We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Pam Robinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Pam, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

For 26 years I worked in a studio in an artist building on the Northside of Chicago where I made Jewelry, offered private lessons, and taught small classes. At the same time I was working at a large art center. I had been there for 27+ years teaching classes and was part of the arts administration management team.
And then COVID hit. My position at the art center was no longer needed, and classes came to a screeching halt! I found that there was a desire for continued creativity, and I realized the limitations that COVID presented to our community.
I immediately started looking for a larger studio space that would allow others to come, make, create, and feel like they are part of an inclusive community.

Three months later I found the perfect location that allowed for bench rentals and a teaching space. Garnet Studios was born.
I knew it was worthwhile because I always had a desire for making, giving back, and sharing my passion with others. This opportunity allowed me to do that on my terms, in a space for those that didn’t feel like they had anywhere else to go.

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.

I am a Chicago based jewelry designer, craftsperson, educator and hockey fan. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and studied gemology at The Gemological Institute of America. I have also taken numerous workshops over the years in my field.
Growing up in Chicago, I was fortunate to be surrounded by so many resources rich in the arts. I started making jewelry when I was in high school but had always had a passion for painting, drawing, and throwing an occasional pot or two since I was a small child. Inspired by creating jewelry and small metal sculpture, it was only fitting for me to attend The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After receiving my BFA, I apprenticed for many Jewelers over the years doing bench work. This is where I really learned the finer points of the business as well as the craft. It was when I attended GIA that my love of gemstones really became apparent. I began using them in most of my work.

In 2019 I received the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) Volunteer Recognition Award for my many years of service to the organization. In addition, I served on the board of the Women’s Jeweler’s Association (WJA) – Chicago chapter, and was a founding member of The Chicago Metals Art Guild (CMAG).

In 1994, I established a business for myself creating custom made wedding rings. I also have a line of one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry made of sterling, gold and gemstones. My work has been published in numerous books and magazines, and has been demonstrated on many television news segments.

I love working with clients to design a custom piece of Jewelry that is personal to them. I get to know the client, their background, and what they’re passionate about. If I’m working on personalizing a family heirloom, I make sure the story behind the piece helps drive the design.

I am just as passionate about sharing my knowledge and background with the community so they can find their creative voice. This has led to teaching all ages of students with varying backgrounds. I believe everyone has something creative within them – my job is not to teach you how to be creative, but how to find the creativity within yourself.

There are no secrets in this field. I am more than willing to share my knowledge and approach to making jewelry and small sculpture. I want to give my students the tools and techniques to be proud and successful of the pieces they create.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I knew I always wanted to expand my business but didn’t see that happening for a couple of more years. There was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. The space next door to my existing space became available which allowed me to expand both the teaching space and the group studio/bench rentals. In order to make this work, I needed a business partner – someone who had the same passion for this field that I do. I was fortunate to not have to look very far. A fellow studiomate had the same vision that I did when it came to growing this business. We talked and jumped at the opportunity immediately!

As a result of this partnership, we now have two connecting spaces – the group studio with eleven rental spaces, and a well-equipped teaching space for eight students and growing.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Courtney was a student of mine at the art center many years ago. She then moved on to more intensive programs for studying Jewelry making and gemology. She, like I, studied at a variety of institutions around the country. I was taking a workshop just outside of Nashville. She was in their intensive bench program there. While I was setting up my bench for the workshop, I heard her very familiar voice. I turned around, we hugged, and have stayed connected ever since. As a result of this continued connection, we have worked together in the same studio spaces and collaborate on custom jobs for clients. Our mutual trust for each other, passion for this industry, and wanting to meet the needs of the community, led us into this partnership. I couldn’t be more grateful and am looking forward to, what will hopefully be, many years of working together and growing Garnet Studios into the institution it deserves to be!

Contact Info:

• Website: garnetstudioschicago.com – coming soon
• Instagram: @garnet_studios
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pam-robinson-804152166/

Image Credits

All photos are owned by Garnet Studios