Life & Work with Sarah Krisher

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Krisher. 

Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From an early age, I knew I wanted to pursue the arts as a career. I graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 2002 focusing on enameling and jewelry making. I worked in the arts in various capacities for a number of years. While being in various operationational management positions for a fast-growing national jewelry designer, I gained the confidence to start a jewelry business of my own. 

My aspirations have never been to become a huge company but to make a living doing the multiple things I love to do. Although I wanted to follow my talents and passions for making jewelry my business is able to fulfill so much more for me. I operate all aspects of my business; including operations, marketing, finance, and sales. I enjoy facets of all of these duties and how they work together to keep my business running. I especially love selling and sharing my process and work with customers. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I had some equipment prior to starting Sarah Krisher Studio. I used some of my personal savings to purchase new equipment, product supplies, and anything else needed to get things off the ground. I really wanted to fully focus and put all of my energy into my start-up. I thought I might need to get a part-time job to supplement my income as Plan B. 

I got a small sampling of work together to apply to local markets and art shows. Also, I contacted galleries, stores, and even country clubs as ways to sell the work. It all snowballed from there and I’m now going into my 7th year without ever needing to go to Plan B. 

Originally, I thought that I would be more interested in doing wholesale work. Many galleries and stores take an industry-standard cut of fifty percent; therefore, I found shows, some online, and personal ways of selling much more profitable for my small business model.  I do keep at least one or two reputable local stores or/and galleries with my work. Directly working with my customers is fuel for my entire process and my preferred way of selling. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I design and make jewelry for individuals who appreciate handmade, quality pieces. My jewelry is created with special attention to details in color, texture, overall aesthetics, and wearability for various occasions. The Sarah Krisher Studio slogan, “Everywhere Every day, Handmade Jewelry”, embodies the versatility and effortlessness of incorporating the unique handmade pieces into an individual’s style and daily life. 

We live in a fast-paced world and fast fashion is more common than I like. My work purposely embodies evidence of the hand and may not be seen in a quick swipe on a social media page. In-person, one can inspect a piece closely and experience the textures in their hands. I am aware of jewelry trends, but I don’t overly concern myself with them. I like conveying language through classic and timeless pieces while maintaining artistic appeal and good craftsmanship. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Because most of my work is sold at in-person events, Covid was a serious threat to my business when shows and events were canceled. I used social media to connect with existing customers who I normally meet first in person. I also turned to social media to create videos to reach out to potential customers to sell my inventory. Thankfully, my loyal customer base made purchases online, and I gained some additional customers to get me through the year! When shows and events eventually opened back up people opened their wallets and spent on local businesses. 

I don’t ignore that many businesses use social media and other online avenues as means of selling. I use it too, but I still see an enormous draw and desire for customers to directly interact and buy from artists and makers in person. Even though I have some standard products, I have many one-of-a-kind pieces that are exclusively shown at in-person events and not online. 

Contact Info:

• Website: sarahkrisherstudio.etsy.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarahkrisherstudio/