Meet Jen Ward | Maker & Owner

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

Hi Jen, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
As someone who is extremely type A – habits, systems, structure and balance are an intrinsic part of my life both inside my business and outside of it as well.
Some habits that have helped me succeed in my business are always ensuring I leave my workspace clean when my work day is done. This doesn’t necessarily mean its wiped down and pristine, but it does mean that I have my next day tasks laid out before me so that I can jump right in when I get to my office to work.
Additionally, I keep a nice thick journal that houses all of my ideas, business related do lists for the week, and overarching goals for the year. This helps to keep me on task, strive to hit goals, and adjust as needed.

A new habit that I’ve started this year is to read a book for enjoyment for 15 minutes prior to starting my work day (or night). I work at night after putting my 3 kids to bed, so doing something to “halt” the mom brain and adjust to the work brain has been extremely beneficial to my business. Not only do I head into work with a clearer head, but I also find myself more inspired to make the pieces that I do. (Currently Reading: In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner, 10/10 would recommend).

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.
I make handmade jewelry and accessories utilizing various materials including (but not limited to) polymer clay, genuine botanicals, resin, metal, and various types of beads.

I also recently extended my business to include keepsake jewelry utilizing items that are special to (and provided by) my customers (i.e. memorial flowers, fabric, sand, etc). I use these materials by cutting them down to size, designing them, and then encasing them in resin in either a ring, necklace, bracelet or earrings.

While there are plenty of businesses out there that make and sell jewelry, I genuinely believe that my meticulous attention to detail and genuine love of creating make my pieces stand out. I pour my heart into my work and I know that it shows.
While I do offer a wide range of products each piece is made with a fierce passion for what I do, and ensuring that my customers will be able to wear the piece(s) for as long as they are able.

My business, like many, started on Etsy during early COVID. I was working part time while also being a mom full time. I wanted a creative outlet to help my mental health and keep my hands busy while binge watching countless shows on Netflix. At first, when it was more something fun to do with maybe a little extra cash on the side, it felt “easy”. As my family and business have grown and I’ve left the corporate workforce there have definitely been more challenging times since we now actually rely on the income.

In 2022 I left my Etsy shop behind and moved over to my own Shopify storefront. This has allowed me a bit more flexibility with in person events, invoicing for wholesale, inventory management, as well as a large reduction in fees, however, I do sometimes miss the exposure that Etsy once provided me.
I’ve overcome a lot of these challenges by diving head first into in person events. I personally love meeting my customers face to face and the community of vendors I get to be around in my area.

I’ve learned a lot about not just following trends but making what I truly love to make. And that if I love what I’m making, odds are, someone else will love it too.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend visiting the city I’d definitely take them out shopping to see some of my favorite stores. First we’d go to The Coffee Roaster to stock them up on coffee beans and grounds to take home with them. Then I’d take them over to Of the Earth Florals, a local florist and gift shop with one of the most enchanting set ups in Lincoln to snag goods from other local vendors. We’d stop on over to the College View neighborhood where we’d snag some treats from Goldenrod Bakery and a coffee from The Mill. If the friend has kids I’d also pop them into Paper Kite for a fun selection of clothes and toys.

If we’re grabbing dinner I’d take them to The Oven for a Thali Plate or pop on over to Cappys for the best wings in Lincoln. For an after dinner drink I’d take them to The Barred Owl or Kate Martin.

As a mom, I’m a frequenter of city parks so I’d make sure they got to experience the bison and nature center at Pioneers Park, the Trago Park Splash Pad, and we’d have to go feed the giraffes at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.

I’d end the trip with a picnic and walk at Holmes lake enjoying takeout from Yia Yias pizza and coffee from The Mill or Bloom Coffee.

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?
I am so grateful that I feel like this question has a lot of different answers.
First, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do if it wasn’t for the support of my husband and our 3 kids.
They are a constant source of encouragement and support both creatively and emotionally.
My husband will frequently load up our crew and bring them to my events and pop-ups just so our kids get the experience of seeing me do what I do for a living. Memories of my oldest (5 yo) running up to my booth yelling “mommy!!” will forever be etched in my brain.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my grandma and my siblings as well. My grandma was the first person to ever purchase a pair of my earrings and was the reason I thought “hey, maybe I could make this a business!” My sister and my brother fell right in step behind her, supporting me through purchasing my products and sharing them with their loved ones, too. Some of my greatest supporters to this day are people that my siblings have recommended to my business.

Lastly, I am so eternally grateful to Love, the Locals. A group in Lincoln, Nebraska that organizes both a fall vendor market and winter vendor market that features handmade vendors from Nebraska surrounding areas. Not only have they been such champions of my business, but through their events I have made some of the closest friendships in my adult life. These friends offer advice and support for business questions I have, a listening ear during times of burn out, a critical eye when I have out of the box ideas, and plenty of love and laughter. My business would not be where it is today without Love the Locals and the relationships I’ve made because of it.

Website: https://Byhandandbyheart.com

Instagram: @byhandandbyheart

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

Image Credits
Tess Vrbicky Photography (for the photo in front of event booth)