We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Patricia Sutterfield. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Patricia below.

Patricia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made?

The best investment I have made in my business is buying high quality staple tools, such as my roller mill and microscope. These are tools I use daily and they make my life so much easier by allowing me to complete tasks more efficiently and with a higher scale of precision.

When I first started goldsmithing I had zero knowledge. I didn’t know a soul in the industry or even how to really start. I was reading as many books and websites as possible to gain all the insight I could, I ended up wasting so much money buying cheaper tools, as I was scared of spend too much money in the beginning, Only to wind up buying the same tool again but in a higher quality.

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?

The whole reason I got into jewelry was truly due to the lack of shopping in my home town. I wanted a necklace that I couldn’t find in our local stores. After a day of going store to store, I decided I could just make it myself, I brought some wire, chain and glue and made my own necklace. To my surprise during a night out I received so many compliments. One friend asked if I could make her one which turned into 3 friends and so on. From there it snowballed into a full hobby for a few years.

I dabbled in wire wrapping, copper electroforming and silversmithing before eventually getting into goldsmithing. Not only was I falling in love with goldsmithing but I really enjoyed owning a business. I loved all aspects, designing the piece, getting to know clients, marketing, taking photos, even the admin side.

It took a few years for me to muster up the courage to quit my good job to go to school. I was in my mid twenties and I was really scared about starting over.

I went to school in the states during 2020, right when the world shut down. 1 month into my course and before I had to head back to Canada. Only to return with no job, no education and no plan- it was scary to say the least.

The months that followed were tough. Trying to learn as much as i could with no mentor or any form of guidance. I ended up diving really deep into online learning. I read every forum, website, blog and books about goldsmithing as I could.

In 2022 i decided it was time to go back to the states for schooling where I learnt hand engraving. This was a skill I had wanted to learn for years. This component really helped me shape my niech and really develop my style. Offering one of a kind engagement rings and wedding bands with hand engraved detailing.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Whenever I make any custom piece I keep very close contact with all my clients. We start by having either a phone converstion or video call to meet and get to know each other and to discuss the project in greater detail, this also help gives a face to the brand.

During the creation process I send multiple video and photo updates of the piece. I find this has really helped foster open communication and allows my client to be involved on a greater level, it also allows space to make any changed if needed.

I have found that starting out any working relationship with solid communication, especially with an intimate piece such as an engagement ring really helps build a strong foundation. It has really paved the path for me to not only have repeat clients but also gained some friendships along the way,

I try to reach out to my clients after a while to see how they are doing and how their piece is wearing. My absolute favourite thing is when I receive updates and photos from clients wearing and enjoying their piece.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

My best source of new clients is instagram. It was a very slow burn but I found that as soon as I starting being constant with my posts and stories I gained more traction and eyes. What I love most about using instagram as a platform for new clients is that I can show them that its me physically making the piece. My best viewed videos are ones that show me making jewelry from start to finish. Having the ability to post reels and stories of behind the scenes has really changed my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rebelandroguejewelry.com
• Instagram: @rebelandroguejewelry
• Facebook: @rebelandroguejewelry
• Other: Pintrest @rebelandroguejewelry

Image Credits

Patricia Sutterfield