Life & Work with Kelly Kanicki of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Kanicki.

Hi Kelly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
What started as a simple hobby during COVID quickly became something much bigger for Kanicki Jewelry Co.. While spending time at cattle shows, I fell in love with the timeless beauty of Navajo pearl jewelry and genuine turquoise pieces.
During COVID, I decided to learn to make my own jewelry. I took a class in Cleveland and made jewelry as a hobby while we were home during COVID.
Last fall, my job as a SNAP-Ed educator was eliminated due to federal funding cuts. So I decided to jump in with both feet and make jewelry full time!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The hardest part of starting Kanicki Jewelry Co. wasn’t learning how to make jewelry — that part came naturally. The real challenge was building an actual business from the ground up.

Like many small business owners, I quickly realized there is so much more behind the scenes than creating beautiful products. There were endless forms to fill out, licenses to apply for, accounts to create, taxes to understand, inventory to organize, and payment processing systems to set up. Every step felt like learning a completely new language.

Then came the challenge of putting the work out into the world. Building a customer base didn’t happen overnight. It meant showing up consistently on social media, attending events, introducing people to the brand, and learning how to market products while still staying authentic. There were moments of doubt, frustration, and exhaustion — especially trying to balance business ownership with family, faith, farm life, and everyday responsibilities.

But through every challenge, Kanicki Jewelry Co. continued to grow piece by piece. What started as a creative outlet became a business built with determination, persistence, and heart. The experience taught me that entrepreneurship is about far more than having a talent — it’s about having the courage to keep going while figuring everything else out along the way.

Everyday is still a work in progress!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the owner and designer behind Kanicki Jewelry Co., a western-inspired jewelry brand specializing in handcrafted pieces made with Navajo-style pearls, turquoise, spiny oyster, Wild Horse stone, Larimar, and other unique materials. My jewelry is designed to be timeless and versatile — pieces that can be worn with jeans and boots at a cattle show or dressed up for a special occasion.

What I’m most proud of is building this business completely from the ground up. Jewelry making came naturally to me, but creating an actual business was the real challenge. I had to learn everything from business paperwork and payment processing to marketing, social media, inventory management, and building a loyal customer base. What began as a hobby during COVID slowly turned into a full-time business through hard work, consistency, and faith.

I think what sets Kanicki Jewelry Co. apart is authenticity. My designs are inspired by real life — western culture, farm life, faith, family, and the people who wear the jewelry every day. I don’t mass produce pieces; I create one of a kind jewelry with intention and heart. Customers know they are getting something thoughtfully designed, high quality, and wearable for years to come.

I’m also proud that the business reflects who I am personally. It combines creativity with my love for western style and allows me to connect with people in a meaningful way. Seeing customers feel confident and beautiful wearing something I created is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can support Kanicki Jewelry Co. in many different ways, and every bit of support truly means the world to me as a small business owner.

The biggest way to work with or support my business is simply by wearing and sharing my jewelry. Word of mouth has been one of the biggest reasons Kanicki Jewelry Co. has grown. When customers share photos, tag the business on social media, or tell friends where they found a piece, it helps introduce my work to new people in an authentic way.

I also love collaborating with boutiques, western lifestyle brands, photographers, influencers, musicians, and businesses that align with the western, ranch, cattle, and faith-based lifestyle my jewelry represents. Whether it’s styled photoshoots, vendor events, pop-up shops, giveaways, or custom pieces for special events, I enjoy partnering with people who genuinely connect with the brand.

Customers can support by:

* Shopping online or at vendor events
* Sharing posts and interacting on social media
* Wearing and recommending the jewelry
* Booking custom orders or special occasion pieces
* Collaborating on western lifestyle or boutique partnerships
* Inviting Kanicki Jewelry Co. to markets, expos, and events

What makes small business support so meaningful is knowing there is a real person behind every order. Every purchase supports a dream that was built from the ground up through hard work, creativity, faith, and perseverance — and I never take that support for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.kanickijewelryco.com
• Instagram: @KanickiJewelryco
• Facebook: Kanicki Jewelry Co.