Meet Aubrey Jordan | Solopreneur & Artisan

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

Hi Aubrey, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Troy, Alabama, and raised in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, where my family settled in the summer of 1995, just before I started third grade. I owe much of who I am today to my grandparents, who taught me invaluable life lessons, and my mother, whose unwavering support and dedication provided me with the freedom to explore my ever-evolving interests. Their influence instilled in me a fearless curiosity—one that encourages me to think outside the box and embrace the unorthodox.

Growing up, competitive sports and community-based clubs shaped my drive and energy, teaching me discipline, teamwork, and adaptability. Over time, I channeled that same passion into more creative pursuits, not just for myself but for those around me. From my first job at 16 cleaning pools to roles in retail and operations, each experience helped me discover new ways to express creativity. Ultimately, this journey led me to a deeper purpose—giving back in a sustainable way while ensuring my creativity always stays fresh and evolving.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Arbor Drift Designs is all about creating wooden earrings that are not only beautiful but also sustainable. What makes my pieces special is the combination of natural wood and playful, unique designs. I’ve always loved working with wood because it feels so natural and earthy, and it gives each pair of earrings a special, organic quality. I want people to feel connected to nature when they wear my designs, whether it’s the intricate patterns or the eco-friendly materials that make each piece feel one-of-a-kind.

Building Arbor Drift Designs has definitely been a journey, and it hasn’t always been easy. There were plenty of challenges along the way, from perfecting my craft to learning the ropes of running a business. But with every obstacle, I learned something new, whether it was about creating better designs, finding the right materials, or understanding what my customers love. I’ve realized that it’s not just about making something beautiful, it’s about connecting with people and offering them something they truly love and feel good about wearing.

What I really want people to know about Arbor Drift Designs is that it’s all about expressing yourself through wearable art that’s good for the planet. Every pair of earrings is made with care and I hope that when someone wears them, they feel just a little bit more like themselves, authentic, creative, and unique. My goal is to keep evolving, staying inspired, and creating designs that bring joy and personality to every look.

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?
If my best friend came to visit Colorado Springs, I’d want to show them a little bit of everything that makes this place special, without rushing it. There’s a good mix of nature, chill spots, and just cool places to explore, so we’d take our time.

One day would probably be all about the outdoors. We’d head over to Garden of the Gods and just walk around for a while. You don’t really need a plan there, it’s the kind of place where the scenery does all the talking. Another day we might drive up Pikes Peak. The views from the top are unreal, and even just the drive up has this adventurous feel to it. It’s the kind of experience that sticks with you.

We’d definitely check out the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo at some point too. It’s a fun place to walk through, and you get these great views of the city while you’re wandering around. Then maybe spend a slower day down in Manitou Springs. It’s got a relaxed, artsy vibe and enough little shops and places to wander through that you can easily spend an afternoon there without realizing it.

Somewhere along the way, we’d carve out time for a sunset hike at Red Rock Canyon Open Space. It’s not far, but it feels like a total escape. There’s something about being out there in the quiet, with the sun going down, that just helps you reset.

The cool thing about Colorado Springs is that it doesn’t try too hard. It’s not flashy, it’s just real. I’d want my friend to leave feeling like they got to slow down for a bit, see some amazing spots, and just enjoy some solid time together.

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?
If I had to dedicate a shoutout to someone who’s had a huge impact on where I am today, without hesitation, it would be my grandfather. He was the kind of person who didn’t need to say much to teach you something meaningful—he led by example. As a painter, he approached everything he did with patience and purpose. I remember watching him work in total focus, completely in his element, and I think that’s where I first learned what it means to truly be connected to your craft.

It wasn’t just about art, though. He had this quiet strength and a deep sense of discipline, which shaped how I carry myself to this day. He taught me to pay attention to the details, to slow down and do things right, and to never shy away from putting in the work. More than anything, he’s the reason I developed such a competitive spirit, not in a loud or flashy way, but in a steady, determined way. He showed me what it meant to keep going, to improve for the sake of the work itself.

As I grew older and started finding my own creative path, I realized just how much of him shows up in what I do. Whether it’s in the design process for Arbor Drift Designs or just the way I approach new ideas, his influence is always there. His legacy is one of quiet creativity, strength, and care and I try to bring that same energy into everything I make.

So yeah, this shoutout is for him. For the lessons, the example, and the spark he passed on without ever needing to say much at all.

Website: https://www.arbordriftdesigns.com

Instagram: @arbordriftdesigns

Facebook: Arbor Drift Designs

Image Credits
Mindy Warman @ Mindy Warman Photography