We were lucky to catch up with Danaë Sweeton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Danaë, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Ten years ago I made a decision that honestly scared me a little. I walked away from the traditional 9–5 professional world to build something of my own.

On paper, the safe path would have been to stay where I was. A steady paycheck, predictable schedule, the kind of life most people expect you to follow. But deep down I knew I wanted something different. I wanted freedom to create, to work with my hands, and to build a business that actually reflected who I am.

Starting my own business meant taking a real risk. There were long days, uncertainty, and moments where I had to bet on myself even when there were no guarantees or no one in my corner. But it also meant discovering my creativity and learning that resilience grows when you step outside the path everyone else is walking.

Today my work is a reflection of that leap of faith. Every piece I create, every show I set up at, and every customer interaction reminds me why I took that risk in the first place!

Sometimes the biggest growth comes from choosing courage over comfort and for me, leaving the 9–5 world was the first step toward building the life I had been dreaming about.

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

I’m a small business owner, metalsmith, and creative based in the Southwest. My work grew out of a love for history, raw materials, and giving overlooked objects a second life. I left the traditional path to build something that felt more authentic! I love working with coins, metals, stones, and reclaimed materials to create pieces that carry a story.

My business blends art, history, and craftsmanship. I create handcrafted jewelry, coin pieces, and unique items that people can wear, collect, or gift. Many of the materials I use, like vintage coins or reclaimed metal already have a past, and I love transforming them into something meaningful and beautiful again.

What sets my work apart is the story behind it. I’m drawn to pieces that feel a little wild, a little historic, and a little unconventional!

What I’m most proud of is building a brand rooted in authenticity. Everything I create comes from curiosity, craftsmanship, and a willingness to take risks. I want people to know that my work isn’t mass produced but it’s personal, intentional, and made with a lot of heart.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think my reputation has really been built on a combination of hard work, southern charm, and true grit! I show up, I put in the hours, and I genuinely care about the people I meet and the work I put out into the world.

Building a small business isn’t always easy, but I’ve never been someone who gives up when things get tough. I believe people recognize authenticity and determination, and over time that consistency builds trust.

At the end of the day, I think my reputation comes from staying true to who I am, treating people well, and having the courage to keep going no matter what challenges come along! And there have been many.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

One of the realities of my business is that it always involves a little bit of risk. I make small-batch jewelry and, whenever I can, I also go out and dig for crystals myself. Sometimes I’ll spend days sourcing materials, creating pieces, packing everything up, and setting up for a show without knowing if a single piece will sell. And sometimes they don’t!

There have been days where I took a chance on a new design and completely sold out. And there have also been releases where not one piece sold.

But that’s part of the journey! Every show, every piece, every day is a leap of faith but the feeling I get when people connect with something I made with my own hands makes every risk worth it!

For me the biggest lesson has been simple keep showing up, keep creating, and don’t quit just because one day didn’t go your way.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.jasperinjune.etsy.com
• Instagram: @jasperinjune