Daily Inspiration: Meet Kelly Conner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Conner

Hi Kelly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I feel in love with metalsmithing at the University of Kansas, while getting my BFA. Creating jewelry/art by hand from fire and hammers is the perfect combination of science and design. I took my education to the next level by apprenticing at Kizer Cummings Jewelry to learn the more about the fine jewelry side of things.

When it was time for me to start my own brand and body of work, I had an immediate desire to push back on consumerism. Our contemporary society is flooded with mass produced and disposable jewelry. MeritMade strives to provide an alternative. I strongly believe in quality over quantity. I believe that design can be beautiful, classic, and reverent to the materials. I believe in creating future heirlooms that are meant to be worn and loved.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running and operating an independent jewelry brand is never straight forward or simple. It requires the willingness to pivot and shift your attention to what people are interested in while still staying true to your aesthetic and brand. There have been many challenges over the years figuring out what to focus my time and attention on–be it one of a kind pieces, growing and evolving my essentials collection, taking on custom projects or offering unique gift sets and limited edition collectible items. I stay on my toes most of the time and it can be exhausting, but is so worth the effort when you see the faces of your returning clients at an art show or catch someone wearing your jewelry out in the wild!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
MeritMade is a small independent jewelry brand that focuses on minimal and modern design elements. I primarily work in Sterling Silver and Gold, and love adding unique and interesting stones to my jewelry. Much of my work has an architectural and angular design aspect to it that I think creates a cohesive body of work. My goal is to create pieces that are both pleasing to look at and also to wear.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I listen to a TON of audiobooks while working at my bench. I wouldn’t know what to do with myselef out the public library and libby app.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://meritmadekc.com
• Instagram: @meritmade
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meritmade/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6L-chNuBzPYP0VjNYH5LMA