creative community, the importance of self-awareness in art, and the need for kindness and grace.

Metalsmith, Jewelry Artist, Artist Mentor

Since 2008, Jessica has been dedicated to her craft full-time. She creates bold, feminine statement jewelry.
Jessica opens up about the evolution of her business, the hurdles she has overcome, and the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way.
Jessica Coté aka Rosy Revolver

Jessica is a maker and sells her finished work, she conducts metal and design workshops online and nationwide. She is also the cofounder of Heart of the Maker, a program she conducts alongside Francesca Watson. (Join the waitlist to learn when the next cohort opens for enrollment!)
In addition to all of this, Jessica develops tools and materials to improve efficiency in her work—after all, there is only so much time in a day! Jessica doesn’t keep these innovations to herself, so you can also benefit from her genius:
Hone & Highlight, is a tumbling media for jewelry making, in both original and mini.
Tumbler frames and wheels help prevent tangling when you tumble chains.
Beyond her professional life, Jessica enjoys her time as a mom of three, she is a plant fanatic, an animal enthusiast, and a lover of all things vintage.
Through our conversation, Jessica also shares exciting future plans, including the possible purchase of a church she hopes to transform into an inspiring space for artists and creatives.
Be sure to tune in to gain insights into Jessica’s creative process, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her vision for the future.
Key Episode Takeaways

Authenticity is key in the creative process.
Creating something that is true to oneself and conveys a message or feeling is more important than following traditional techniques or trends.
Failure is an essential part of the creative journey. Embracing failure and learning from it can lead to growth and the development of a unique artistic voice.
Teaching and empowering others can be a rewarding experience for both the teacher and the student.
Sharing knowledge and helping others find their creative spark can have a significant impact.
Social media can be a double-edged sword for the creative community. While it provides a platform for exposure and connection, it can also be a source of negativity and comparison.
Finding a balance and focusing on the positive aspects is crucial.
Finding one’s creative voice and staying true to it is a continuous process. It requires self-reflection, experimentation, and a willingness to evolve and adapt.
Self-awareness is crucial in art. Understanding your inspirations, motivations, and personal style can lead to more authentic and meaningful work.
Kindness and grace are essential in the creative industry. Supporting and uplifting others, rather than tearing them down, can create a more positive and inclusive community.
The Heart of the Maker program focuses on inspiration, design, and the order of operations in creating art. It helps artists tap into their creativity and develop their own unique style.
Chapters

(times are estimates)
00:00
Embracing Authenticity
09:23
The Value of Failure
25:56
Navigating Social Media
37:16
Finding and Evolving Your Creative Voice
38:42
Navigating Online Communities
41:37
The Shift in Interactions
44:24
The Importance of Design and Play
53:52
Teaching the Order of Operations
01:09:12
Innovative Solutions for Tumbling Jewelry

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Cat Kerr: Mixed Media Artist Extraordinaire
- Podcast
Intrepid, Insightful, Inspiring

Cat Kerr is a mixed media artist driven by curiosity, constantly inspired by the materials she handles. For Cat, the creative journey is paramount, often outweighing the final result. From a young age she was always drawing. Initially, her dream was to be a fashion designer. Inspired by her grandmother, Belen de Carvajal, this was also the name she chose for her business.
In her 20s, Cat’s artistic focus shifted to manipulating paper and incorporating found objects. The thirties brought an obsession with resin, metal, and rust, experimenting with their combinations. In time, she moved on to working with wood and plastic, particularly enjoying the creative potential of plastic films from Graphix.
Currently, Cat’s art revolves around color, whether through acrylic paints or wax sticks. And she’s having a great time combining all the materials and techniques she’s explored over the years, including the use of canvas, metal, assemblage, and art journaling, reflecting a bit of everything in her artist’s toolbox.

Cat Shares Her Journey and So Much More

In this episode, Tammy and Cat discuss Cat’s creative journey, her love for experimenting with different mediums, and her passion for inspiring others to create without fear. They also touch on topics such as organizing art supplies (the ongoing battle many of us face!), working directly with manufacturers, and the value of your artwork. And, so much more.

