We were lucky to catch up with Kristin Hall recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kristin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful order I have had came from a wonderful customer who ordered a pair of rainbow earrings. I had just released this pair of clay earrings on my website and loved them. I was so excited when this customer placed an order for them, meaning she enjoyed them too. I didn’t think too much more about the order at that point though. A few months after the order shipped, she contacted me and told me how much the earrings meant to her. She had miscarried a baby months earlier and desperately wanted a baby. She went through extensive infertility treatments and told me that she was wearing her rainbow earrings to every single appointment she had, hoping they would bring her luck in conceiving her “rainbow baby”. She just delivered a healthy baby boy at the beginning of January. Stories like this have a way of humbling me. I am so grateful that with my art, I can be a small part of people’s story and journey. I am beyond honored!!

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?

Hi! My name is Kristin Hall and I own a handmade jewelry company called Vintage Alley Designs. I started this company in February 2020 to fulfill my desire to create. I have a full time “day” job, but thought it would be fun to have a creative outlet on the side. COVID hit in March 2020 and basically shut my business down. When I started, I was focused on resin jewelry. I enjoyed it okay, but resin can be very frustrating to work with, so I did find myself getting frustrated often. In May 2020 we found out that we were pregnant with our second son and working with resin while pregnant scared me, so it came to a halt. Our son was born in February 2021 and while I loved being a mom to my boys, I was really longing for a creative outlet for myself. I bought a few bars of polymer clay from Hobby Lobby and began playing with it. I fell in LOVE!!! Clay instantly became a passion for me and I knew I had to start up my business again. I focus mainly on creating clay earrings, but also offer clay necklaces as well. Clay is easy to love! Clay jewelry is super lightweight, which makes it great for every day wear. Most of the earrings I create weigh less than a quarter! You truly forget you’re wearing them! Clay is also very durable. It holds up for the long-haul. It’s non-toxic, which makes me feel good about selling it. I love the fact that I can provide affordable, cute jewelry that is fun and easy to wear. I believe that my strong desire to create a great product sets me apart from other jewelry designers. I take my art seriously and strive to create beautiful earrings for my beautiful customers! When you purchase from Vintage Alley Designs, you can be assured that you’re getting quality jewelry that, when cared for properly, will last for years to come. That will always be very important to me!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is hands down seeing people wear my art. Selling art can be very intimidating. When I first started this business, I would doubt myself (heck, I still doubt myself some days!) and wonder who would buy my jewelry. I think it’s a vulnerable place to put your art in to the world and hope people like and appreciate it. Customers will send me pictures of them wearing Vintage Alley earrings, or I will run in to customers while I’m out and about, and they are wearing my earrings. That is so freaking cool to me!! Haha!! A few days ago, a woman stopped me while I was out shopping and said “You own Vintage Alley Designs, right? I love your earrings and wear them all the time!” I truly can’t tell you how much this means to me. I realize that when it comes to jewelry there are SO many options. When someone chooses to support Vintage Alley, I am filled with gratitude. That may sound silly, but I am always humbled to see someone wearing my jewelry!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Thankfully, I feel like support of artists and small businesses is greater than it ever has been. I think society can best support artists by just showing up for them! Shop small! Choose to purchase their items instead of items from large companies. Supporting artists does not always mean purchasing either. Follow them on social media, comment on their posts, share them with your friends and family. Word of mouth is huge for a local artist!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vintagealleydesigns.com
• Instagram: @vintagealleydesigns
• Facebook: @vintagealleydesigns
• Other: LOCAL SHOPS: The Emporium – Castle Rock, CO Maker’s Market Park Meadows Mall – Lone Tree, CO Curate Mercantile – Littleton, CO Festive Cup Coffee Shop – Highlands Ranch, CO Ella Bliss Salon Locations – Denver Metro Area, CO