Life & Work with Lindsey Glass of Simi Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Glass.

Hi Lindsey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had a very strong connection to the natural world. Out of high school, I attended Hawaii Pacific University where I graduated with a degree in Biology and then went on to pursue a career as a microbiologist. After working for a couple different companies that did not align with my moral standards, I decided to teach myself how to silversmith while I looked for a new job in my field. I instantly fell in love. Silversmithing became at outlet for my creativity alongside my love for nature. I started incorporating agates and other semi-precious minerals I found throughout southern California into my pieces and, as my silversmithing ability grew, I was able to create aspects of nature that I love into my silver creations. My passion for creating in this manner soon became my full time focus and Silver and Slag was born.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Very few new roads in life are smooth. There were definitely some struggles along the way, both mentally and physically. Physically, it was difficult to not have a steady paycheck. I learned that the more work I put into every part of my new business, the more of a chance I had at making money. I didn’t just have to show up during working hours and do my job, I now had to pour every minute of free time I had to get my little business off the ground and also put myself out there for everyone to see. It was a big transition and a big learning curve. Mentally, it was difficult to convince myself that I was no longer a scientist, but that I was now an artist and a small business owner. Being very focused on academics my whole life and now transitioning to a different title was difficult to become comfortable with. It honestly took me years to begin answering the question of “what do you do for work?” as “I’m a silversmith” rather than “I’m a microbiologist”. Once I overcame that mental speedbump, I felt like everything had changed. I was all of sudden proud to speak about myself and exactly what I do rather than what I used to do and it opened me up to a new world of possibilities.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I set out on adventures in nature and collect amazing semi-precious minerals such as agates, fossils, jasper, chert, and even the occasional opal. I then take them home, cut them, cab them, and silversmith them into nature-inspired pieces of sterling silver jewelry. My pieces are incredibly unique and complete depictions and representations of the natural beauty of California. I use my experiences camping, hiking, and going on adventures in this gorgeous state to inspire my pieces. I have never met anyone who does quite what I do. Something very unique that I have started recently is incorporating native California flowers into my pieces as well. My daughter and I started a native garden where we grow California poppies and lupine. I then pick some of the flowers and press and dry them in my copy of Nature’s Best Hope by Dr. Douglas Tallamy which outlines the importance of growing native plants. When they are ready I sandwich them between two slices of Malibu agates (which are rather clear in nature) with lapidary grade epoxy and let them cure. When they are done curing I cab them and use them in my jewelry creations. They are super cool.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have several cheerleaders in my life that have played a huge role in my success. My husband, my mom, my brother, my almost 4 year old daughter, and each and every one of my friends have had direct roles in how far I have come in this journey whether they know it or not. Each of these people have stood along side me every step of the way to make me feel like the impossible was possible and I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am today without them. I also have to thank every customer and stranger alike that has given me compliments along the way. When going off and doing something out of the box by yourself, it’s difficult to know if what you’re doing is worth it and when someone lets you know that they appreciate and enjoy what you’re doing it gives you the pat on the back to continue the journey. So, a very heartfelt thank you to all of these people. I appreciate you all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.SilverandSlag.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/silver_and_slag
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/silverandslag
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Silver_and_Slag