Have you ever wondered if you can truly grow your business when you love to make every piece with your own two hands?
It was a question that came up in my own growing business many years ago and it’s a question that comes up often in this community — how do you scale without losing the soul of your work? How do you expand, maybe even hire help, but still keep that direct connection to what you’re creating?
For many of us, the thought of letting go of the bench, even a little, feels impossible. The making is the heartbeat.
Today’s guest, Joy Kruse of Wild Prairie Silver, has walked that line beautifully. From her early days making jewelry on the side while working full-time as a nurse, to now running a thriving studio with a small team, Joy has found a way to grow without sacrificing what she loves most — the making itself.
Joy’s journey into metalsmithing began over two decades ago with a love of stones and a curiosity for form. What started as a creative outlet evolved into a full-fledged business known for its bold, organic designs and soulful craftsmanship.
In our conversation, Joy shares how she made the leap from nursing to full-time artist, what it really looks like to run a sustainable handmade studio, and why she still insists on keeping her hands in every part of the process. We talk about failure as a teacher, staying true to your creative voice, and the quiet discipline that keeps the work — and the love for it — alive.
It’s an inspiring, grounded conversation about the beauty and grit behind a life built by hand.
Follow along...
Joy on Instagram: @wildprairiesilver
Joy’s Website: wildprairiesilver.com
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Jewelry Website: christinemighion.com
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Today I’m talking with Tiffany Chow, jewelry artist and founder of Depo Market on Maui — a beautiful little shop that’s part boutique, part community, and entirely built from love.
Tiffany’s path has been anything but ordinary. After studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and running a successful jewelry line in New York, she felt an intuitive pull to move home to Hawaii. That decision led her to care for her brother, Chris — and ultimately to build a business that creates meaningful work for people with disabilities while bringing awareness and connection to her island community.
In this conversation, Tiffany shares how Depo Market began as a pop-up for Chris and grew into a mission-driven storefront. We talk about caregiving, art as a bridge for belonging, and the realities of running a small, heart-centered business on Maui while raising a young daughter. It’s a story about purpose finding you when you least expect it — and how one act of love can ripple out to change everything.
Follow Tiffany:
Instagram: @depo_market
TikTok: @depomarket
Website: depomarket.org
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Jewelry Website: christinemighion.com
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In this beautiful conversation, I’m talking with jewelry artist Dawn Hemstreet of Hawk, Hummingbird & Moon. Dawn has this thoughtful, unfiltered way of sharing her story that I know will pull you right in. She came to jewelry later in life, around 49, and her path is such a reminder that it’s never too late to listen to that tug inside and step into something new.
In our conversation, Dawn talks about the evolution of her work—from metal clay to fabrication, from jewelry into the possibility of objects—and how she follows curiosity even when it means starting over. We also get into the harder parts: burnout, doubt, the grind of shows, and what it feels like to wonder, “Do I still love this?” She doesn’t shy away from naming those struggles, but she also shows how resilience and curiosity keep her moving forward.
What struck me most is how she speaks about belonging—about finding her own sense of worth even when family didn’t fully understand, and about the unexpected support from strangers that helped carry her through. We talk about showing up authentically, online and in person, and how connection often comes simply from being ourselves, flaws and all.
This is a conversation about making, yes—but it’s also about strength, self-trust, and the freedom to define success on your own terms.
Follow along...
Dawn on Instagram: @dawnhemstreet.jewelry
Dawn's website: hawkhummingbirdmoon.com
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Jewelry Website: christinemighion.com
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A graphic designer and lifelong poet, Teresa Kiplinger came to metal later in life as a way to keep herself busy through the end of a painful marriage. Not long after, she experienced the unimaginable loss of her teenaged stepson.
Wearing her pain like a heavy cloak, she turned to her metalwork and poetry to work through her grief, making a bracelet in his memory, etched with a poem to him. This bracelet, a reminder of her love for him, was a comforting presence in the months that followed.
From this deeply personal and difficult loss, Teresa says she found her voice.
During this conversation Teresa shares how her love of poetry and metal came together to so beautifully create what she has coined as modern memento mori jewelry. We discuss the healing and sometimes lifesaving powers of an art practice, curating a cohesive and compelling story, and the freedom that one can find with art as he or she ages.
Follow Teresa...
