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

Candace, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

If I had started my jewelry design business sooner, I would have been able to establish a foothold in the industry and grow my business to its full potential. With five years of experience, I could have learned and adapted to market trends faster and more efficiently. Not only that but with the proper planning, I could have explored new avenues for marketing and selling my pieces.

Starting several years ago, and going full-time, would also have given me enough time to build relationships with customers and vendors alike, creating a solid network of people for my business to draw from.

The opportunities that starting my jewelry design sooner would have presented me with opportunities and experiences that are irreplaceable.

Candace, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Candace (everyone calls me Candy), and I’m the founder and creative behind Candace Stribling Jewelry. My passion lies in designing jewelry for self-assured women like you, who wear their heart on their sleeve.

Since my childhood, I’ve had a penchant for working with my hands, inspired by my father and his resourceful mother, a WWI widow. He taught me to be an independent woman, just like my grandma, who used the death benefits to invest in real estate. Over time, I honed my skills in jewelry design and metalsmithing, and today, I take pride in creating unique and beautiful pieces using a combination of metals and gemstones.

Designing jewelry not only gives me a sense of accomplishment but also helps me build my self-confidence. For years, I suffered from low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, and a sense of purposelessness. Now, I’m actively working to nurture my self-worth, and jewelry serves as my talisman, reminding me of all the ways I care for myself.

Going through this experience helped me realize that other successful women might also be struggling internally with imposter syndrome. That’s why every piece of my jewelry is crafted with the aim that each woman will express her authentic self in a way that’s completely unique. My goal is to create artful jewelry that will connect with these women and allow them to step into their personal style in a way that completely suits them. I always want them to feel beautiful, smart, and strong.

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

Society can support creatives, and artists especially, by recognizing the importance of art in our lives. Art reflects how we view the world: it is a reflection of our heart, soul, and vision. It should be celebrated and shared freely.

Governments could provide more funding for creative outlets such as art galleries or performance venues. They could also invest in initiatives such as grants for artists to help them create their art without financial worry. Communities could come together to create public spaces dedicated to showcasing local talent, or host gatherings where people can come together to share and appreciate art.

It’s also important to make sure that there are adequate educational resources available so that everyone has access to learning about different kinds of art forms, whether it’s practical skills such as painting or theatre production techniques. To support creatives, society must recognize that art is an essential part of our culture and actively work towards creating a more supportive environment for them.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being a BIPOC jewelry designer is an incredibly rewarding experience. The joy of creating something new and unique that satisfies both the customer and the designer is indescribable. Knowing that you have produced something special for someone else is one of the most gratifying aspects of being a jewelry designer.

Seeing the delight on your customers’ faces when they receive their custom-made piece, or hearing them rave about it to their friends and family is truly rewarding. Being able to use your creativity and skills to make something beautiful for someone else is a feeling like no other. It’s an amazing feeling knowing that your work has made somebody’s day and given them a lasting memory or keepsake to treasure.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.candacestribling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candacestribling
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candacestribling

Image Credits
Cole Rodger