Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Murray.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Leslie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
About five years ago, I was selling Beaded Jewelry I put together on Top hatter when I saw some beautiful hand stamped jewelry custom made with a unique name stamped into it. That sparked a desire in me to learn everything I could about making custom Jewelry that was unique and or personalized. I had friends as a kid that could never find personalized items with their name and seeing a unique name on jewelry was very exciting and intriguing. I read tutorials online, watched videos, and researched companies that had tools and supplies, joined many Facebook Groups. I first started with stamping names and icons into necklaces and earrings on pre-made shapes I could purchase. As my skills improved, I started sawing out shapes, and then I found an awesome US-based company that sold dies to assist you with cutting shapes and making impressions of all different types of things so I could create even more unique and interesting pieces. I am still learning and growing my designs by day, but it is exciting to think of all the things I can create with a few pieces of metal, solder and a torch.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many struggles. One of my main struggles has always been confidence since I have not had any official training along with the fact I do not have official knowledge or a background in Art history or Art styles. Another one of my more recent struggles this past year was when I tore my ACL (a ligament in my knee). I could not stand; I could not sit generally for many months. All I could do was sit with my leg propped up. So creating jewelry was put on hold for about six months. This did, however, make me realize how much stuff I had lying around not on a website, not pictured waiting to be sold, so I started listing everything I had a picture of on my website and on Etsy. When I was finally able to start making stuff again recently, it made me realize the importance of listing my stuff for sale and taking pictures.
Please tell us about your business.
I make modern small jewelry using Sterling Silver, Copper, Brass and Aluminum. I specialize in making unique handmade pieces using old jewelry methods. I am most proud of the custom pieces I have been able to create for my customers. What sets me apart from others is my style. I like to incorporate color into my pieces when possible when most metal jewelry is colored with Black.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
To me, the most important aspect of my success has been that I take care of the customer by being very honest regarding my limitations. I am always learning new techniques, but I do not currently have the experience needed to create anything you can imagine.
Pricing:
- Prices range from $20 and up.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.greyfortressdesign.com
- Phone: 817-405-4001
- Email: greyfortressdesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/greyfortressdesign
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreyFortressDesign
Image Credit:
Leslie Murray
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