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

Jessi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I love being a creative! Creating is one of the best things for my mental health. I’m disabled by chronic illness, but even before I got sick and had a “real job” that I loved, making jewelry always brought me the most joy. If I were healthy enough to work another job again, I would prefer to just work more on my jewelry than I can currently.

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

When I first started to sell my jewelry it was mostly for something to occupy my time while I couldn’t walk and go to my college classes. I really enjoyed making beautiful things, but that was the extent of it. When I became chronically ill years later, I decided that the mission behind my jewelry was to remind everyone they aren’t alone in their struggles, especially with mental health and chronic illness. I really love to find unloved or broken jewelry at thrift stores, yard sales, and other places and make it into something new that will be loved again. I believe that it’s really important for everyone to have something beautiful they can put on when they’re having a bad day that will bring them some joy.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe that the best way to support makers and creatives is to tell your friends about them. Whether that’s online or in-person, word of mouth really goes such a long way. I personally share small businesses on my social media whenever I see something I like. It takes such a small amount of time and energy and it helps get new eyes on that person’s work. It’s a way of giving free advertisement to a small business that can’t afford much, or any, paid advertisement. Along the same line, it’s so helpful to leave a review when you love something you buy from a small business. Not only is it a huge encouragement for the business owner, but those words stick around for potential customers to see and choose to buy from the business.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’ve had to be very resilient throughout my journey, because I have struggled a lot with my mental health and multiple chronic illnesses. When I was at my absolute sickest, I spent most of my days in bed doing very little and falling asleep often, but whenever I had a little bit more energy I would make my way out to my desk in the living room and make a little bit of jewelry, or take photos for a future jewelry listing. When my seizures got too bad a few years later, I did take a break from making jewelry for a few months, but then I came back to it because there was definitely a void without it. I’ve been making and selling my jewelry for 12 years now, and there have been far more downs than ups in my life throughout that time, but it’s the main activity that keeps me going and gives me purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: Honeybeealley.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/honeybeealley
• Facebook: Facebook.com/HoneybeeAlley