Website: www.silverpoet.com
Instagram: @tkiplinger
Want to continue these important conversations with a mutually supportive and diverse community of jewelry artists? Then please consider joining us in the Slowmade Collective. It's the best place I know online that can support you and your desire to create a sustainable business that feeds your life.
Karen Higgins is a self taught artist who has had a life long fascination with the natural world, its interconnectedness and intelligent design.
Her work combines silver clay and traditional metalsmithing methods to showcase the beauty and elegance found in roadside weeds, bits of shell, feather and seed pods that one might otherwise overlook, but we are always surrounded by.
Karen is not only a talented jewelry artist but also paints. However she put painting aside to focus on her growing jewelry business. As with many creatives, Covid gave her a push to go all in as an artist and turn one of her creative passions into her full time career.
During our conversation Karen shares how she is still navigating life changes and balancing creative exploration with maintaining a sustainable income. We talk about IG and what IG ultimately wants from us and how to use that to our advantage. We also talk about her experience with publishing a tutorial in a jewelry magazine and when inspiration can turn into copying. And Karen shares how she fell in love with PMC, and how that discovery shifted her relationship with her art and what she could create.
Honestly I felt like we packed a lot of good stuff into this conversation and I can’t think of a better way to kick off 2025.
Follow Karen...
On Instagram: @karenhigginsjewelry
On Etsy: KarenHigginsJewelry
Karla Hackman’s path into metalsmithing began in the most unexpected of ways—through a background in academia, ceramics, and a love of collecting stones on long hikes. Karla eventually traded in a steady career in higher education for the leap into jewelry, and over the last twelve years she’s built a body of work that balances the organic and the architectural, the soft and the strong.
In our conversation, Karla shares how her surroundings in the Southwest shape her collections, the inward journey of self discovery that art has taken her on, and the ways she finds both grounding and freedom at the bench. We also talk about the realities of making a living as an independent artist—navigating production work alongside one-of-a-kind pieces, honoring exploration, and letting your creative voice evolve over time.
It’s a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation about what it means to make with intention, and I think you’ll really enjoy it.
Follow Karla...
Karla on Instagram: @karlahackman
Karla’s Website: karlahackman.com
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Jewelry Website: christinemighion.com
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Stacey Hareid is a self-taught metalsmith who’s been carving out her own path for more than a decade, teaching herself fabrication, stone setting, and even lapidary along the way. More recently she’s been diving into wax carving and casting — a process that’s been both exciting and, as she shares, incredibly humbling.
In our conversation, Stacey opens up about her journey from photography into metalsmithing, the winding road that eventually led her back to Portland, and how finding a mentor shifted her perspective after so many years of figuring it out alone. We also talk about the realities of balancing creative freedom with the pressures of business, why patience has been one of her biggest teachers, and the meaningful connections she’s built with her customers through custom work and talisman-like pieces.
Follow Stacey...
Stacey on Instagram: @47sunsjewelry
Stacey’s Website: 47suns.com
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Instagram: @christinemighion
Jewelry Website: christinemighion.com
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Chela Gurnee is a metalsmith, shamanic practitioner, hypnotherapist, and reiki healer—and she’s one of those rare people who allows herself to follow what’s calling, even when it doesn’t fit into a tidy box.
We talk about how her love of creating beauty with her hands led her to jewelry, her love of stones and how the stones themselves guided her deeper into energy work, and how shamanic practices, intuitive song, and ritual became part of her daily life. We talk about burnout and boundaries, making peace with your body, being multi-passionate, and finding the golden thread that runs through all the parts of who you are.
Chela shares so openly about the seasons of creativity, what it looks like to truly listen to your inner voice, and how she’s learned to honor the balance between flow and structure, especially as a woman navigating a culture that rewards doing over being.
This one is deeply affirming if you’ve ever felt like you had to choose just one thing, or if you’ve struggled to reconcile your spiritual path with your role as a maker.
Follow along...
Chela on Instagram: @chelagurnee
Chela’s Website: chelagurnee.com
Jewelry: chelagurneejewelry.etsy
Intuitive song: Chela Gurnee
Christine's Instagram: @christinemighion
Slowmade Website: slowmadepodcast.com
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Heather Croston of Talulet Jewelry has taken more than a few unexpected turns. She moved from narrative metalsmithing into toy design, and now she’s returned to jewelry with a new rhythm and a voice that’s wholly her own.
