Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Abby Meadows. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Abby, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
In my life, optimism has painted itself as a snowball rolling down hill. The more optimistic I am, the easier it is to gather even more as it rolls along. Of course, there have been times when I hit a tree and a bunch of the snow falls off, but I keep the faith that life is good and someone comes along and starts the ball rolling again! Don’t get me wrong. I’ve had plenty of reasons to give up. I’m a small business owner in a rocky economy making jewelry in an over saturated market. I have plenty of reasons to throw my hands up in the air and walk away… but I can’t. I love what I do too much and even more, I love the people I make jewelry for.
I have been proven time and time again, through uncanny timing that I am exactly where I need to be. I’ve only ever wanted to make jewelry and I’ve been making it and selling it since I was 15. Part of my optimism is sourced from this certainty., and part of it is from the reassurance I get from simply not giving up. I keep showing up, and my people keep showing up.
I’m not stopping. I won’t quit. If you look for something, you’re going to find it. Why not look for something beautiful?
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I want people to celebrate their individuality and to bolster their confidence through wildly one of a kind jewelry! I hate cheap, toxic, mass produced jewelry. I think life is too short and beautiful to express and adorn ourselves with future garbage (or to give a gift of future garbage!)
Plus! there are so many insanely gorgeous gemstones you can be wearing in a design that NO ONE ELSE HAS!
I hand forge every single piece with tools that have been handed down for generations with techniques that have been around for hundreds of years and I find the whole process absolutely fascinating, so I share as much of it as I can on SM and with my email group. I think seeing how your jewelry is made makes the piece so much more special and personal. You see it’s story. You see it being formed. What an exquisite opportunity!
I even have my email list vote on what gemstones or designs I should make next because I LOVE them being part of it so much.
I make this jewelry for you, and I want you to be every bit as much a part of it as you can be!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Don’t give up. Relentlessness is your friend for success. I went to art school. Art school. I didn’t doubt my decision, I just went for it because I wanted it and I treated it like my beloved child that I wouldn’t give up on.
2. Connection. People are your greatest asset. It’s amazing the doors you can open by going out there and meeting people! I started working at a jewelry store my senior year of college because my brother met a jeweler at his cigar store. I was offered to make a line of jewelry for them and several years later I met and fell in love with the store owner’s nephew! We’re 5 years married and have a second baby on the way!
3. Passion. I LOVE what I do and who I do it for. Stay fired up! Keep your well full and remind yourself what it is and why you love what you do. If you aren’t the most excited about your work, how can you bring others into your world!?
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
I’m a new mom and this is certainly one of the biggest challenges of my life (and most rewarding.) This transformation has really brought about a season of prioritization.
My time has never been more precious so I am weeding out unnecessary things or things that aren’t serving me, my family, or my collectors and clients. It’s refreshing! And I sorely needed it!
I can confidently say that I’ve been transforming and growing faster than I ever have and while the growing pains can have their painful moments, the results are wild to feel and see!
I’m so excited about the new designs this is bringing out of me and the results from these challenges! I’m listening more intently to what people are asking for and I’m fired up to show my children that anything is possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: MettleByAbby.com
- Instagram: MettleByAbby
- Facebook: MettleByAbby
- Youtube: MettleByAbbyy
- Yelp: Mettle by Abby
- Other: Sign up for my emails on my website and directly influence the next collection!
