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

Hi Kara, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always wanted to have my own business, and I have tried a few times in the past in different industries, but they weren’t quite right. I was due with our fourth child in January and had quit working. I needed something to focus on at home that could generate income and also stimulate my creativity. It was always my dream to do something crafty and making jewelry felt like it would be right up my alley, and it was. I absolutely love what I do and I find it relaxing to sit and make earrings while watching TV and taking care of the kids.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have worked at a photography studio in the past and took photography courses in school. That was my first artistic passion and now I get to use those skills every day when I photograph my jewelry. Professionally, I have worked in a variety of industries from massage therapy to retail to financial institutions. None of them have been as exciting as running my own business and making jewelry at home. Being able to express my creativity is thrilling. My brand is called Zee’s Pieces because my childhood nickname is Zee, and I enjoy making and sharing my Pieces of Pretty with the world. Made in Colorado by a work-at-home mom of four, Zee’s Pieces is full of love and always handcrafted. Fully designed and created by me .

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a hard one. As parents of four, we don’t really get out very often. Last time my parents were in town, we invited both sides of the family over for brunch and I cooked a full meal for 10 people myself. I made quiches, bacon, sausages, hash browns, and provided melons, berries, three different kinds of pastries, coffee and orange juice.

Our last date night, we did enjoy sitting on the patio of Cowboy Star Restaurant And Butcher Shop in Colorado Springs. It had an amazing view of the mountains at sunset, exceptional filet mignons, and tasty cocktails.

As far as interesting and exciting places, I absolutely love wandering through Hobby Lobby and Michael’s, particularly in the jewelry making sections. While that might not be everyone’s idea of a good time, it is where I find my happiness now.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a massive shout-out to my husband, Cody Jones. He has been amazing in supporting my jewelry business by allowing me to stay home while he works hard in IT at his job. He doesn’t mind when I have trays and bins full of supplies laying around the house, or when I have a creative streak until 2 am while he and the kids sleep. He has been my rock.

Website: Zeespieces.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/zees_pieces

Twitter: Twitter.com/zees_pieces

Facebook: Facebook.com/Zeestudiosllc

Other: eBay.com/str/zeespieces I also resell on eBay.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.