Meet Jandi Burkett | Metalsmith / Artisan Jeweler

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

Hi Jandi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I guess you could say it’s in my DNA.

Born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, my art career began in my teen years with my family. In 1988, my mom began designing and creating hand-painted wooden jewelry and traveling to art shows. Soon, this turned into a family affair: my dad would cut the wood in his shop, the kids would base coat, and Mom would paint the details. (Eventually, I got to do detail-painting, too!) We’d go to art shows on the weekends and sell the jewelry we had created together.

In 2012, I opened my Kansas studio.. In 2021 I returned to Colorado and established my studio/business and began designing and creating for The Golden Bear once again. Working in my studio is my happy place, and my creative process is my meditation, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am constantly designing and building jewelry in my head. It feels amazing when I can hit the studio and turn the designs in my brain into beautiful jewelry. I’m excited to be back in Colorado with new inspirations and so many wonderful people to meet.

Building my business has been a tough journey.

Currently, I’m focusing on my website, getting exposure and building an audience. The biggest challenge is the amount of time I need to spend on marketing. It’s definitely not my strength. I’d love to spend all of my time designing and making.

I want the world to know how much I love what I do. I take great pride in my unique designs and the high quality of my jewelry.

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?
My sister was just here and this is what we did….in 2.5 days

Glenwood Springs, Co
1. shopping downtown.. Love Threadz and Goodz
2.Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
3. Iron Mountain Hot Springs
4. Dinner @ Juicy Lucy”s

Eagle,Co.
Red Canyon Cafe for lunch.
shopping…
Antlers and Rose
Everyday Outfitters

Vail, Co
hike Booth Falls (tough for flat landers)
shopping in Vail Village

Edwards, Co
happy hour @ Etown

I’ve also had family stay at the Glenwood Canyon Resort and they love it.

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?
The Golden Bear of Vail is where I began my career as a metalsmith in the 1990s. The Golden Bear is a locally owned Colorado small business that was established in 1975. I learned on the job in their studio full of talented jewelers.

I returned to Colorado in 2021 and am designing and creating for the Golden Bear and Jandi Burkett Metalsmith.

Also, my husband, David deserves a shoutout. He’s been supportive throughout the ups and downs of establishing my business.

Website: https://jandiburkettmetalsmith.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandiburkettmetalsmith/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JandiBurkettMetalsmith