Meet Sarah Lynn | Artist/Jeweler

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

Hi Sarah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Before learning the ways of metalsmithing, I collected rings as I traveled for many years. Eyeing gemstones that really spoke to my soul and matched my energy. Fast forward to my fifth year of teaching third grade in Arizona, I was so hungry for a change. I was ready to tap into my creative side and really push myself out of my comfort. Thats when I started taking smithing courses twice a week. Even though I was adding to my long hour days as a teacher, creating became such an exciting outlet for me and I soon realized I had so much passion when it came to the art of creating. As long as that torch was in my hand, I felt free and at peace. After many months and a handful of courses later, I knew this was only the start of something amazing. As I reached the end of my final year teaching, my man and I decided to take the leap and move to Colorado. We bought our first home together and our home happened to have a small backyard shed that was the perfect amount of space to create handmade jewelry. From there, I built my own bench, created an LLC, spent loads of money on expensive smithing supplies & authentic stones, & fully committed to my first small business – My Garden of Gems.

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 have been forging at my bench and running this business for just about two years now and, although it has had its challenges, I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. Nowadays, it is so easy for us to purchase cheap jewelry through amazon, tik tok shop, or even at places like Target. These pieces of jewelry might be “trending” or more affordable, but nothing will ever come close to solid, handmade sterling silver jewelry that was made with so much love and attention to detail. Why blend in when you can stand out and rock something completely unique, one of a kind, and authentic? I create wearable art that will last for lifetimes. Heirloom pieces of jewelry that can be passed down from generation to generation. Aside from creating these special heirloom treasures, I am also proud to share that I work closely with all natural stones, specializing in Australian opals. I have a passion when it comes to working with these rare beauties & I work closely with various miners and lapidary artists in Queensland Australia. Many of these talented artists mine rough opal & also complete the lapidary work (cutting and polishing rough opal rock). This makes the entire process even more special. Form one small business to the next, your handmade treasure is 100% one of a kind and made from scratch.

Throughout this journey, I am continuously learning. Mistakes are a huge part of smithing. I have cursed, cried, and somedays just wanted to give up because I am a one man band and I tackle it all (creating, marketing, finances, social media, etc), but then I remember this is where I belong. This is my dream job and there will always be rough days, but every time someone decides to shop small & purchase a piece of my handmade jewelry, you are purchasing hours and hours of forging, shaping, hammering, polishing, stone setting, and polishing some more. You are purchasing a piece of my heart and soul.

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.
Ooooooo, so fun! Although I am fairly new here in Frederick, I learned very quickly that our small town has so much to offer! Of course we would have to start each day at MECO coffee because nothing beats a fresh brewed coffee and warm, flaky croissant. Imagining it is a beautful sunny week, we would have to walk the town and make a pit stop at the flour meets flower kiosk to say hello to Suz and shop some more local goodies – beautiful blooms created by Suz, handmade soaps by Blnded Bliss, crocheted purses and hats by Hooked on Alex, beautiful embroidered clothing by Wildora, yummy treats by Bakes and Bends and Talitha Koum Sourdough, and more! Who doesn’t love some local shopping on a sunny day? We could also make a pit stop at the Minimal Market right next to MECO’s coffee for some local snacks and goodies. For lunch and dinner , we would definitely have to stop at a few places throughout the week – Gabe’s Cafe, Georgie Boys BBQ, and Casa Cortez to name a few! Of course we would also have to enjoy some drinks at my favorite local bar, Jerry D’s 2.0. Who doesn’t love a friendly game of pool or skii ball with a crisp drink in hand? And of course, we would have to load up on some sweets – Lori Lee’s chocolates and The Sweet Stop for some homemade ice cream. A little taste of Frederick goes a long way & I sure do love our small town!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Starting a small business in Frederick, Colorado has been nothing but rewarding. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many talented small business owners that have also became very close friends of mine. One friend in particular is Suz Rudig (owner of Flour + Flower). Suz has been a HUGE part of my journey here in Frederick and I can’t thank her enough for her endless support. Although I am now selling at a handful of local markets around Colorado, I will never forget one of my very first pop-up events right next to Suz’s kiosk in downtown Frederick. It truly takes a village when starting a business, and Suz really made this small town feel like home for me. She truly is the glue that keeps our town together!

I would also like to shoutout my person and my other half! Nick and I have been together for over five years and I am so lucky to have a man like him by my side. He has been my biggest cheerleader throughout this entire journey and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his love & support. So, this is a big shoutout to my man for believing in my dream & to all of the amazing humans here in Frederick who are on this small bizz journey with me! Much love to you ALL!

Website: https://www.mygardenofgems.com

Instagram: mygardenofgems

Facebook: My Garden of Gems