We were lucky to catch up with Kathryn Peña recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kathryn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I started working with polymer clay back in 2020, after seeing the art medium online. At the time, I had left my job as a rural Paramedic and was preparing to start an Aviation Mechanic Program. The mechanic program was a full time schedule, allowing little time to work while going to school. My daughter was one at the time so working away from home while going to school would sacrifice all time spent with her. It was then that I considered starting my own social media based business.

Although this became an option, there was a lot of self doubt in not only getting it started but it becoming successful. I had never before possessed any kind of entrepreneurial interest and definitely didn’t have that entrepreneurial mindset. My fiancé, Jake, had run his own business at one point and always reassured me and encouraged me to get it going.

Even though it was a financial stress at that time to take the risk, we decided to take the chance. I wrote down all of my initial expenses and made myself the promise to, in the very least, replace the money spent.

I am incredibly blessed to say that my business and brand supported my family for the duration of the aviation program! And, to my surprise- my business even did well enough to make a pivot from a career in aviation mechanics to full-time small business owner.

Kathryn, 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?

Unearthed is small jewelry business based out of the Marana/Tucson area. My business is a two person team that consists of myself and my fiancé Jake.

We offer handmade jewelry made from polymer clay and resin and have recently added necklaces that are handstamped. If you take a look at my art, you’ll be sure to find a common theme-nature. I feel that my brand is unique because most of what I create celebrates my love for the land. I have always felt connected to nature and feel that there’s something very special about incorporating it into wearable art.

The jewelry I create is art and I’m always conscious about what that piece of art will reflect and reveal about myself, and my brand.
Every single piece of jewelry created is made with incredible attention to detail to present a piece of jewelry that can be adored and enjoyed for many years to come.

You ask what I am most proud of? I am most proud that I’m still here. The fact that I am still here-that I have enough support to be successful, is something that makes me feel incredibly honored and blessed.

This is so hard. Owning and running a business is a tremendous undertaking. Selling your art can feel vulnerable but I am so proud to have made it this far. My business cannot be successful only because of the art I create. My business has been successful because I have an incredible support system. I have a man that loves and believes in this dream as much as I do, and has dedicated himself to its success. I have family that provides unending encouragement and support, making it all feel more manageable. And, lastly but arguably most important- I have the support of my customers. Customers that have a lot of times, become friends. These amazing people continue to show up for me-for my family. I will forever feel indebted to them for continuing to propel this business forward because they are giving me the ultimate gift-time. I am literally trading my art for time and memories made with my kids. I am so grateful to have earned my customers continued support.

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

I believe what helped us build our reputation in our market is not only the quality of our products but also the connections we make with our customers and fellow small business owners. Success, to me, is not only circulating my art but bonding with the people that support my art, my business, and my family.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My business is the product of a huge shift in my life both personally and professionally.

Before I had children, my dream was to be a flight Paramedic on a helicopter. I had worked as a field medic for four years and had put enough time in to finally be able to apply for a spot on a helicopter -then my daughter came! After 3 months of being born, I jumped back on the ambulance-working 24 hour shifts every other day. I quickly realized that my job had made me a part-time parent. I was missing 72+ hours of my daughter’s life every single week. As soon as I made that realization, that dream turned into a nightmare and my sole focus was finding a job that could get me more time with my family.

Cut to years later, here I am! I am working from home, making the most out of my time with my three kids and not missing a single thing.

Taking this leap of faith and betting on myself was a huge pivot and although the decision still feels scary at times, it has been the most rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.UnearthedAz.com
• Instagram: @unearthed_az

Image Credits
@dreahphotography (photo of only myself) @taylerdphotography (family photo)