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

Bethany , appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Back in 2020, I received a call from my good friend and fellow vendor, Vanessa Wooding. She asked if I wanted to help her with a new venture—a brick-and-mortar shop in Belleair, FL. Yes, right in the middle of COVID. Crazy or brilliant? That’s exactly what I was wondering at the time.
But it turned out to be one of the most wonderful and rewarding experiences of my life.
I was given the chance to have my own space in the store, to bring in whatever I created, and to help shape the entire feel of the shop—from the window displays to the overall staging. I loved being part of creating such a special atmosphere. You Got This opened in September 2020, and being involved as both a maker and an entrepreneur was a blessing and a dream come true. I got to work alongside my best friend while staying busy and inspired.
During this time, life brought its own challenges. My husband was diagnosed with lymphoma and began treatment. Having the store to focus on—being able to create, design, and channel my energy into something meaningful—became a therapeutic and much-needed distraction. I grew so much as a maker during those months, exploring new ideas, experimenting with different techniques, and expanding into new types of jewelry and home décor. I even planned and helped host a large-scale French Market for Antique Alley, where the shop was located. My creativity was truly blooming.
What began during one of the hardest times for so many of us ultimately became a risk that was absolutely worth taking.
Fast forward to 2025: although You Got This is no longer a brick-and-mortar store, I still work alongside Vanessa, who continues to be one of my biggest supporters. She wholesales with me, we do events together, and our partnership has remained such a joy.

Bethany , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Since childhood, I’ve loved to create. We lived in Maine when I was young, and I was always foraging for little treasures to use in my projects. I was fascinated by all the bits and baubles my grandmother kept in old tins—I could sit for hours playing, imagining, and making. These are some of my fondest memories. Creativity truly runs in my family: my great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother were all makers, and now my daughter Chloe is one too—and she sings! We are proudly a family of the arts.
My business began in the summer of 2010. I had taken a break from my career in HR and recruiting to stay home with my daughter. She always wore hair bows, but I struggled to find ones with the size and quality I wanted. So, I started making my own. My first market was in my hometown of Hallowell, Maine, during Old Hallowell Day—an event I’d attended since childhood. I immediately rediscovered my love for creating. From there, I expanded from markets to having spaces in stores and selling through social media. I made hair bows and accessories for several years, and my daughter was always happily adorned!
After moving to Florida in 2012, I began branching out from hair accessories and started creating one-of-a-kind jewelry. My first jewelry pieces were cuff bracelets made from repurposed baseballs, topped with vintage brooches—they were a big hit! I also began collaborating with my stepdad to create wood jewelry: I designed the pieces, and he brought them to life. Since then, I’ve grown into creating various collections.
In recent years, my most popular collections have been my Christmas jewelry and artwork. I plan months in advance—from color palettes to overall style. It’s incredibly exciting to see everything come together at the first holiday show of the season. This year, I envisioned a backdrop styled like a wallpapered boutique wall. With my stepdad’s help once again, the display turned out exactly as I imagined. For me, it’s never just about selling jewelry—it’s about creating an experience. I want customers to feel the care, thought, and attention to detail the moment they walk up to my booth.
Currently, I sell at Coastal Soul Boutique in downtown St. Petersburg, Tate and Tilly Boutique in Tampa, and several other local boutiques that wholesale my work. I also participate in markets throughout the Tampa Bay area and sell through Instagram at @bethanycrumpton. I feel so blessed to be a maker in this beautiful community. I’ve met so many inspiring makers and boutique owners who have supported and encouraged me along the way.
What’s next? I’m always creating something new and dreaming up the next project. I’d love to branch into additional stores this year. I will continue making small-batch, one-of-a-kind items—because that’s where my heart is. The greatest joy of what I do is connecting with people. I love helping customers choose the perfect piece for themselves or as a meaningful gift. A little insight into my creative world: I pray over the items I make. My hope is that every piece brings not only joy, but also a blessing.

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

I draw inspiration from so many different places. I love researching fashion trends from around the world, and I’m especially inspired by textiles—the fabrics, textures, patterns, and colors all spark ideas. I also enjoy browsing photos and videos people share online; it’s amazing how much creativity can be sparked while I’m simply sitting on my couch at home.
Recently, I’ve been watching a YouTube vlog from the Cotswolds in England. The creator travels throughout the region, and through her videos I get to experience places and details I wouldn’t normally see here. I also love returning to Maine in the summer to reconnect with my roots. I still forage for little treasures to use in my creations! My brother Jonathan has even supplied me with plenty of fallen birch, which I use in my brass and birch jewelry pieces.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

We need to support our local artists. In today’s world, it’s easy to reach for inexpensive, mass-produced items from across the globe, but behind every handmade piece in our community is a real person supporting their family. For me, my holiday shows literally pay for Christmas.
Makers add so much to our community—the baker crafting sourdough before sunrise, the barista creating a unique holiday drink, the jewelry maker staying up late to finish that perfect piece before heading to her full-time job the next day. Their work doesn’t just produce products; it creates atmosphere, connection, and culture.
If each of us chose to support even one local handmade business this year, it could make a meaningful difference. And don’t forget to spread the word—if you try something you love, share it. Post about it on social media, tell a friend, or leave a review.
Small actions truly help keep our creative community alive.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: bethanycrumpton
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KYrhim1ef/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: Check out Bethany Crumpton’s profile on LinkedIn