Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Goode.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all started as a young girl who loved to dress up! It progressed into getting a business degree at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, with the hope of becoming a store buyer. Plans changed once I was unable to secure a job as a buyer while living in St. Louis. Instead, I opened my first store in 2001, which was actually a kiosk at the mall. I then moved into a real store in St. Louis. It was at this store that I started making jewelry to sell. After several years of nonstop working, I became burned out and sold the store.
I also moved to KC in 2005. I stayed working in retail management at stores such as Ann Taylor and Tiffany & Co. Both stores taught me a lot about quality and customer service. It was short-lived, though, as I wanted to start a family, and retail is not great for that!
I switched careers to being a paralegal, which I loved, but that became difficult to maintain when I realized I really needed a work-from-home job to best support my family. It was here that the idea to go back to creating jewelry entered my mind. It was supposed to be a way to earn a little extra money while at home, however, things changed fast.
I did my first art show, and people loved my items, so I was hooked! As I got further and further into this “hobby,” I realized I could make a career out of it, but I had to learn more skills. I am self-taught, learning by watching YouTube videos and just trying things out on my own. Once I learned how to use a torch, there was no stopping me!
I now do art shows in KS and MO, heading back to St. Louis every so often to do shows there. I hope to grow my business by traveling further for shows in the future. I will be showing at Westport and Lawrence Art in the Park this September for anyone who wants to come by! I also created a website, www.amygoodejewelry.com, for online sales around the country.
I spent many years decorating my home because my brain needed a creative outlet. Lucky for me, I made a career out of something that gives me so much joy and excitement.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes and no. I was able to go at my own pace, but I’m also the person who puts so much pressure on myself to succeed. Success has meant different things to me over the years. Sometimes it means breaking my best sales record. Sometimes it means finding a new vendor with amazing pearls or stones. Most of the time, it means I have overcome my fear. I always have ideas in my head, but getting them into an actual piece of jewelry isn’t fast or easy. I have to deal with self-doubt. Can I do it? Will it look good? Will I waste $50 on Silver? Ultimately, I’m a risk-taker, so I dive in eventually, and so far, so good!
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’m a jewelry artist, and there are plenty in this world, so a lot of competition! My work is very unique, as I specialize in pearls. I rarely use “normal” round pearls. I like the weird colors and bumpy ones. I don’t like plain gemstones unless they’re going to be used in an unusual setting! I currently create in Sterling silver and 14K gold-filled.
Pearls and stones are unique by nature since they’re made by nature! I love the organic and unique look this gives my jewelry. It’s then my job to make that pearl or stone even better with the setting or metals I use. You can take a pearl or stone that’s very common and turn it into something unexpected, which I love. It’s such a challenge.
I’m also known for my rings. My rings define my style and my mood that day. Am I feeling funky, feminine, classic, or all of the above? I don’t know any art show jeweler who has more rings than me!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have a lot of really supportive friends. My customers are the best. They give me ideas, compliments, etc. It’s really a two-way relationship. I’ve found so many new friends since starting this journey. Other artists that I meet at shows have been a tremendous support system to have. Many are so kind and have shared experiences and tips along the way. It’s the best way to learn. I have one friend in particular who has been an incredible support and guide. She works as an artist but in a different medium and has been in the business much longer than myself. We chat about shows, the economy, and ways we can improve our businesses. She has been incredible to have by my side.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amygoodejewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amygoodejewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559130937819
