Daily Inspiration: Meet Jenna Elam

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Elam.

Hi Jenna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love of rocks started when I was young. My Papaw Elam and I used to spend a lot of time outside together, and my favorite thing we did was go geode hunting. That is what first sparked my interest in geology. My Grandma Johnson added a little magic to it by putting pretty stones in her “fairy garden” and telling me the fairies left them for me.
As I got older, that fascination only grew. I built a rock collection that now fills two China cabinets at my parents’ house, and I joined Science Olympiad in high school, focusing on geology and fossils.
The big turning point came when I interned at Nature’s Jewelry in Brookville, Ohio. That is where Bethany Flora-Buchanan introduced me to lapidary — the art of cutting and polishing stones. She lent me a Pixie machine to get started, and I immediately fell in love with the process. Eventually, I bought my own machine and moved into Papaw’s old workshop, where I have been creating for the past three years.
I have now been running my business, Jenna Elam Design, for two years. Alongside that, I am studying Entrepreneurship at Sinclair Community College, which has helped me strengthen the business side of what I do. One of my proudest moments so far was winning first place for one of my pieces at the Montgomery County Fair — it was an amazing reminder of how far I have come from those early day’s geode hunting with my Papaw.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. When I first started, I learned the fundamentals of lapidary from Bethany Flora-Buchanan, but once I began working independently, I had to refine my own technique. Every type of stone behaves differently, so I quickly discovered how important it is to use a lighter touch and adjust my approach depending on the material. That part took a lot of practice and patience.

Running the business side has also come with its own set of challenges. I handle everything myself — from designing and crafting each piece to managing my website, marketing, and sales — all while studying entrepreneurship at Sinclair Community College. Balancing it all can be overwhelming at times, especially when equipment needs repair or deadlines start to pile up.

But every obstacle has taught me something valuable. I’ve learned how to be patient, persistent, and adaptable. Working out of my Papaw’s old workshop keeps me grounded and reminds me why I started — it’s not just about creating jewelry, it’s about carrying on something that connects me to my roots.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in lapidary work, which is the art of cutting and polishing stones to reveal the natural beauty within them. Through Jenna Elam Design, I create pendants, earrings, bracelets, and wine bottle stoppers — but pendants are really where my heart is. Each piece is hand-cut and polished by me, so every stone becomes a one-of-a-kind work of art.

I usually let nature take the lead when I’m designing. The colors, shapes, and textures of each stone inspire the final piece. I don’t force the material into a set pattern — I study the stone and let its natural character guide my hands. That connection to the raw material is what makes my work feel genuine and full of life.

What sets my work apart is the balance between artistry and authenticity. I focus on highlighting what’s already there rather than trying to change it. My goal is for every piece to feel like it still carries a bit of the earth’s story — something beautiful, organic, and timeless.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that patience, hard work, and persistence truly pay off. There have been plenty of moments filled with blood, sweat, and even a few tears, but every bit of it becomes worth it when I see someone’s face light up after discovering a piece I’ve created. Seeing that genuine smile — knowing that something I made with my hands brought someone joy — is the best feeling in the world. It’s what keeps me inspired to keep going, even on the tough days.

Pricing:

• Pendants typically range from around $40 to $250
• Earrings and bracelets usually fall between $30 and $80
• Rings are $20-$25

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jennaelamdesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennaelamdesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556675387915