Heather creates one-of-a-kind pieces that feel like miniature landscapes—stone pairings that echo the Catskills outside her window, soft textures and patterns that carry a sense of place and feeling. Her work is intentional and thoughtful, but it didn’t come from forcing clarity—it came from allowing change.
We talk about all of it: learning to trust your instincts, creating while grieving, navigating two distinct creative styles, and how building a slower business sometimes means letting go of what we thought success was supposed to look like.
If you’ve ever felt like you came to your art “late,” or wrestled with the idea of having multiple creative identities, I think this conversation will leave you feeling seen and encouraged.
Follow Heather:
Heather on Instagram: @taluletjewelry
Talulet Website: taluletjewelry.com
Narrative Jewelry: heathercrostonjewelry.com
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Instagram: @christinemighion
Jewelry Website: christinemighion.com
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Renee Ford, now Renee Busdiecker, has been working in metal for over 30 years, and her path has taken her through so many versions of this life—from grad school to running her own brick-and-mortar fine jewelry store in her twenties, to creating a production line that landed in shops around the world. She’s taught all over the country, mentored students from her studio in Tennessee, and developed tools that many of us use at the bench such as one of my favorites, Hold It.
These days, she’s focused on slower, more intentional work—custom pieces, hand engraving, and passing on what she’s learned to others.
During our conversation we talked about what it’s like to navigate creative life as we age… the shifting priorities, the toll on our bodies, and the deep satisfaction that can come from making work that feels meaningful and connected.
Renee also spoke about the invisible weight of always having to wear all the hats, and the quiet, tender place she’s arrived at—where the work is less about proving something, and more about listening, refining, and creating from a place of truth.
Follow along with Renee...
Instagram: @reneefordmetals
Jewelry: reneefordmetals.com
Tutorials & Tools: thehammerandanvil.com
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Jewelry Website: christinemighion.com
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SuzAnne Taylor is a silversmith and artist whose journey into jewelry began as an act of survival. After serving as a combat medic in Iraq, she returned home carrying invisible wounds and found herself struggling to reconnect with everyday life. It was during a stay at a VA hospital that her psychiatrist encouraged her to find a hobby—something to do with her hands, something to focus her energy. That simple suggestion opened a door.
A beginner’s chainmail class led to her first bracelet, and something clicked. The rhythm, the repetition, the quiet demand for presence—each small step helped anchor her in the here and now. Over time, and with the support of a kind and generous mentor, SuzAnne began to build a new life through her work at the bench.
Her work, especially her Tuff Gurlz line, honors the imperfect and the scarred, not only in the stones she chooses, but in the stories they represent—stories of survival, strength, and grace.
This episode is a beautiful reminder that art often finds us when we need it most—and that making with our hands can bring us back home to ourselves.
Follow along with SuzAnne...
SuzAnne on Instagram: @stonesandsterlingbytaylor
SuzAnne’s longtime Instagram account @taylormadesilver was removed by Meta without explanation and she is currently working to restore it and will return to this account if possible.
SuzAnne’s Website: taylormadesilver.com
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Instagram: @christinemighion
Jewelry Website: christinemighion.com
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Jennifer Young is one of those multi-talented souls who’s followed a winding, wholehearted path—through fine art, architecture, time living in Japan, and months on the road with her family in an Airstream. She makes soulful jewelry full of story. And in the corner of her studio, she’s created a small but intentional shop curated with beautiful handmade objects from around the world, all rooted in a deep sense of slowness, simplicity, and reverence for craft.
During our conversation, we talk about finding your creative rhythm, navigating the pull between all the roles we hold, and what it really means to build a life and business on your own terms. If you’ve ever felt like you had too many passions to pin yourself down—or longed for more intention in your creative practice—I think you’ll really enjoy this episode.
We explore the beauty of restraint, the power of ritual, and how letting things unfold—at their own pace—can lead you closer to yourself. If you’re craving a reset or simply want to feel inspired by someone carving out her own quiet, intentional path—this one's for you.
Follow Jennifer...
Instagram: @wren_atelier
Website: wrenatelier.com
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Instagram: @christinemighion
Jewelry website: christinemighion.com
Slowmade website: slowmadepodcast.com
If you’ve ever felt that tug-of-war between creativity and business, or struggled with the balance of freedom and financial pressure, you’re going to feel so seen in this episode.
