Meet Jennifer Padgett | Jewelry Maker and Artist

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

Hi Jennifer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly? My business started almost by accident. I was painting and making dream catchers—just creating for the love of it, with no real plan to turn it into something bigger. But the more I made, the more I realized how much I loved the process of transforming raw materials into something meaningful.

Then I started working with wire and stones, and everything just clicked. It felt like the perfect balance of strength and delicacy, structure and flow—kind of like the way I see the world. At that point, it wasn’t just about making art; it was about crafting something that carried a story, a bit of wild energy that people could take with them.

That’s when I knew I wanted to build something of my own, something that wasn’t just about selling jewelry, but about creating pieces that resonate, that feel like they belong to the person who finds them. So, I took the leap—and here we are!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art has always been about capturing that balance between strength and delicacy, chaos and craftsmanship. I started with painting and dream catchers, but when I found wire and stones, it felt like everything clicked. I love the challenge of working with raw materials—taking something wild and untamed and shaping it into something wearable, something that feels like it belongs to the person who finds it.

What sets my work apart? I think it’s the way I approach each piece. I don’t just make jewelry—I create pieces with a story, a spirit, a little bit of wild energy woven in. Whether it’s an intricate wire-wrapped pendant or a bold skull piece, everything I make carries that same heartbeat: a connection to nature, resilience, and a fierce kind of beauty.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. There were plenty of times I wondered if I was crazy for trying to turn my art into a business. It takes so much more than just making pretty things—you have to learn marketing, pricing, branding, all of it. And let’s not even talk about the imposter syndrome. But I kept going because I love what I do, and I believe in it. The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Growth isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always worth it.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that my work isn’t just about jewelry—it’s about carrying a piece of the wild with you. My brand, my art, my story—it’s all about embracing that untamed spirit and finding beauty in the raw, imperfect, and extraordinary.

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 a friend was in town, we’d skip the tourist traps and head straight to the good stuff—places with heart, where the food is solid and the vibe feels like home. I’d probably start with all-you-can-eat sushi (because is there a better way to catch up than over endless rolls and too much wasabi?). Then maybe over to a local brewery—something low-key and community-rooted, where the regulars all nod when you walk in and the bartenders know your favorite before you sit down. If they’re up for something cozy and a little indulgent, we’ll hit one of our favorite spots for German food and beer—big plates, warm lights, and the kind of comfort food that makes you linger a little longer. It’s all about good company, good food, and those little local gems that feel like you’re in on a secret.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! No one builds something alone, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to have an amazing support system along the way. First and foremost, my husband, Koda—he’s been my biggest cheerleader, my rock, and, let’s be honest, the guy who’s had to listen to me rant about wire not doing what I want it to do more times than I can count. He’s supported me through every phase, from dream catchers to paintings to where I am now.

My friends and family also deserve a massive shoutout. They’ve been there through every creative pivot, every “should I really be doing this?” moment, and every victory—big or small. Whether it was hyping up my work, showing up to markets, or just reminding me that yes, I am actually good at this, their support has meant everything.

Then there’s my foster community—the people who’ve not only shared my love for rescue pups but have also been a constant source of encouragement. Fostering has taught me patience, resilience, and how to embrace the chaos, and I think that carries over into my art more than I ever expected.

And of course, I have to shout out every single person who’s ever supported my work—whether it’s buying a piece, sharing my posts, or just sending a kind word when I needed it. This business exists because of the people who believe in what I do, and I don’t take that for granted for a second.

Website: https://force-of-nature-wild-inspired-art.myshopify.com

Instagram: www.instagram,com/forceofnature1022

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forceofnature1022