We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Krystal Munday a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Krystal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
My parents did a lot of things right when it came to instilling important values in me. Firstly, they taught me that success in life doesn’t come handed to you on a silver platter – you have to work hard to achieve your goals and dreams. This has given me a strong work ethic and the determination to pursue my ambitions relentlessly, even in challenging times.
Moreover, my parents stressed the importance of self-reliance and not depending on others to make things happen for you. They taught me to take charge of my life and go after what I want instead of waiting for opportunities to come to me. This attitude has empowered me to be more proactive and take calculated risks that have led me to both personal and professional success.
Finally, my parents instilled in me the golden rule of treating others as I would like to be treated. This has led me to develop strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and a deep sense of compassion for others. It has also helped me to build long-lasting relationships with people from all walks of life.
Overall, my parents did a fantastic job of raising me with strong values that have helped me navigate life’s challenges and achieve my goals. I am forever grateful for the role they played in shaping me into the person I am today.
Krystal, 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?
For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself, how you got into silversmithing?
Certainly! My name is Krystal Munday and I am a silversmith based in Washington State. My journey into the world of silversmithing was quite unexpected but truly serendipitous. For most of my life, I worked as a Service Advisor for Ford, but when my husband and I moved to Washington from North Carolina, I found myself in a completely new environment where everything felt unfamiliar.
In 2017, my husband gifted me a beginning silversmithing class at the Shack Art Center in Everett, WA as a way to help me acclimate to our new surroundings and to explore a new hobby. I was intrigued by the idea of creating beautiful and intricate pieces of wearable art with my own hands, so I eagerly accepted the challenge.
From the moment I lit the torch for the first time, I knew that silversmithing was something special. The heat of the flame, the smell of the metal, and the feel of the tools in my hands ignited a passion within me that I had never felt before. I was hooked.
After completing the beginning class, I decided to continue honing my skills and purchased basic tools, a torch, and some silver to get started. I spent every spare moment practicing – two hours a night after my day job, attending local markets, reading books, and watching YouTube tutorials.
The journey to becoming a silversmith was not easy, and I melted more than my fair share of silver along the way, but I persevered. After four years of practicing and perfecting my technique, I took the leap of faith and quit my job to pursue a happiness that I never knew was possible.
Now, as a full-time silversmith, I have been able to use my newfound skills to create unique and beautiful pieces of jewelry that are inspired by nature and the world around us. I love exploring new techniques, learning about different cultures, and incorporating these elements into my work.
Silversmithing has completely changed my life and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to pursue this incredible craft.
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What type of products/services/creative works you provide?
In my studio, you will find a wide range of sterling silver gemstone jewelry pieces that are unique, artistic and handcrafted with passion. I provide an array of creative works that include pendants, chains, bangles, cuffs, earrings and an amazing selection of rings. Each piece is carefully designed to showcase the true beauty of the gemstone.
My creative process is guided by my passion for traditional silversmithing techniques coupled with my innate ability to let my mood and the day inspire my design. With this approach, no two pieces are the same, so you can rest assured that you are purchasing a one-of-a-kind piece of art that you will treasure forever.
As a silversmith, I personally choose each of the high-quality gemstones. From there, I meticulously handcraft the silver borders to pair perfectly with each gemstone. I take pride in my attention to detail and craftsmanship, ensuring that each piece is stunning from every angle.
What problems do you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from other silversmiths?
As a silversmith, I provide my clients with more than just a beautiful piece of jewelry, I provide them with a unique experience. I believe that jewelry should bring joy and happiness to its wearer, which is why I take great care to ensure that every piece I create is of the highest quality. I use only the finest materials and employ traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations of skilled artisans.
My commitment to quality is reflected in my warranty, which guarantees that any issues with my work will be promptly resolved. It is my goal to exceed my clients’ expectations and to provide them with not only a product but a memorable customer experience. I am proud to offer my clients a unique experience that is sure to bring them joy and happiness for years to come.
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What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.
As a silversmith and entrepreneur, there are countless achievements that I am proud of. However, what stands out the most is the fact that I have turned my passion for silver and earth into a thriving business. Starting from scratch three years ago, I poured my heart and soul into creating unique, high-quality pieces that reflect my love for nature and the world around.
Through these efforts, I was recently named a finalist for the prestigious Halstead Grant, which recognizes emerging jewelry artists who exhibit exceptional skills in jewelry design and entrepreneurship. This opportunity allowed me take my business to the next level.
In addition to the Halstead Grant, I have also been hand-picked to participate in some of the most renowned art shows in the Washington and Oregon area. I have had the honor of showcasing my designs and sharing my passion with thousands of art enthusiasts.
At the core of my brand, Silver Borders, is a commitment to creating beautiful, functional jewelry that resonates with the natural world. Whether it’s the textures of the silver, the splendor of turquoise, the luminescence of labradorite or the delicacy of freshwater coin pearls, each piece is a reflection of my deep connection to the world. Furthermore, I take great pride in using only ethically-sourced materials and environmentally-friendly practices in my production process.
So, to all potential clients, I want you to know that when you purchase a piece from Silver Borders, you are not just buying jewelry. You are supporting an artist who pours her heart into every creation and values sustainability and social responsibility. You are expressing your own connection to the environment and celebrating the beauty of the natural world.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing my passion with you and expanding my travels to more states in the upcoming year.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Yes, there are definitely resources that I wish I knew about earlier in my journey as a creative entrepreneur. Although I had a background in sales and service, building a successful jewelry business required me to learn a lot of new skills and knowledge. Looking back, I realize that there were several valuable resources that I was unaware of at the time.
One resource that I would highly recommend to anyone starting a new business is SCORE. This program offers free resources and mentorship to entrepreneurs in most cities. They have a wealth of information on starting and growing a business, as well as connections to experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support.
Another fantastic resource for new jewelry businesses is Halstead Beads. This company provides a wealth of information, tools, and resources specifically tailored to the needs of jewelers. They offer the Halstead Grant, which I applied for and was a finalist in, and found it to be an incredibly valuable learning experience. The application process forced me to answer tough questions and really think through the finer details of my business strategy.
Lastly, I would highly recommend finding a good inventory and manufacturing software program. I struggled to keep track of my raw materials and finished products in the beginning, and wish I had discovered a tool like Crafty Base earlier. This program has been a game-changer for me in terms of staying organized and understanding the true costs and profitability of my products.
Although I didn’t have all the resources I needed when I started my jewelry business, I have managed to learn and grow along the way. I hope that by sharing these recommendations, other entrepreneurs can take advantage of these valuable resources and build thriving, successful businesses of their own.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
When it comes to management and entrepreneurial thinking, there are a plethora of resources available to source inspiration from. One particularly insightful book that has significantly impacted the way I have approached my small business is “The E Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber.
Gerber emphasizes the importance of working on the business rather than in the business. He suggests that too often, entrepreneurs get so bogged down with the daily operations of their business that they fail to work on building and refining their organization’s processes and systems. Gerber hits home the point that a successful business doesn’t just rely on a good idea but requires a replicable and scalable blueprint.
Another valuable resource for entrepreneurs is Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why”. By delving into the core values that drive a company’s mission, Sinek stresses the importance of inspiring you through a shared sense of purpose. This not only keeps you motivated and engaged but also creates a loyal fan base for the company that is passionate about its vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.silverborders.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silver_borders
- Facebook: https://www..facebook.com/silverborders/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@silverborders
Image Credits
Krystal Munday