We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julia Curran. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julia below.

Julia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Honestly, I’m incredibly happy as an artist and creative. There are definitely days when I wonder if my brain would feel more rested with a regular 9-5, but in the end, I’d always choose the chaotic, small business life doing something I love over a job that is just that – a job.

The last time I had this thought was just a few weeks ago, actually. My jewelry business is part-time since I also work for a non-profit doing marketing, and I recently took on a third job helping another jewelry maker with her work. I was feeling pretty overwhelmed, trying to balance it all and questioning how much time I should be investing in my own business versus these other jobs, which provide more consistent income.

I found myself thinking that maybe Metal + Stone should take a back seat since it wasn’t bringing in as much money as my other work. But then I realized how much less exciting and fulfilling my life would be without it, and I snapped out of that thought quickly!

I also sometimes think about going back to what I went to school for—Interior Design. A lot of people don’t know that I have a degree in Interior Design, which is another love of mine. I’m passionate about good design in all forms, whether it’s jewelry, home design, architecture, or fashion. But returning to Interior Design would mean closing the chapter on Metal + Stone Goods, and I don’t think I could bear to do that.

So, while the thought of a more stable income has definitely crossed my mind—especially with the economy being unpredictable and my husband and I saving for a house—my husband has always encouraged me to keep going with what I love and to trust in its growth. And that’s exactly what I need to hear!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have always been creative and have tried my hand at multiple arts. It wasn’t until 2019 that I attended a local metalsmithing class, thinking it would be a new creative outlet… little did I know that it would be the start of something great. 🙂 I found myself going to class early and staying late, trying to learn, experiment, and absorb as much as possible. I really just couldn’t stop. I knew this was something I wanted to pursue further.

In 2020, Metal + Stone Goods was born! Investing in what felt like a ton of tools at the time, I started metalsmithing from home. My work began in a t i n y closet in our apartment, but I quickly grew out of it. Metal + Stone Goods has just continued to grow from there!

Since starting Metal + Stone, my husband and I have moved to Arizona and Hawai’i, and we are now located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where I am still making jewelry in my home. I have taken inspiration from my surroundings and have created unique pieces of jewelry that reflect the beautiful places I’ve been and the things I’ve seen. I often use turquoise, which takes me back to the beautiful Sonoran Desert in Arizona. I love using pearls from a tiny local shop I found during our time in Hawai’i. I even occasionally use beach glass found along the coast of both Hawai’i and Michigan. Keeping my jewelry simple and minimal allows each individual stone to be adorned the way it was always meant to be.

All of my jewelry is handmade and inspired by the places I’ve been and the things I’ve seen. My jewelry is:

Distinctive
Metal + Stone Goods makes handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces. Each stone used in my jewelry is unique and I strive to keep it that way in my designs. I simply want to enhance each stone’s natural beauty.

Well-Crafted
Each piece is made by hand, making every detail carefully thought through and executed. Taking pride in my jewelry, I only put the highest quality pieces out into the world.

Conscious
Staying mindful of my impact on the earth, I use only high-quality metals and ethically sourced stones to ensure that I am creating the lowest environmental impact. I recycle all scrap materials, create minimal waste, and use recycled materials for packaging.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I know it’s said all the time, but it’s true: shop small, shop local, and support small businesses in any way you can! Whether it’s sending an encouraging note, recommending a small business to friends, or choosing to shop from them, every bit of support reminds small business owners like myself why we do what we do. Some of the messages I’ve received have brought me to tears—they’ve given me the motivation to keep going, knowing that what I create matters to someone.

I believe our society has made great strides in supporting small businesses and creatives, and I’m grateful to live in a generation where small businesses can thrive, thanks to so many platforms that help us grow. But there’s always more that can be done. One important thing is for people to consider the true value of handmade work—spending a little more for a piece that someone has poured their heart and soul into. Every order, no matter how small, is helping someone trust in their craft and keep pushing forward.

Another way society can support artists and creatives is by creating more spaces for art to be shared and appreciated—whether it’s through local markets, art fairs, or even online communities. Giving artists a platform to showcase their work, whether they’re just starting out or are more established, helps foster a thriving creative ecosystem where people can connect and grow together.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I touched on this a bit in the last question, but truly, one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the encouragement and love I’ve received from people over the years. When someone loves my work and takes the time to let me know—whether it’s sending me pictures, messaging me years later to say it’s still their favorite thing they own, or even just a simple kind word—it’s such a gift. I feel so honored every single time.

I can’t help but get a little giddy when I spot someone wearing one of my pieces, or when someone buys their second or third item from me. It’s even more humbling when people come to markets specifically to see my work. It’s those moments—when I see the connection people have with what I’ve created—that make all the challenges of being an artist worthwhile. I’m incredibly grateful for every person who supports my work in any way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.metalandstonegoods.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metalandstonegoods/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metal.and.stone.goods
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@metalandstonegoods
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Leyna Burel