Meet Shelby Chenault | Jewelry Designer, Storyteller, Teacher,

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

Hi Shelby, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m endlessly inspired by the beauty nature—its vibrant flora, diverse fauna, and breathtaking landscapes naturally find their way into my jewelry designs. The harmony of sacred geometry and its alignment with nature’s wonders also resonate deeply with me, and these motifs often make it into my designs.

My clients’ stories also serve as a profound inspiration. Each jewelry piece I craft is reflective of my clients personal experiences. Through unique symbolism, motifs, and carefully selected materials, I transform these narratives into wearable art. These creations celebrate cherished memories, loved ones, passions, and histories, making each piece truly meaningful and personal.

Symbolism and motifs in design hold immense power to express emotions and experiences beyond what words can capture. They convey deep connections and subtle messages, allowing wearers to express themselves in a deeply personal way. Art transcends traditional boundaries through these elements, connecting directly to the heart.

Additionally, teaching and sharing my love for creativity and storytelling are integral to my inspiration. Helping others explore their artistic potential and embrace their stories not only inspires them but deeply enriches my own journey. The exchange of ideas and the joy of seeing others find their creative voices continually energizes my passion for art and design, making the entire journey rewarding and fulfilling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My jewelry is all about storytelling and connections. What makes me unique in my industry is that I focus on weaving personal narratives into my pieces. Each piece I create is not only beautiful, It becomes a wearable story. When my clients receive compliments on their jewelry this creates the opportunity for them to share the meaning behind it.. This leads to sharing memories about loved ones, personal passions, or cherished experiences, fostering deeper connection and understanding with others. Sharing our stories is such a healing act. It allows us to find common ground with one another and receiving validation and understanding. It reminds us that we are more alike than we are different, and we’re all in this together.

Getting to where I am today took a lot of persistence. I’ve spent ten years trying different paths, sometimes juggling other jobs, to make my dream a reality. There were countless challenges, but I’ve never had a backup plan. This is what I love, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. Passion is what keeps me moving forward despite the obstacles.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to take care of myself outside of work. Having a routine that includes meditation, exercise, and rest, and surrounding myself with supportive people and environments is key. It keeps me balanced and fuels my creativity as an artist and business owner.

Ultimately, my brand is about making connections through jewelry. Each piece is not just an accessory but a conversation starter that invites people to share their stories. I create with care, love, and a real respect for the stories we all have to tell.

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?
When a friend visits Denver, I love taking them on a culinary adventure. For dining, two of my favorite spots are Mizu Izakaya and the Honey Elixir Bar.

For fun activities, we’d definitely hit up One Up Arcade Bar. to play some pinball. Then, we’d head over to the Clocktower Cabaret to enjoy some live burlesque performances by incredibly talented artists

Of course, outdoor adventures are a must, especially when the weather is nice. I love taking long walks around Cheesman Park and exploring the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood. Visiting the Botanical Garden is always a treat. If we have time, a stroll along the creek in Golden, Colorado, offers breathtaking views and a refreshing escape into nature.

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 could not do this without the help of my amazing community, who have helped keep my dream alive. Whether that is through directly supporting and purchasing my art or through shout outs and sharing my work or just giving me a pep talk when needed. Seriously, running your own business and being a creative is extremely challenging at times but I have some amazing people in my corner who have my back.

Website: https://www.funkshuifinejewelry.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkshui_finejewelry/

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