Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Landon.
Hi Karen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My jewelry business started when I was making jewelry and working for other jewelry designers… I decided to start my own business. I established a good wholesale business that supported me for 12 years. I couldn’t compete with the goods coming in from China in the early 2000s and that hit my business hard. I started working in a retail shop called Jana’s in Studio City. I sold my jewelry there and also started knitting sweaters. I never gave up on my jewelry because it is my passion. When the pandemic hit and I was on unemployment, I had the time again to throw myself back into my craft. I guess you could call me an addict as I am addicted to this craft. All of my work is sterling silver and all original designs created by me. I sell through a few stores in the valley, and on my website and through Facebook and Instagram.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been smooth. I was a single mom with no child support. Fortunately, my business was already rolling when I had to leave my husband who I was supporting as well as supporting my two years old son. Once I left my old life, I was living the dream of being a successful artist. I had accounts and reps in many places. It was a lot of work but I loved it. My company name at that time was Karen Landon Jewelry. I changed it to Veronica Rock Studio in 2014. Veronica Rock was my name on my adoption papers and it seemed to fit. My jewelry is proudly made in Southern California.
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 am most proud of my crosses. They are simple and masculine. I love to let the beauty of the metal be the star. I use unconventional technics on many of my pieces. It’s fun to discover new ways of getting my thoughts accomplished.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Having to support myself with no help from anyone pushed me to do something that I love and make a living at the same time. Remaining in L.A. has its challenges because it is expensive to live here but for a girl from Bakersfield, I feel that I’ve accomplished something. I can’t think of anything lucky or unlucky that has happened to me. I’ve had good luck in my life and bad luck. All of it brought me to this place in my life now.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.veronicarockstudio.com
- Instagram: @veronicarockstudio
- Facebook: Veronica Rock Studio
