Meet Becky Smith | Jeweler/Metalsmith

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

Hi Becky, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I knew from an early age that schedules and strict time constraints consistent with a 9 to 5 job, were not for me. Owning my own business allows me to get things done at my own pace and allows me so much more freedom to be creative and enjoy life on my own terms.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is generally one of a kind necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pins. Made from sterling silver, fine silver and copper. Each creation is hand cut and hand fabricated. I enjoy allowing the silhouettes to create their own story. I like to think of each one as a moment frozen in time. I love to cut out animals, flowers and mountain scenes and I am inspired by the beauty already created around me. I like to think my work has a simple beauty to it and I love the fact that I get to create something new each time.

After graduation from HCC I worked part time at a well known local art gallery. This part time gallery work allowed me to pursue my new jewelry career while also earning a paycheck. I loved working at the gallery. There were so many talented artists’ that became my friends. Working at the gallery also allowed me to gain a better knowledge of other mediums and was always just a inspiring place to work.

On my weekends off from the gallery, I would attend craft fairs and art shows to sell my work. It is always nice to hear feed back and gain an understanding of which pieces customers are responding to. Starting out I did as many shows as possible, I have since cut back some and honed in on the shows that have been successful for me.

Starting a business is not easy. There is no perfect handbook that will tell you everything you need to know right when you need to know it. But through hard work and persistence I feel as though I have a firm foundation to continue to build upon. There will always be a new challenge, but I believe I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have learned to enjoy each day as it comes. I hope my jewelry reflects some of the still, small moments that we take for granted everyday.

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?
I live and work about 30 minutes outside of Asheville, NC. I am blessed to be surrounded by the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Smoky Mountains. There are hundreds of great hikes to be had in my area. Black Balsam and the Art Loeb trail as well as Grave Yard Fields are some of my personal favorite hikes.

After a day of hiking its good to get back to civilization and I recommend a day of shopping in charming downtown Waynesville, NC. With lots of local small businesses and a variety of restaurants downtown Waynesville will not disappoint.

Then day three you could always head to Asheville for a day at the Biltmore House. America’s largest home and its surrounding 8000 acre property is open to the public for tours, garden strolls and so much more.

Asheville is also home to amazing, local shops and restaurants and is known for a vibrant arts scene and historic architecture.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey as a maker began very young. I am thankful to my parents who encouraged hands on learning and have been there to support me in any way I need.

I also would like to give credit to the Haywood Community College Professional Crafts program and my jewelry instructor Mr. Robert Blanton. I was lucky enough to attend the Professional Crafts program at HCC for two years, earning an associate degree in Professional Crafts – Jewelry. While in the program I was taught how to make, market, brand, and sell my work. The program allowed me to get a good foot hold in the craft world as I prepared to step out on my own. Mr. Blanton had a huge impact on my success, he is an incredibly patient and talented teacher. Through his guidance I learned many skills and those skills have carried me to where I am today.

I could write a book about all the people who have impacted my life and who deserve a thanks for some part of my success. But to keep it short I will say, I am thankful that God allowed my life to be shaped by so many amazing humans.

Website: www.beckysmithjewelry.com

Instagram: @smithsilverworkanddesign

Facebook: @BeckySmithJewelry