Meet Sherrry Siewert

We were lucky to catch up with Sherrry Siewert recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sherrry, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose by listening to what my heart kept returning to, even when life pulled me in different directions. As a child, I played teacher and hairdresser with my cousins, instinctively stepping into roles where I could help, guide, and connect. At the time, it felt like play. Looking back, it was a quiet truth revealing itself.

As I grew older, that same pull followed me into adulthood. I became a hairdresser, then a computer engineer and instructor, yet no matter the career, the moments that mattered most were always the ones where I was teaching, mentoring, or helping someone understand something new. Those moments felt grounding—like I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Creativity was the other voice that never went quiet. Repetitive work drained me, but creating restored me. After long days, I poured myself into making things with my hands, eventually building a small creative business and sharing my work at vendor shows. I explored many art forms, searching for something that felt like home.

When I discovered metal clay, everything shifted. In that moment, learning, creativity, and teaching came together in a way that felt undeniable. I didn’t just want to create—I wanted to understand deeply and share that knowledge with others.

I didn’t find my purpose in a single moment of clarity. I found it by following what continued to bring me alive. Step by step, choice by choice, it revealed itself—and once I recognized it, I knew I could never turn away.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My professional focus is centered on education through craft. I am a jewelry artist and instructor specializing in metal clay and foundational metalsmithing, with an emphasis on teaching technical skills in a clear, structured, and accessible way. My work is dedicated to helping individuals build both competence and confidence in their creative practice.

What I find most compelling about this work is the educational potential of metal clay as a medium. It offers a unique entry point into metalworking, allowing students to understand form, structure, surface design, and firing processes without the barriers often associated with traditional metalsmithing. From an instructional perspective, it is an effective and rewarding way to introduce complex concepts in a hands-on, experiential manner.

My approach to teaching is grounded in continual learning and skill development. I regularly expand my own education through advanced coursework, certifications, and metalsmithing studies in order to strengthen both my technical knowledge and instructional methods. Rather than positioning myself as an expert who has completed the journey, I view my role as an educator who remains actively engaged in the learning process alongside my students.

Education is the foundation of my professional practice. I teach beginners who are new to metal clay as well as students seeking to refine their skills, always with a focus on clarity, repetition, and practical application. I aim to create learning environments where students feel supported, encouraged to ask questions, and empowered to experiment.

At the core of my work is a belief that quality education in the arts should be approachable and skill-based. My brand and teaching philosophy emphasize thoughtful instruction, craftsmanship, and personal growth over trends or shortcuts. I am currently focused on expanding my educational offerings through additional classes, workshops, and curriculum development, while continuing to refine my own practice as both an artist and educator.

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?

Looking back, three qualities had the greatest impact on my journey.

The first was a natural inclination toward teaching and working with people. In every career I pursued, I was drawn to roles that involved training, mentoring, or guiding others. Learning how to communicate clearly, listen thoughtfully, and meet people where they are became an essential part of my professional foundation.

The second was a genuine commitment to continuous learning. My development as both an artist and educator came from consistently seeking out education—through classes, certifications, and self-directed study. Staying curious and open to learning allowed me to deepen my technical skills while also becoming a more effective and thoughtful instructor.

The third was a willingness to embrace challenge and growth. Repetition never inspired me, but problem-solving and experimentation did. Allowing myself to try new techniques, make mistakes, and refine my approach over time helped build both confidence and resilience.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to be patient with yourself and intentional about learning. Invest time in building strong foundations, seek guidance from those with experience, and remain open to evolving along the way. Most importantly, don’t shy away from challenges. Growth often happens gradually, through persistence and curiosity, and each step forward—no matter how small—adds to your confidence and capability.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

A significant influence on my work ethic and approach to helping others was my father. He consistently found ways to support not only our family, but anyone who needed help. He worked multiple jobs to provide for us, and through his example, I learned the value of responsibility, perseverance, and generosity. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and continue to shape how I approach my work.

I believe strongly that having multiple skills is essential. Life is rarely linear, and the ability to adapt, learn, and grow allows people to navigate change with greater confidence. That belief informs both my own journey and the guidance I share with others. I hope that those I meet—especially my students—find encouragement in knowing that learning new skills is not only practical, but empowering.

My personal motto reflects the values I strive to live and teach by: “Find yourself, do what makes you happy, and don’t hurt others in the process.” At the core of my work is a desire to give my knowledge to others in a way that is generous, supportive, and meaningful. More than anything, that is what I hope to be known for—helping others build skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose through learning.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sherrysiewertstudio.com
• Instagram: Sherrysiewertstudio
• Facebook:Ssherrysiewertstudio
• Linkedin: Sherry Siewert
• Twitter: Sherrysiewertstudio
• Youtube: sherrysiewertstudio

Image Credits

Sherry Siewert