Visit Cat’s Linktree for access to all the places you can find her.

Social media plays a dual role for me—it’s both a business tool and a platform to share my excitement for art. My goal is to inspire others to create fearlessly and explore new techniques. I hope my followers feel this excitement and are motivated to try new things themselves.

~Cat Kerr
Key Episode Takeaways

Say yes to opportunities, even if they are unpaid, as they can lead to new learning experiences and connections.
Embrace curiosity and let the materials guide your creative process.
Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and push the boundaries of what a medium can do.
Organize art supplies in a way that allows you to see and easily access what you have.
Make connections and reach out to manufacturers if you have ideas for new products.
Consider the time invested when determining the value of finished artwork.
Encourage others to create without fear and inspire them to try new things.
Finding the right balance between creating for joy and getting paid for one’s time is a challenge in the creative industry.
Art has a healing power and brings grounding and meaningfulness into our lives.
Having a focus, defining goals, and staying disciplined are key to achieving success in the creative industry.

Keep Learning, by Cat Kerr
Chapters

(times are estimates)
00:00
Embracing Creativity and Curiosity
05:44
Exploring Different Mediums and Techniques
09:28
Organizing Art Supplies for Inspiration
13:26
Making Connections and Collaborating with Manufacturers
24:15
Inspiring Others to Create Without Fear
27:22
Valuing and Monetizing Creative Work
29:38
The Healing Power of Art
31:02
Finding Grounding in Art
32:30
Challenges of Getting Paid for Fun
34:33
The Importance of Focus and Goals

The Nibbler, mini journals; by Cat Kerr

Assemblage by Cat Kerr

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The Artist Rolodex Solution and More
- Podcast
In This Episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker

Sandra Barnidge is a writer who wears many hats. She’s most often a freelancer for universities, nonprofits, and foundations, where she writes in-depth features about scientists, entrepreneurs, and creative thinkers. She also has a novel about religion and sports in the Deep South forthcoming from Belle Point Press.
Recently, Sandra and her brother launched a new project, called Handcraft Nation. This is an online directory of artists, crafters, and makers of all kinds who live in the United States. Think of it as a rolodex for crafters, especially those who sell their work predominantly at arts and crafts shows and festivals.
Tune in to Heart & Hands of a Maker to hear more about their mission and future plans to become a hub for all things handmade, including jewelry, personal care items, and clothing.
For a limited time you can sign up for an annual membership for free! In the future, as a listener of Heart & Hands of a Maker, you can apply a special code and save 10% on your annual membership. Use code: HeartHands10

Artists work shown above (center) can be found on Handcraft Nation.
Clockwise starting in the upper right:
Copper Baskets
Shepherd Industries
Sand’s Stones
Dara’s Soapery

Handcraft Nation Artisan Directory

Handcraft Nation is a platform created to support artists and makers in the United States.
This online tool was created to address the challenges artists face on social media platforms, where algorithms limit their reach and direct traffic away from their own websites. Handcraft Nation aims to connect consumers with local artists and makers, promoting sustainability and supporting local economies. The platform currently has around 60 makers listed, with plans to expand and become a hub for personal care items and clothing made by independent artisans.
Key Episode Takeaways

Handcraft Nation is a platform that supports artists and makers in the United States by providing a directory of their work and linking to their websites and online shops.
The platform addresses the challenges that artists face on social media platforms, where algorithms limit their reach and direct traffic away from their own websites.
Handcraft Nation aims to connect consumers with local artists and makers, promoting sustainability and supporting local economies.
The platform plans to expand and become a hub for personal care items and clothing made by independent artisans.

Design by Sandra Lupo
Chapters

(times are estimates)
00:00
Introduction to Handcraft Nation
15:13
Buying Less and Buying Better
33:37
Putting Small Towns on the Map as Creative Hubs
43:03
The Path Forward: Embracing Creativity

Copper Baskets by Virginia Fisher

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