Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tracy Kennedy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tracy, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I really truly never give up. When I was about 5 months pregnant with my second son, I was put on bedrest due to pregnancy induced high blood pressure. This was upsetting, but even more upsetting as I had experienced the same illness with my first son, and the delivery nearly cost me my life. Hearing this information with my second son on the way, not only frightened me, but also, how could I sit in bed for 3-4 months? How could I keep myself healthy, carry him to term, and no go completely crazy doing nothing? I’ll tell you how: I never gave up and was kind to myself. You might ask how I was kind to myself? I taught myself to make jewelry during this time. And over time, it has blossomed into a successful business that I am incredibly proud of. So, I get my resilience through always making the best of hard situations, and I truly never give up.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve always loved fashion, and always loved making and creating things with my hands. This is why jewelry making is so incredibly satisfying to me. I believe adding jewelry to your outfit puts the edge on how you want to show up to others. I am a volunteer, philanthropist, mother, maker, designer and business owner. I design and create jewelry that fits any woman, so she can show up to others, exactly as she wants to show up. I make every piece myself and I choose to make it both high quality and affordable so it can be accessible to most women. Whether it’s bold, edgy, simple or sweet, there is a piece for everyone.
I’m so excited to be launching a new line of statement rings and earrings, sure to elevate every woman’s look.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Be your own customer: if you have a product or service you provide, put yourself in the shoes of your customer or client, every day, all the time. Imagine how they’d view your product/service, to provide the best customer experience. 2. Be Bold: it’s ok to ask for what you want, say no to things, and be as bold (and always kind) as you feel suits your business. Not only will you use your time appropriately, you will garner respect.
3. Be kind and gentile to yourself: care time and attention to what you need will only make you better at what you do, and how you show up.
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 want to do it all! If I could add 24 more hours to each day, I would! I think that time management is a constant challenge, especially for women juggling business and family, when they want to be 100% present and awesome at both.
I have found that scheduling time for myself is a huge help. Even if that time is for work. Only having meetings at days and times that won’t inhibit my creative progress.
Finally, although it sounds simple, only checking my phone once and hour when I’m deep in a project, or present with my kids, has truly helped.
We can’t be everything to everyone, so using your time effectively will allow you to shop up in your best possible way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rusticgemjewelry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rusticgemjewelry/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rusticgemjewelry/
Image Credits
Lisa Vortman Photography