Julianne is a maker in the truest sense—her work is soulful, organic, and deeply connected to the natural world. We talk about her journey from teacher to metalsmith, the unexpected start she got thanks to her husband’s old silversmithing tools, and how her creative voice found its way through texture, form, and layers that reflect the landscapes of her life.
We also dive into the challenges of building a jewelry business in a rural setting, navigating the rollercoaster of sales, and the ever-present feeling of not doing it ‘right’—even when your heart knows it’s exactly what you’re meant to be doing. Julianne shares how she’s embraced the imperfections of her craft and found freedom in letting go of comparison and self-doubt.
If you’ve ever felt the pull to create simply for the joy of it, or if you’ve ever wrestled with the tension between art and livelihood, this conversation will resonate. You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the slow, mindful process of making, and for the ways we can infuse care and intention into not just our work, but our lives.
Follow along with Julianne...
Instagram: @silverstruckstudio
Website: etsy.com/shop/silverstruckstudio
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Instagram: @christinemighion
Jewelry website: christinemighion.com
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In this episode, I sit down with Doug Napier—a thoughtful, seasoned artist with decades of experience in the jewelry world. Doug shares stories from his early days at the bench and how a lifetime of global adventures shaped the way he sees and approaches his craft today.
We talk about what it means to stay adaptable in a changing industry, how to balance time-honored techniques with modern tools, and why teaching, mentoring, and storytelling matter so much—especially now. Doug opens up about the spiritual side of making jewelry, the pressures that come with making a living from your art, and how he works to keep joy and curiosity alive in the process.
We also explore how platforms like YouTube have helped him pass on hard-earned knowledge, and how his identity as a creator continues to evolve. Doug reminds us that it’s okay to question the old rules, to find your own rhythm, and to think about the legacy you want to leave behind—not just in your work, but in the way you show up for others.
It’s a soulful, generous conversation that left me thinking long after we wrapped. I think you’ll feel the same.
Follow Doug...
Doug on Instagram: @jewelrymonk
Doug’s Website: jewelrymonk.com
Doug on YouTube: Doug Napier (Jewelry Monk)
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Instagram: @christinemighion
Email: hello@slowmadepodcast.com
Margaret Graham is the talented artist behind Centering Pendants—a jewelry collection that blends mindfulness, intention, and emotional healing. Margaret’s creative path began in ceramics, but it was through jewelry—and the creation of her signature Centering Pendants—that she discovered a way to connect deeply with herself and others.
In our conversation, Margaret opens up about how making jewelry became a therapeutic outlet, and how her pieces now serve as quiet tools for mindfulness and managing anxiety. We talk about the rituals that keep her grounded, the vulnerability of sharing your work, and the ongoing journey of building a business that still honors your heart. Margaret also shares more about her new podcast, where she’s exploring spirituality, creativity, and emotional growth in such a beautiful, honest way.
If you’ve ever felt the pull to create something with deeper meaning—or if you’ve struggled to balance your emotional world with the demands of entrepreneurship—I know you’ll feel seen in this episode.
Follow Along:
Margaret on Instagram: @centeringpendants
Margaret’s Website: centeringpendants.com
Margaret’s Podcast: The Art of Centering
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Connect with Christine:
Instagram: @christinemighion
Jewelry: christinemighion.com
Podcast: slowmadepodcast.com
Karin Luvaas creates one-of-a-kind jewelry that highlights the natural beauty of hand-cut gemstones. Inspired by the rich hues, patterns, and textures of the earth, she carefully selects rare and unexpected stones to showcase in her designs. With a focus on color, craftsmanship, and refined simplicity, her work transforms organic materials into modern, elegant pieces that spark curiosity and joy.
“The heart of every piece I make starts with the stone. Natural gemstones — in all their wild, weird, and wonderful forms — are what pull me in and push my work forward. I’m constantly chasing that “holy sh*t, look at this one” moment, whether it’s at a gem show or deep in the dust at a small mine.”
As you listen to our conversation, you’ll feel her enthusiasm for learning—about stones, about the craft, about all of it. And she’s just as passionate about sharing what she’s learned with others.
If you are a stone geek like me, you’ll feel seen after this conversation. But if you’re not, I know you’re going to get so much out of this. We touch on sourcing materials responsibly, finding what lights you up, balancing business with craft, participating in well known shows, and so much more.
