Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat Tuohy Rosenberg.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a jeweler and photographer, in other words, a full-time freelance artist! I began my career in photography about 11 years ago, taking any gig I could get in order to grow my business. Fast forward to today where it is my full-time job, and I have a great studio on Main Street in Santa Monica. My work is primarily in portraits.
The first few years of my career as a photographer I spent a lot of time networking to build business. That networking paid off, and today my business is 100% referral based (I don’t advertise). My job is to help others get to the next phase in their careers with a strong, professional headshot that represents them in their line of work.
I discovered the art of jewelry making about three years ago after a trip to Italy with my husband. I found myself obsessed with antique jewelry, thinking about ways in my head I would change a design I would see from other artists. In my head would pop up images of pieces I would make if only I knew how to make them! When we got back from Italy, I met Peter Solomon at Precious Metal Arts (a jewelry school in Santa Monica), and immediately started taking classes.
I felt at home in Peter’s classes and inspired in ways I had never been inspired before. He taught me how to cut and form metal, solder metal together, set stones, and carve wax to cast jewelry with the lost wax casting method. Peter helped bring out the artist I knew I was, but up until this point hadn’t found the right medium. Somehow, through jewelry, I found my art.
When it came time to creating my own jewelry line, I knew I wanted to create something that promotes positivity in the world. I have a deep admiration for nature, specifically trees. So, I decided to create my jewelry line completely around the idea of nature conservation and saving trees. My hope is that through my art I can inspire others to find their own connection with our earth’s beautiful treasures (and hopefully enact their own conservation practices!).
I draw my inspiration from the time I’ve spent in the woods, translating my deep admiration for nature and trees into my pieces. I am a still a one-woman-show and I put a lot of love and care into both of my businesses. A portion of the proceeds from certain jewelry items I have made are donated to good causes I believe in.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No. One year ago today, I was recuperating from a flood that happened in my studio. The sewer lines backed up and pushed many many gallons of sewer water into my studio. The pressure and heat inside the unit caused black mold to grow up the walls and on many surfaces. I lost about half of my equipment and had to fight with my insurance in order to recoup some of what I lost in the flood.
The studio was a total loss, and I was forced to relocate immediately. The light at the end of the tunnel was that the studio I am in now is much nicer and in a far better location than the one that had flooded. I was able to turn the very crappy situation (pun intended) into a positive change.
Welded Roots – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I genuinely care about my clients and customers. Regarding my photography clients, I love when clients email me their success stories. Their success is my success. And the same goes for the jewelry that I sell. Jewelry can be a very personal thing for people. I have had customers purchase pieces from me from all over the world. Many of them will tell me the reason behind why they are buying the piece. Whether it be to commemorate the loss of a loved one, to honor family traditions, or to show love for another, jewelry is often purchased as a symbol to represent something much larger in one’s life. I get to be a part of so many lives through the jewelry and photographs that I create.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
“Success” is when I can work less hours and continue to earn income. Working less would free up more time to travel, spend time with family, and create more art. That is my ultimate goal!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.WeldedRoots.com and www.TuohyPhotography.com
- Phone: 3233754528
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @weldedroots @thekattuohy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weldedroots
Image Credit:
Natalie Faye, Christopher Amitrano, Kat Tuohy, Bob Tuohy
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
