We were lucky to catch up with Kelly Jo (KJ) Schimetz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly Jo (KJ), thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

As I get older, I realize that creating something from our minds, our hands and our passion is something that you will leave behind. It is not only the story of how it was created and what was put into it, it is driven by the inspiration that drove you to this moment in time. I am able to use my skills as a creator to create a piece for someone else that will have long lasting memories that can be shared with loved ones. This legacy of sharing your gifts with others is something I want to be remembered for, especially with my husband, children and grandchildren.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have a creative gene that was given to me by my amazing mother. I watched her be a creator her entire life. She once owned a macramé store and before she passed away, a ceramic shop where she had over 800 molds and taught children the process how each piece was created from pouring the molds to firing up the kiln. I got into a 9-5 job and as the years went on, my desire to create was burning. I finally started with custom wooden signs in 2017 after I purchased my very first “machine” a Cricut Explore AIr2. I have since moved onto a Glowforge and love anything that has to do with laser cutting and 3D art. Prior to all of this, I used to had draw and cut out my own stencils. I still have some of these!

I made a giant list of names or words that inspired me. I narrowed it down to 10 names, then 3. All members of my family individually picked “Cape+Willow” as the final and C+W was born! It started out small and has grown into something I love. I solely use my website and Instagram as my marketing tool and do not want it to get huge and I feel that takes away the meaning from why I am doing it. I am more of a slow and steady when it comes to the flow of things. Everyone loves custom items and this is all I do. I did inventory for a while, but the orders are all individualized. My husband is my “wood cutter” and “sander” and it is very much a team effort. I have had other jobs come in and out of my life, but Cape + Willow is my constant. It is something I am incredibly proud of and each piece is made with the utmost compassion.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I was very sick last year and to be honest, was very depressed after Covid changed our world. It had to shift my mindset to realize that even though things were different, this is the moment where I can use my gift, my resources to keep myself happy and in a good place mentally. It was not about sales, it was about creating and sharing information with others in my field to keep going. There were many days I did not get off the couch or out of bed; however, this is where a lot of my inspiration came from with the creations I made. I can feel the change my body goes through when I am working on something. There is a spark that leads to more sparks and it just keeps going. I also realized it is okay to take a break when needed and never to compare yourself to others and as all have a very unique style that people seek out. Don’t ever forget this!

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I will repost previous orders and talk about back stories. I have fostered the most amazing relationships through this as they know how important they are to me and my family. I once met a gal on an airplane when I first started this journey. She is one of my biggest supporters to this day. It isn’t about the money, it is about relationships. That is why were are all here, isn’t it? To inspire others, to share journeys, to help others connect. Human centered relatable experience unite us all and give us faith in how precious life is. This is ongoing throughout life and we need to lean on it more.

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits
Matt Ehnes: https://mattehnes.com/