Meet Suzanne Weinert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanne Weinert.

Hi Suzanne, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It’s still surreal to me that this is my full-time work. Eight years ago, I saw a pair of earrings in a boutique that I absolutely loved but couldn’t afford to buy. I was a full-time mama with two kids under three, and our budget left no money for jewelry. I decided to order some wire online and try making them myself. My first pair was nothing to be proud of, but I just kept making more. I would stay up late at night wire wrapping beads and dreaming up designs. I would hammer metal on my garage floor when I could— I had no idea In Situ would grow and evolve into what it is today. It took a lot of dedication, late nights and honestly, supplemental income from several part-time jobs. But every year business grew, slowly and steadily. I’d say a huge turning point for In Situ was when one of my necklace designs was shown on Etsy’s landing page, and also featured in their For Her and Mother’s Day gift guides. Almost overnight my sales skyrocketed, and ever since have been very steady.

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’d say the biggest struggle for me has been finding a healthy work/ personal life balance. In Situ is a one-woman show which means I do it all. I am the designer, jeweler, shipper and receiver. I’m also the product photographer, social media marketer, web designer, HR, and accountant— the list goes on. At the same time, I am a wife and mother of two. I have to be very intentional with my time in order to be present in both my work and personal life roles.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I make every piece of In Situ by hand in my small studio on the central California coast. I use 14k gold fill, sterling silver, gemstones and pearls to create minimal, classy, and timeless pieces.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see there being even more of a focus on slow fashion and sustainability. This has always been a priority of mine, and I’ll continue being intentional in my sourcing, production, and packaging. I think we’ll also see more brands using quality materials that last and offering repairs to encourage minimal waste. I also see social media continuing to play a large role in supporting and promoting small brands and creatives like myself. It’s such a powerful marketing tool, in that individuals are now able to run successful businesses out of their homes. In the next 5-10 years, I see more and more people taking advantage of this opportunity. It really is an exciting time for artists and creatives. My hope for In Situ is that it will continue to be both a steady source of income and a rewarding, creative outlet.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.insitujewelry.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/insitujewelry
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/insitujewelry

Image Credits
Rose Weigner Photography