Meet Kait Crouthamel (she/her) | Artist & Owner of Rediscover Your Light Jewelry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kait Crouthamel (she/her) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kait, how does your business help the community?
Community and social impact have always been a key part of my life since I grew up being a Girl Scout. From volunteering throughout my adolescence, to finding ways to give back to the community, I knew that I wanted to integrate this key aspect of myself into my business. Therefore, I created the Shop to Donate Section to my online store. Shop to Donate items have 100% of their proceeds donated to the organizations listed in each product listing. My first project was for the BLM and Emergency Release Fund organizations, where I lead a collaboration with other artists who donated funds or crystals to create protection pouches. The handmade protection pouches were inspired from the BLM movement and protests in 2020. Each pouch has a variety of crystals; Desert Rose, Jet, Hematite, Fluorite, Blue Kyanite, Labradorite, a Shungite Keychain, and an Essential Oil blend to aid in protection and grounding. The next project I pursued was solo, where I turned my popular Nebula and Nebula Mini Rings into a special product with an exclusive Carnelian bead. These funds are donated to the Trevor Project, an organization that provides therapy, crisis help, and resources to LGBTQIA+ youth and adults. I am currently working on my next Shop to Donate piece, which will be for the Erin Levitas Foundation. Each Shop to Donate is thought out very intentionally, and therefore my goal is to add at least 1 new Shop to Donate product each year. Another way I give back to the community is through my jewelry itself with the crystal energy. I’m not saying crystal energy is the “fix everything pill,” but the subtle energy waves may help one’s Aura and/or environment. Even if someone doesn’t believe in crystal energy, if the jewelry they chose or had custom made for them brightens their day just a little, I say that’s a win!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art for me has always been about expressing my thoughts and emotions about myself, and/or politics. After achieving my Bachelor in Fine Arts with a concentration in Ceramics, I jumped into several different art jobs. Right out of college, I started working at a paint your own pottery business, which was good for that time in my life. I learned that I wanted to start focusing on more Fine Art, and jumped into a jewelry production job. This was exciting for me as I remember my last semester of college I took a metal smith class and really fell in love with metal work. I mainly did wire wrapping at my job, but did get to dapple into some designing. After working there, I had a lot of challenges in regards to my mental and physical health. I remember distinctly telling my boss that I wanted to focus more on crystal energy as I leaned into those aspects during my health issues. I am so grateful for my job as a jewelry production artist, as it taught me about jewelry designing and showed me what I could achieve in the future; my own business. I find that once you make up your mind 100%, the Universe is right there to push you to that path. After my time there, I was lucky enough to start my own business. It started as part-time along with dog-walking to eventually becoming a full-time endeavor. I want to reenforce that I am grateful for each chapter of my life that has lead me to here. From jobs, to challenges, and reflecting back to being a kid at camp, creating complex friendship bracelets that I feel may have influenced my love for wire weaving and my current path. Throughout my path, I’ve experienced challenges and obstacles, and I learned a few important things. Everyone deserve kindness, compassion and a place that they feel safe and validated in. This will always be the foundation of my business.

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.
I just recently had a lovely family member visit, so this is at the top of my mind. If there is one thing to know, it’s that I am a big Vegan foodie. Some of my favorite paces to eat are Wellness Sushi, Thai Pot Cafe, Tsing Tao, Saucy Cluckers, and Watercourse. If you’re interested in some nature spots, I think that the Red Rocks Amphitheater (hiking and outdoor concerts), Boulder Flatirons, and the Boulder Falls are cool spots to check out. There are also always things to do in Denver from shopping at unique and eclectic local businesses on Broadway St, to checking out local art and/or farmers markets. Denver also has amazing murals throughout the city, especially the Rino District. Some other special places to mention are the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, Meow Wolf, The Boulder Book Store, Pearl Street in Bolder and of course all the countless Art Galleries.

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?
Having a support system is very important, especially when you are pursing something that is different and may provide challenges that differ from your typical 9-5 job. There is one person who without a doubt, I can say has always supported and cheered me on since day 1, my fiancee Jesse (they/them). Running a business is not easy, and when you first start it, you can be filled with doubt, especially when things get tough, or don’t go to plan, like for example, a Collection drop. Jesse has been 100% there for me, believing in me and my passions. They have encouraged me and gave such pure compassion to me in times when I wanted to give up on my dream. I also remember when they inspired me to upgrade to Fine Metals, with their genuine positivity and belief in me. I genuinely don’t think I would be as far as I am in my business today if they weren’t there for me, cheering and supporting me on through those tougher times. Jesse, I love you so much and am beyond grateful and blessed for your encouragement, support, and love. I’m so happy to have such a wonderful human in my life. I also want to mention Jesse’s Grandfather. His encouraging words of “I’m so proud of you” and investments into my success and business have really filled my heart. PopPop, I’m so grateful to have a grandfather figure in my life like you. Thank you for your kindness, compassion and support in my life and with my business. Lastly, I wouldn’t be here today without the support of all my clients and other family members. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has supported me over the years.

Website: www.rediscoveryourlightjewelry.com

Instagram: @rediscoveryourlightjewelry