From All-In to All-Heart: My First Year of Full-Time Jewelry Making

There's something magical about sitting at my workbench, watching sterling silver transform under my hands into pieces that will become part of someone's story. As I reflect on my first full year running Salt Creek Silver, I'm struck by both the intensity of the journey and the profound sense of purpose it's brought to my life.

The Year of Going All-In

Morning, noon, and night – that's what it took to build Salt Creek Silver into what it is today. As a solo artisan, every aspect of the business rested on my shoulders, and I embraced that responsibility with everything I had. When I say I'm hands-on, I mean it literally – each piece is handcrafted by me from start to finish, a labor of love that filled my days (and nights).

My routine became a beautiful blur: customer service and jewelry building by day, marketing strategies by night. Like a worker bee, I moved from task to task, always with the next creation in mind. This dedication to craft and business led to remarkable growth:

Sales increased by 123%
Total orders rose over 40%
Website sessions grew by 93%
Average order value jumped 61%

But these numbers only tell part of the story. Behind each percentage is countless hours at the workbench, carefully crafting each piece with intention and care.

Building Strong Foundations

This year was about creating systems that would allow both the business and creativity to flourish:

Launched a new website that better showcases the soul of each piece
Implemented robust financial systems to support sustainable growth
Invested in business coaching to sharpen my entrepreneurial skills
Developed comprehensive marketing systems that stay true to our values
Honed my photography skills to capture the authentic beauty of each creation

The focus was clear: develop strong systems and increase inventory production. Every system put in place was another step toward sustainable growth.

Settling into a New Self

Winter 2024 brought with it a profound shift – a period of hibernation and introspection that I hadn't anticipated. At 37, I found myself standing at the threshold of what felt like a new kind of adulthood. Starting a business isn't just about building systems and creating products; it's about meeting yourself in entirely new ways.

There were moments at my workbench when I felt lost at the helm, questioning everything. But what I initially mistook for confusion was actually transformation. Like silver being refined, I was being reshaped into a more authentic version of myself. This wasn't just professional growth – it was an elevation of spirit, a calling into a deeper wisdom that I'll be growing into over the next handful of years.

The most significant shift has been in where I seek inspiration. Instead of looking outward, I've learned to trust the quiet whispers of intuition. Creativity now flows through me rather than from external sources. It's as if each piece I create is born from a conversation between my hands and my heart, guided by an inner knowing that grows stronger with each passing day.

This evolution has brought with it a profound sense of alignment. I'm no longer just making jewelry; I'm channeling something more meaningful, more aligned with my core being. It's a wisdom that comes from embracing who I truly am, rather than who I think I should be.

Looking Forward: Intentional Growth in 2025

As I stand at the threshold of 2025, my vision is shifting from "doing it all" to "doing what matters most." My goals reflect this evolution:

Embracing Efficient Creativity | The coming year is about working smarter, not harder. I'm focusing on increasing inventory while reducing production time – finding that sweet spot between craftsmanship and efficiency.

Soulful Expansion | I'm setting my sights on 50-100% sales growth, but with a different approach. Instead of being everywhere, doing everything, I'm embracing the power of attraction. This means creating from a place of alignment and inspiration, letting my authentic creativity lead the way. My mantra "If I build, they will come!"

New Horizons | I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be developing a Signature Line in 2025 – a collection that truly embodies the essence of Salt Creek Silver. Additionally, we'll be introducing SCS pieces to new markets, sharing our vision of soul-driven jewelry with even more kindred spirits.

Balance and Flow | Perhaps most importantly, I'm implementing stronger time management and blocking practices. This structure will create space for both focused creation and necessary rest. The goal is simple but profound: do less, but with more intention and impact- and play a lot more!

The Heart of the Matter

This journey has taught me that being "all-in" doesn't mean losing yourself – it means bringing your whole self to what you do, mindfully and sustainably. Every piece of jewelry that leaves my bench carries that lesson with it: the possibility of living a life by your own design, one that honors both your dreams and your wellbeing.

To everyone who has been part of this journey – whether you've worn my pieces, supported the business, or cheered from afar – thank you. You're the reason I pour my heart into every design, every hammer strike, every careful polish.

Here's to creating more beauty, fostering more connections, and living more soulfully in 2025 – by design, not by default.