Rising Stars: Meet Ann Floyd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Floyd.

Hi Ann, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ann Floyd, 30yrs. I was born and grew up in the Philippines; I moved to the United States ( Kansas City, MO) in 2015. Growing up, I always dreamed of creating, building, and designing stuff; whether it was a house, clothes, or Jewelry, I wanted to design and create! That’s my passion! Philippine culture always connects and hangs out with people, especially families. We love to hang out with one another, but coming to the United States was a bit challenging for me the first time, especially because I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t have friends and didn’t have a community to be with, so I struggled emotionally. I felt very lonely. I didn’t have a connection with people ( which is important because that’s how we’re designed, we need one another!). At that time, getting a job wasn’t feasible as my husband and I were first-time parents, raising our first child, and that’s our main priority more than making money. During that season, I struggled so much with depression; there were times that it was unbearable, lasting at least 2yrs. One night, my husband came home from work and said, “Hey, why don’t you try doing wire-wrapped Jewelry?). At that time, I didn’t know exactly wire-wrapped Jewelry, so he showed me pictures of high-end, classy wire-wrapped Jewelry made by amazing artists around the globe, and I was so inspired and told him (well, why not?).

So 2018, I began to study how to make this wire-wrapped Jewelry by myself. Every night, I would come to my craft room and learn the techniques of this art until, one day, I was able to make high-end pieces and be able to sell them as well. From cheap metal (copper) to Silver and Gold wires, with expensive Crystals and Gemstones, I was able to make this kind of Jewelry. After wire-wrapped Jewelry, I felt hungry to take my jewelry skill to another level. So I started learning to hand-fabricate metals (Silver and Gold), stone setting, and even engraving. So I took a jewelry class with GRS (and planning to take some more courses with them sometime soon to keep expanding my knowledge of the Jewelry Industry).

With this God-given talent and opportunity, I felt I had found a purpose. It’s changing my life in a good way. I move whenever I see my client crying over the piece I made for them. Not because they’re disappointed with the piece, LOL! But because they’re touched, I put my heart into making that piece, which speaks about them so much! That’s why it’s one-of-a-kind! I give my best because I know these people are valuable to the One that loves them so much, and to me, that’s worth it!!!! I want to keep making these kinds of Jewelry so I can keep touching people’s lives. I want to inspire people thru what I love to do, and to be allowed to do so is a dream come true!!!

Ann Floyd

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was getting known as an Artist/Business person. We all know that it’s not easy. Being self-employed can be difficult, but having an awesome community that sees you and is willing to support what you do is pretty AMAZING!! If people don’t know you’re doing this/that, It’s hard to keep the business going, but I’m so grateful for connections thru the community; because of that, people keep coming to you. They helped me stay in business.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make one-of-a-kind jewelry, from wire-wrapped to fully hand-fabricated jewelry.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Back in the Philippines, when I was little, during weekends or summertime, I would play with my friends in the streets till it got dark. Our street was always filled with happy noises! You’d see a bunch of kids just playing outside together.

Contact Info:

• Website: annollahco.com
• Instagram: annollahco.
• Facebook: annollahjewelry

Image Credits
All the photos of art (Jewelry) are owned and taken by me.