We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chloe Hannan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chloe below.
Chloe, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
This is still a work in progress! I think it’s natural for everyone to feel imposter syndrome at times. For me, I’m a metalsmith, but it’s not my full-time job, and I don’t have any formal training in it. Because of that, I often catch myself comparing my work and progress to others’. In the age of social media, it’s so easy to fall into the comparison trap when you’re constantly seeing other people’s work.
One thing I’ve started doing recently is creating a folder on my phone called “Pick Me Ups.” Whenever someone sends me a kind comment or shares a picture of my jewelry being worn, I take a screenshot and save it there. On days when I’m questioning myself, looking through those positive affirmations really helps me refocus and remember why I do what I do.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi, I’m Chloe. I am a self-taught metalsmith and owner of Solar Wilds jewelry.
I started Solar Wilds in 2023 after trying a spree of different creative endeavors, including crochet, sewing, and embroidery. I still love dabbling in different arts, but metalsmithing really stuck with me because I love the idea of wearable art that elevates any outfit. I’m mostly a t-shirt and jeans kinda gal, and putting on my favorite pairs of earrings has always made me feel really happy. It’s my dream to be able to create that feeling for others.
I absolutely love spending time outside and am extremely inspired by nature. I hope for my jewelry to evoke feelings of whimsy and wonder. All of my stones are ethically sourced from small-batch lapidary artists, and many of them have little nature scenes in them. I especially love working with picture jaspers, which look just like they sound – as if there are little landscape photos within the stones.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think that perseverance, curiosity, and willingness to put myself out there have gotten me to where I am with my business today.
Perseverance and not giving up were so important in my learning journey because I am a self-taught metalsmith. I’ve made so many mistakes and reached out to so many people to pick their brains, but haven’t given up – even when it would have been easier to throw in the towel. I’m so glad that I’ve stuck it out, and have spent countless hours learning (and still am)!
Curiosity is just as important for learning new skills and techniques. One of the things I love most about metalsmithing is that there is *always* something new to learn. Whether it be a new way to set stones or a new way to fabricate jewelry, I’m always learning a new way to make things. It helps me not get bored with the craft and also gives me endless growth opportunities.
Finally, willingness to put myself out there has been so important to growing my business! Whether it be through a silly Instagram post, a new market, or reaching out to local stores to carry my jewelry, I’ve done it all. It’s really scary to do at first, but gets much easier with time and is the only way to continue growing.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Both my partner Tyler and the metalsmithing community that I have grown close with on Instagram have been so important in my growth.
Tyler is my biggest cheerleader, never groaning when another box of supplies arrives at the door and always willing to give up his Saturdays (including his birthday!) to help me set up at markets. He converted our garage into my studio during a heatwave so that I could have more ample space to work in. He also always takes the time to talk through new ideas to grow my business and thinks of different design ideas I could try. I couldn’t be more thankful for him!
Additionally, the community of incredible women that I’ve met on Instagram who are also metalsmiths have been so helpful in my growth. Many of them have reached out to me and offered tips when I’m stuck on a project, or have answered questions or sent product sourcing information when I’ve asked. They’re also the loudest in my comment section cheering me on when I come up with a new idea. I’m really grateful I’ve ‘met’ them all, and social media isn’t always bad.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Solarwilds.com
- Instagram: Solarwilds
- Other: TikTok: Chloe.solarwilds
Pinterest: solarwilds
Image Credits
Olivia Campbell (2 images of me)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
