Meet Ally Macredie | Designer & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ally Macredie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ally, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My business, AllyMStudio, began as a result of doing what I love, which is creating beautiful small scale jewelry. I couldn’t find the earring styles that I wanted to wear in my everyday life and at a price point that I could afford, so I began making them. I wondered if other people felt the same way. I needed to find out if people liked my pieces enough to purchase them. So, initially, my friends and family received jewelry gifts from me. I could see how the jewelry looked on a variety of people and they provided feedback of what worked and what didn’t. I got to work out some of the kinks. I was fortunate that a local boutique – Truly Bohotique – here in Golden, CO picked up my line. My gemstone stretch bracelets sold well there for a while. When the pandemic hit, brick and mortar sales came to a standstill. From there, I opened my Etsy store along with a social media presence. So, my thought process of starting a business has had to be flexible. Luckily I wasn’t married to a particular way of doing things. I knew that I would be learning a great deal during the process and that a great idea at inception might not work as time passed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Initially, I worked solely with gemstones. I’ve now incorporated glass, clay, and leather into my designs. My earrings are tiny and lightweight boho designs. I love boho style and wanted to create it on a smaller scale, particularly for earrings. I’m proud to offer designs that look expensive at a price point that is accessible for many. I love it when I see women put on a piece of my jewelry and light up from inside. To get where I am today, I had get out of my own way and subdue my feelings of not being knowledgeable or good enough in both the professional and the creative realms. It was a short pep talk that I gave myself. As soon as I was clear that the trajectory would be one of a few mistakes, some awkward moments along with expanding creativity, I was good to go. My business is still very young and feel that I’ve just begun the ascent. Is it easy? Not always. But the hurdles provide opportunities to grow and move on. When I face a challenge, I tap into my online professional community. I often find that there is someone else who has experienced a similar challenge. I am still learning lessons, be it an online technical issue, setting up all the business details, etc. I create my jewelry from a room with a view at my home in Golden, CO where I live with my husband, two sons and our pup…and a few fish. Each piece of jewelry is made with lots of care and love. Two things that I am excited about for the near future are a transition to eco-friendly packaging and a give back program to my community. I’m not sure what that looks like yet, but the idea seed has been planted.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For a low-key hang out in Golden, we would start the day with a stellar coffee at Cafe 13, Pangea, or Higher Grounds – we would probably choose a different place every day! Then peruse the many cool shops in town. On a nice day, we would head up to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater for a hike. Then come back to Golden to re-fuel on panini at Windy Saddle Cafe. A visit to the Frida Kahlo exhibit currently on display at the Denver Art Museum would be spectacular. And if the pandemic would just be over…we would head over for an eclectic and fun dining experience at Root Down. In the evening, I would share our stunning sunsets at one of the many micro-breweries in town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom is the first person who comes to mind. From the get go, when I was simply playing with gemstones on my dining room table, she encouraged me to keep creating. She gave me plenty of shout outs within her social network and was my all around cheerleader. My friend Mary was the first person other than my mom who told me that my designs were very good. This meant a lot as Mary handcrafted and sold jewelry before her current career. She was also my first paying customer. I recognize my husband for offering sound business ideas and support. Without him, I wouldn’t have the freedom to do what I do. All three of these people are entrepreneurs. I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur until now.

Website: etsy.com/shop/AllyMStudio
Instagram: @allymstudiogolden
Facebook: AllyMStudio

Image Credits
all photos were taken by me – a novice