Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emma May. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Emma, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

My biggest risk was going full time with my own company. I have been making jewelry since high school and always had it as a side hustle. I sold my jewelry out of my college dorm room and loved making fun pieces for my friends to wear. When I graduated college I had a job at a jewelry store and one in tech I followed my gut and kept the one at the shop. Little did I know year laters jobs in all parts of the jewelry industry I would take Salted Stones to the next level and make it my full time job. I went back to school at the Gemology Insitute of America for my graduate Jewelers degree and soon took an internship with a jeweler in Carmel by the Sea. A few years later I took that big risk left my job and have never looked back. Over 200 customs later I feel so lucky to have such a creative and rewarding career. I love working with my clients closely and building life long relationships with them.

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?

Salted Stones started in high school as a fun hobby. I trademarked Salted Stones in 2011 in hopes to one day run my own business. I then took my supplies to college and sold jewelry out of my dorm room. Her senior year of college I started my first jewelry job in production and sales at a small boutique in San Francisco, CA. A year later, I was offered a manager position at another boutique where I would run the store, travel to trade shows for wholesale accounts, and would make several jewelry pieces for the shop.

Wanting to advance my skills I enrolled in a goldsmith course and realized that she wanted to refocus my career on jewelry fabrication. I enrolled at the Gemology Institute of America in Carlsbad, California. This is where I started my graduate jeweler course, I learned basic skills on the bench such as soldering, stone setting and finishing work. Eager to learn more I took a job as an apprentice to a jeweler in Carmel by the Sea. After a few years in the position, I realized it was time for her to take a leap and make Salted Stones her full time venture. I had always dreamed of being my own boss and being able to create freely for customers in my own unique way.

I pride myself on the relationships I build with my clients. I love working closely with them to create unique and meaningful pieces. It is so special to make something so personal for someone and continue to be a small part of big moments in thier lives. Weather its a custom engagement ring, family heirloom redesign or a special piece they’ve been dreaming of I love bringing it to life.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Word of mouth by far! I did a lot of pop ups to get to know my community and gain a following. I love meeting new people and made sure to make my pop ups fun. We want everyone to feel like a part of the Salty community. Im very lucky to have the best girl friends who come and bring the best vibes in matching outfits of course! It’s a little extra touch that has been fun when planning our events. My Salty Babes and I make sure everyone feels welcome, beautiful in their new jewls and to have the best time.

Through these events Ive been able to chat with people curious about my custom work and through my amazing community/ instagram grow a very loyal group of followers that love to share about working with me!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

My business coach Tarryne of Change One Woman. She really taught me to build a business around your life not the other way around. Building a business that truly fulfills me and knowing your worth. She works a lot around mindset and strategy which was a huge shift for me especially when I took Salted Stones full time. I really try to focus on clients that are seeking my specific services and not saying yes to everyone was a game changer for me. She helped me really hone in on the right clients and be confident in my unique skills set.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://SaltedStones.com
• Instagram: @saltedstones
• Facebook: Salted Stones

Image Credits

@geneva_rico_photography