We recently connected with Love Wahlen and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Love thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Your ability to build a team is often a key determinant of your success as a business owner and so we’d love to get a conversation going with successful entrepreneurs like yourself around what your recruiting process was like -especially early on. How did you build your team?

After my small online business expanded into a retail location, I realized that I was being stretched thin and my time and energy were being squandered.  I was not able to give 100% of myself to any one specific task.  The tasks of running a brick-and-mortar store can be daunting- from designing and producing jewelry to photographing and merchandising the products to the less-seen tasks like advertising, bookkeeping, and countless other tasks.  Being in charge of all of these tasks leaves little room for creative endeavors that is where my passion for this business began. 

When I realized I needed to hire help, I felt overwhelmed.  Not only was I unaware of what specific skillset I would need in an employee, but I was also uncertain of what personality types I would connect with or if I could even find people who would represent my work with passion and authenticity. 

Due to the nature of my business, my employees directly engage with customers about my art- and that requires me to build a team of people that I not only enjoy working with- but also people who understand my vision and align with my personal and creative values.

Writing a help-wanted ad by itself was unnerving- I wanted to approach hiring with an unconventional mindset that prioritized personality while still desiring technical skills.  My very first job posting included a simple line “Must Love Etta James”.  This tiny detail, I think, attracted applicants who resonate with my approach.  This reinforced my belief that outside-of-the-box thinking and hiring is the right path for myself and my business. I’ve learned that traditional interview questions can be intimidating from both sides- so I prefer a more conversational approach. 

Rather than focusing on typical interview questions I like to ask things like “What was your favorite part of your old job” and “How would you reward your team for a job well done?”  These questions offer a glimpse into the applicant’s personality, worth ethic, and values- qualities that I believe are just as essential as technical skills.

Through trial and error, I refined my hiring criteria.  Eventually, I focused on key qualities that have since proven invaluable- strong communication skills, independence, above-and-beyond customer service skills, and a positive attitude.  Ultimately, while expertise can be taught, authenticity, enthusiasm, and the ability to connect with people are what makes a truly great team member.  

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Love Wahlen, I am an artist, jewelry designer, and creative entrepreneur. My lifelong love of art has been shaped by my deep love for color, texture, and storytelling through visual mediums. I was born and raised in Door County, Wisconsin, a place rich in natural beauty and artistic inspiration, which influences my work to this day.

I started my career in jewelry design by creating handcrafted pieces using salvaged and repurposed materials. My passion for giving new life to forgotten and discarded objects led to a niche in heirloom restorations. As my small jewelry business grew, it evolved into a full-scale retail space, where I further expanded my offerings beyond just jewelry. I began working with other artists and small brands and providing a space that reflected the same creativity and authenticity I poured into my work.

Beyond my creations, I offer business design services, branding, social media assistance, retail store design, merchandising, and brand refreshers. I love helping fellow creatives and entrepreneurs refine their vision- whether it’s through the aesthetics of their store, their online presence, or their overall brand identity. My goal is to blend artistic expression with smart, impactful business strategies, helping others tell their story in a way that feels both authentic and visually compelling.
What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between artistry and business. Many creatives struggle with the business side of things, while many business owners struggle with capturing an artistic, compelling identity. I thrive in both worlds, making my services unique in that I don’t just design—I strategize, curate, and help businesses develop a brand experience that resonates with their audience.

I am most proud of the connections I have built—both with my clients and my community. Whether it’s helping someone bring a cherished family heirloom back to life, designing a retail space that feels true to their brand, or mentoring other artists and business owners through their creative journeys, I love seeing people succeed and feel empowered in their work.
For those discovering me for the first time, I want them to know that my work is about more than aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, sustainability, and creating meaningful experiences. Whether through jewelry, business branding, or creative consulting, my focus is always on authenticity, innovation, and making art a part of everyday life.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

I have always manufactured my products. When I was sourcing materials I realized that raw materials were expensive in jewelry design which led me to utilize recycled and upcycled materials. My budget was very menial when I first started which is why I began using alternative materials. I had never anticipated that it would become the lynchpin of my brand!

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

During the off-season payroll can be a difficult expense to navigate. There have been many times when I have had close-calls for missing payroll- but when in doubt- have a sale!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.reclaimedcojewelry.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/reclaimedcojewelry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reclaimedco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/love-wahlen-01288b354

Image Credits

credit: Reclaimed & Co. Jewelry