Follow Karin...
Instagram: @karinluvaasjewelry
Website: karinluvaas.com
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In this engaging conversation, Christine Mighion interviews Beth Aimee, a talented jeweler who shares her journey from childhood experiences in the Appalachian mountains to her current work in jewelry design. Beth discusses her transition from a career in neurobiology to teaching and eventually to metalsmithing, highlighting the influence of nature on her artistic process.
The conversation delves into the importance of community in the creative process, the daily life of a jeweler, and the joy of creating unique pieces.
Beth reflects on her design process, the recurring themes in her work, and the evolution of her artistic voice.
Beth and Christine delve into the world of jewelry making, exploring the joys of gemstone mining, the challenges of selling at art shows, and the rewarding experience of teaching. They discuss the emotional connections formed through crafting and the importance of integrity in business. The conversation highlights the significance of finding purpose in artistic endeavors and the impact of creating beauty in the world.
Follow Beth...
Instagram: @bethaimeejewelry
Website: bethaimeejewelry.com
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In this conversation, Christine Mighion interviews Rebecca Connell, a metal clay artist known for her work with MopTop Jewelry. They discuss Rebecca's journey into jewelry making, her creative process, the importance of photography in presenting her work, and the challenges she faced transitioning to full-time jewelry making.
The conversation also touches on health issues, including perimenopause and ADHD, and how these have impacted her creativity and business management.
Rebecca and Christine also discuss the challenges of balancing personal health, creative processes, and the realities of running a jewelry business. They explore the importance of self-discipline, the impact of social media on sales, and the creative blocks artists face. Rebecca shares her journey in jewelry making, her design approach, and offers valuable advice for new artists entering the field. She also shares her insights on managing inventory and pricing, emphasizing the importance of community and support in the creative process.
About Rebecca...
Rebecca is a full-time metal clay artist, silversmith, lapidarist, tool maker, and instructor who specializes in capturing the beauty of nature in precious metals. She collects natural textures and imprints from her surroundings—from her mother’s gardens to her travels abroad, including a recent trip to Scotland. Rebecca began making jewelry at 13 and has grown her skills alongside the evolution of metal clay. Since purchasing her first kiln in 2013, she’s expanded into traditional goldsmithing, lapidary arts, 3D printing, laser etching, graphic design, and photography. With prior careers in the Air Force and accounting, she brings a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Rebecca is based in Winston Salem, NC, where she lives with her husband and their beloved pets, Jimmie and Charlie.
Follow Rebecca...
Instagram: @moptopjewelry
Website: moptopjewelry.com
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Brittany Foster shares her journey from being a custom jeweler in Minneapolis to finding her artistic voice in the serene woods of northern Minnesota. She discusses the challenges and joys of transitioning from commissioned work to personal expression, the inspiration she draws from nature and science, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for creativity.
Brittany also reflects on her creative process, the evolution of her artistic style, and the emotional aspects of being an artist.
The conversation highlights the balance between the business of art and the need for personal fulfillment in creative endeavors.
In this conversation, Brittany Foster and Christine explore the journey of self-discovery, the challenges of creativity, and the importance of community in the world of handcrafted jewelry.
They discuss navigating creative blocks, adapting to new business realities post-pandemic, and the balance between production and creativity.
The conversation emphasizes the value of handcrafted work, personal growth, and the need for kindness towards oneself in the artistic process.
Follow Brittany...
Instagram: @bmfjewelry
Website: bmfjewelry.com
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Have you ever thought about writing a book, or perhaps even creating a community studio to teach and work from? If so, I think you will love this conversation with my guest Amy Schmidt.
Amy shares her journey into the world of metalsmithing, her passion for the craft, falling in love with teaching and then eventually establishing Salt City Smithery - a teaching and working studio.
Amy also reflects on the challenges and rewards of writing her book, “The Bench Book, a Companion for Metalsmiths”. It is a book I have personally found very valuable and you’ll hear me speak about this.
Although teaching has now become the primary focus of Amy’s career, she is still eager to sit down at the bench when she can and maintain a hands on connection to her craft.
Follow Amy:
Instagram: @thesilverschmidt
Website: saltcitysmithery.com
Buy The Bench Book: A Companion for Metalsmiths here.
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