Meet Tracy Travis | Jewelry Artist

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

Hi Tracy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My business, TT Objects, is a pandemic baby. During the pandemic, I started focusing on making jewelry as a hobby. At first, I was motivated only by making the perfect pieces for myself. I’d try on an outfit and think of the jewelry that would make the clothes sing and then make the jewelry. Often, I needed to order multiples of parts to make one piece and I ended up with a library of parts. Soon I had more jewelry and parts than I needed and I began to wonder about selling. That thought was reinforced when I was often asked by people about my jewelry and if it was for sale. Around that same time, I had some close friends who were painters who were starting to sell their work. I saw them turn their passions into growing, successful businesses. They were role models and supporters and as I followed in their footsteps, I also began to meet other jewelers. In my experience, creatives are so encouraging and generous. I learned more and more and slowly began to grow my own jewelry business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I’m most proud of with my brand is that as I grow as an artist, my work becomes more unique and practical at the same time. This brand has grown over time and I’ve had to be very thoughtful about what I really want to concentrate on. It’s hard not to get pulled in different directions or to want to please many different people but over time, I’ve honed my ability to decide what is right for me. I focus on natural materials and a handmade feel. I am still motivated to make what I want to wear and I’m assuming/hoping that I represent a lot of women. In general, my lifestyle is pretty casual and I want to wear pieces that reflect that casualness but that are also special and interest-grabbing. Adjustable or multi-purpose is a huge plus. Lately, I’m creating more necklaces that have sliding clasps, so you can adjust the length. I have also been including more pieces that can be worn more than one way. These items are functional and stylish. I want to make the perfect pieces that feel handmade and considered but never overdone.

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.
When you spend time in Boulder, these are a few must sees and dos. Biking to the Farmers Market on a Saturday morning and then seeing the library and walking along the creek path are essentials. Shopping and eating on Pearl Street are fun and there is no better place to buy outdoor clothing or to experience some exceptional food in a casual environment. Restaurants like Stella’s, Masas and Agave, The Kitchen, and Jill’s are experiences you shouldn’t miss. The view of downtown Boulder from Avanti is the best. Hiking in Boulder at Sanitas, Anemone, and Annie U White will make you feel like you’re alive. Chautauqua offers hiking as well, plus dining, shopping, and cool events all year round. For art, don’t miss the First Fridays in North Boulder in the summer. And shopping for resale and thrifted items at Rags Consignment, Common Threads, Greenwood Wildlife Thriftshop, Goodwill, ARC, and Found Underground shouldn’t be missed.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have several people I want to shout out. My friends, the painters who influenced me at the beginning and every day, are the talented Cyndy Hinkelman-Smith and Christine M. Springer. I have been supported by Sharald Church at Adorn Home & Gift Gallery, 5480, 661 4th Ave, Longmont, CO 80501. I have received encouragement and help from jewelers, Amy Johnson of Amy J. Metals and Laura Masterson of Sole by La.

Website: www.ttobjects.com

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