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

Mica , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I were to start this business over I think I would have invested in an education. I would have taken smithing classes and maybe some business courses as well. When I first started smithing it was just a hobby that I did for fun because I love jewelry so much. I wanted to make my own silver, statement pieces. I didn’t expect it to turn into my full time job. I feel like I learned how to do things a little slower than I would have if I would have had some proper training versus just learning myself through trial and error. The same is true for the business end too.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Mica Bones. I’m a silversmith, electroforming artist and jewelry designer. I started silversmithing almost 9 years ago. I’ve always had a love for jewelry. As far back as I can remember, some of my most prized possessions have been jewelry. I remember I carried a pink plastic ring in a little purse every where I went when I was a really little girl. In my very early twenties I started making beaded jewelry for myself and I started selling some and gifting some. I would make these big chunky creations with gemstone beads that were on trend for that time in the 2000s. Eventually it wasn’t enough though… I wanted to make silver jewelry. Things that I knew I wanted but weren’t always accessible to me. I wanted big, bold, silver rings that looked a bit aged… like they were a relic passed down or unearthed. I knew that this was what I would be good at and coincidentally at a time when I needed to find myself and start something new my father asked me what I wanted to do with my life and I told him this was it. I wanted to make jewelry. He asked me what it would take? I knew I needed tools, torches, metal and stones… I figured I could get a good start with a thousand dollars. He gave it to me. He wanted to invest in me. And it was honestly the best gift he ever gave me. I found myself. I found a voice I didn’t even know I had. I realized how creative I could be and it really relieved so much stress and anxiety that was building in me. Now I spend my days creating bold, unique pieces for people who are as unique and bold as the pieces they wear from me. This is my passion.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I feel like I have had to pivot several times to keep this business afloat. When I first started making my jewelry I was just doing it as a hobby. I started selling more and more to where eventually my husband and I were able to buy another house just for us to work in as our private studios (he tattoos). I pretty much only sold my jewelry online and I thought that things would just keep getting bigger and better. When Covid happened and everyone was forced to stay inside we got pretty worried about what that would mean for our jobs. He was forced to stay home and not work but I actually got more busy than I had ever been! Luckily he knows quite a bit about what I do and he’s been able to help me whenever I need. The past 2 years it seems that social media and the economy have changed so much that I have had to pivot again to make ends meet. I haven’t been selling as much online and now I do a lot of local markets each month to make up that extra income. It’s hard work but there are things that I really enjoy about it. I love meeting with people and being able to tell them about their piece of jewelry because each one of my pieces has a story. And I feel all of my jewelry looks better in person.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Two things: kindness and quality. I really strive to always do those two things. I always tell myself “you never know who may be your next customer”. Whether through dm or in person I always do my best to be as nice and honest as possible. I mostly create custom pieces and that’s a very hands on process. I stay in close contact with my clients and like them to be in the know about what’s going on with their piece. When it comes to quality… that is my top priority. I make everything by hand and some may be surprised to know that I don’t really use a lot of fancy/expensive tools. I want my pieces to have that imperfect, handmade look/feel. But even though I know I can’t attain perfection using only these two hands, I really do strive to be darn near close to it!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mica.bones.jewelry?igsh=emU0czhjMTNtcGx2
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mica.bones.jewelry?mibextid=eQY6cl