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

Tracy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

All my life, I have dappled in creating… crafts, and just about anything I could do to make, to hold and see when I was finished. I enjoyed the process, the end result, and especially the calm meditative nature of making something. It was a big way of how I spent my free time outside of work. I had always wanted to spend more time on creative outlets and less time in my day to day work. However, with a Masters Degree in Organizational Development, I felt tied to my profession and obligated to put my degree to good use. Fast forward many years, while pregnant with my second son, I received the very upsetting news that I would be on bedrest for the final 12 weeks of my pregnancy. For something with high energy and a passion for being active and getting things done, this was hard to hear! But, recently I had begin making jewelry again. And that’s when it happened… I literally sat on my couch for months and taught myself in-depth techniques to make jewelry. And I fell in love! I was so excited that I could have my creative process, get grounded by the peaceful details of jewelry making, and also then wear my creations. It was in that moment, I realized it was time to say goodbye to board rooms and business suits, and follow my passion for being a creative. 12 years later, Rustic Gem Jewelry is a successful handmade small jewelry business, and my true labor of love.

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

“You are beautiful and unique, so why shouldn’t your jewelry be too?”

My one-of-a-kind jewelry creations are the result of my obsession with big city fashion, and the contrasting natural and rustic surroundings of my studio nestled in the rural Northern California foothills.

I create each piece of jewelry by hand with versatility in mind. From the corporate professional, to the busy mom, to the fashionista meeting the girls for Sunday brunch, there’s a piece crafted for each and every lifestyle. The jewelry is good quality, affordable, and on trend. There are many one of a kind pieces, and there is literally something for everyone!

Not only does do I feel blessed for being able to fulfill my passion each day, but I’m overly grateful to all who have connected with my designs proving that jewelry-making is what I’m meant to be doing.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

So many mainstream items are mass produced, it reinforces everyone being the same, rather that being your unique, beautiful self. We need to support small businesses better, so it’s not such a challenge to stay afloat as a small business owner. We need to support women in business, and working moms who are also creatives.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I find so much of it rewarding! Spending time creating something myself and then watching someone else love it so much that they purchase it, is such an incredible reward. To know that my jewelry designs make a woman feel more stylish, beautiful, and powerful… this is the most incredible privilege. To know I designed a piece that uniquely speaks to someone and brings them a form of self expression, is a great joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rusticgemjewelry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rusticgemjewelry/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rusticgemjewelry/

Image Credits
Lisa Vortman Photography Dawn Heumann Photography