Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Ryan.
Courtney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey in 2017 with a spiritual reawakening. I claimed in a woman’s retreat that I wanted my legacy to be creating beauty with my hands. I had no idea where that came from but I said it out loud to a group of about 25 women. I started with 500 dollars and an idea. I started making intuitively guided malas for people around me that grew into a tiny side business. Loving tapping into my artist side while using my intuition, I knew I wanted more. One night laying in bed, I sat up at 3:33am and said why the f#%k not. Yes, I actually said that out loud. Creating jewelry was always something I wanted to do I just always thought you needed special training, apprenticeships, or years of schooling. I decided at that moment, at 3:33 am I was going to do it and nothing was going to stop me. I spent four months straight on YouTube learning everything I could find on soldering. I took every penny I had from my small mala business and invested it into tools to start silversmithing. Everything started there. A girl with determination, new tools, a passion for creating, and YouTube.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think there are struggles along the way of any entrepreneur. The struggles are all valuable learning lessons.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a self-taught silversmith. I think I’m most proud of getting to where I am by building that foundation through trial and error. The thing that stands out most about my work is its originality and energy. I get told time and time again there’s a certain feeling while wearing my pieces. That’s a huge reason why I love doing what I do.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Roll with the punches. Nothing is permanent. Do what you love.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Earthandagate.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/earth_and_agate
