We were lucky to catch up with Jess Beamer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jess, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My parents have been the most influential forces in my life. When I say forces, I truly mean that each of them has been a very important force in my life. You’ll never meet anybody who is more hardworking than each of them. Their relentless hard working mentality was an amazing example of what having a work ethic means. They are both the type to bend over backwards for anybody in need. They have each supported me and been my biggest cheerleaders through all of the adventures I’ve chosen to go through in my life. I’ve been told since I was a young age that I can be whatever I want to be and to never give up. I cherish them and consider them my best friends.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a Colorado native who has always loved jewelry, and turquoise in particular. My mom’s family is Native American, and my dad hails from a ranching family. These two pieces of my heritage, I believe, come together in my love for western jewelry. Throw in a splash of boho, and Charcoal and Lace has been born!
I first learned how to silversmith in high school when I took an elective jewelry class. I fell in love with the craft and working with my hands. My dad was a miner and taught me about rocks from a young age, so being able to mix my love for rocks with my love for metalsmithing seemed too simple not to take it and run with it. I didn’t pursue my passion of silversmithing until much later, but once I got back in to it I was instantly hooked again.
I strive to bring a boho western style to the jewelry market. I love creating unique pieces that are practical for everyday wear, but also perfect for dressing up. I’ve enjoyed creating dozens of custom pieces and heirloom pieces for my customers over the last several years. However, next year I have an exciting program launching involving wedding jewelry. I hope to bring a unique experience to my business in it’s future that helps cater to every shopper.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I believe that our society has fallen in to habit of having instant gratification in every area of our lives. While this is very convenient, it doesn’t support our local, handmade artisans. I recommend always looking at small bussinesses, they likely have what you are looking for, and probably even more than you could’ve imagined. Small business owners spend their evenings, weekends, and holidays creating products for the public, often times working other jobs and holding their households together. Small business owners truly love their products and are very passionate about their businesses, otherwise they would get swept away in the crowd. Reach out to family and friends and find out who their favorite small businesses are. Do a pool on your instagram stories asking for suggestions. A like, comment, share, etc is supporting a small business in a huge way even if you don’t purchase from them.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Ever since the words “you can be whatever you want to be” were uttered to me at a very young age, I’ve held a flame beneath that dream and refused to let it go out. I have never wanted to be ordinary or bored in my life. I’m a doer, and this is the only way I’ve pushed through all of the obstacles put before to be where I am today. I have yet to hit my stride, but when I do, the dream has come true.
Ultimately, when I can call my business a full blow success, my single most important goal is to serve. I would like to serve my community somehow. Romans 12:10 says “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” It sounds silly to think that as a silversmith I could serve, but that is my end goal. I want to be able to give back for all of the blessings I’ve been given and continue to receive in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://charcoalandlace.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecharcoalandlace?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100031233145291&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://pin.it/vvoGsVD
Image Credits
Rainbow Fish Designs