In this episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker, jewelry expert and business owner Kierston Aiello shares her creative journey and how community, authenticity, and collaboration shaped her success. Kierston opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of finding your niche, and her exciting plans for her new foundry. Tune in for inspiring insights on following your heart and surrounding yourself with supportive,

A little about Kierston: 

Born and raised in sunny California, Kierston Aiello is a metalsmith and designer with a passion for American craft. While getting her B.A. in Art History at Humboldt State University, she unexpectedly fell in love with Metalsmithing and Jewelry. She has spent the last 12 years working in the Jewelry and Art trades, serving for the last 4 years as the designer and head of Product Development for a well-known manufacturer for the DIY trade. Kierston is now in the process of opening a new business, an artisan pewter foundry and artist collective in Sonoma County. A craft enthusiast to the core, Kierston’s hobbies include collecting more hobbies, hoarding shiny things, going to the library, and making an obscene amount of messes.

Join us on Heart & Hands of a Maker as Carrie Story, a talented metal clay artist and entrepreneur, shares her journey from hobbyist to founder of Clay Revolution. Discover the challenges and triumphs of starting a business in the metal clay industry, the importance of self belief, and the art of mastering your craft. Tune in for inspiring insights and practical advice on turning passion into a thriving business.

Join us as we chat with Jessica Coté, a metalsmith from NC, known for her bold jewelry brand, Rosy Revolver. Discover her journey in metal fabrication, teaching experiences, innovative products, and future plans. Learn from her insights on business challenges, social media impact, and creating an inspiring space for artists. Perfect for jewelry artists, creatives, and anyone inspired by entrepreneurial stories.

In this Heart & Hands of a Maker episode, Tamara Honaman and Cat Kerr delve into the challenges of valuing and monetizing creative work. They discuss balancing joy and financial reward, Cat’s early online career strategies for wider reach, and the healing power of art. Cat highlights the importance of focus, goal-setting, supporting others, and discipline for success in the creative industry.

Discover how Handcraft Nation is empowering artists and makers across the United States. Learn about this innovative platform connecting consumers with local artisans, promoting sustainability, and supporting local economies. With over 60 makers listed, Handcraft Nation helps creators overcome social media challenges and thrive online. Tune in to hear more about their mission and future plans to become a hub for all things handmade including jewelry, personal care items, and clothing.

In this conversation, Tamara Honaman and Allie Perry discuss the challenges and roadblocks faced by jewelry makers and small business owners. Allie emphasizes the importance of taking action and not waiting for the perfect time to start. She also highlights the value of community and finding support from like-minded individuals.

In this episode, Tammy interviews Sandra Lupo, a jewelry artist, educator, and inventor. They discuss Sandra's creative journey, the invention of her tool Conetastic, and the importance of collaboration and bringing personal talents into the DIY and jewelry making space. Sandra shares her insights on navigating the business side of being a maker and offers advice on dealing with self doubt and negative feedback. They also emphasize the importance of having fun and staying true to oneself in the creative process. Sandra encourages continuous learning, staying relevant, and being mindful of sustainability in the DIY space.

In this episode, Francesca Watson shares insights from her personal maker journey, emphasizing the intrinsic value of creativity and making. Aspiring entrepreneurs will receive invaluable advice from Francesca, highlighting the imperative of seeking professional guidance and crafting robust business strategies. Francesca shares her passion for teaching and creating a safe space for students to learn and grow. She recommends taking classes from different teachers to gain different perspectives and techniques and mentions several notable artists in the jewelry making community who helped her to be where she is today.

Dive into the transformative power of self-care, boundary setting, and embracing imperfection in this episode of Heart & Hands of a Maker podcast. Join host Tamara Honaman and guest Jen Cushman who challenges cultural norms, discusses the essentiality of art, and emphasizes the importance of mutual support on our creative journeys. Tune in for insights on prioritizing authenticity and navigating the evolving landscape of creativity.

Discover the inspiring journey of Chris Anderson, the creative force behind Lion Punch Forge. From jewelry design to tool making, Chris shares invaluable insights on building a thriving business in the maker community. Learn about the importance of networking, embracing failure, and nurturing a supportive customer base. Tune in for expert advice and upcoming projects!