Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Teater.
Hi Chelsea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started CAT Designs Jewelry in January 2020 after working in social services/non profits for most of my life. I was dealing with some health issues and just wanting a change in my career overall. When I was 8, my Dad, who was a local high school art teacher, had showed me how to make jewelry, work with clay, just be creative in general, and those lessons always stuck with me. I enjoy being creative and using my hands and I wanted to start doing more of that. A friend of mine, Dan Johnson, became the Executive Director of the Robidoux Row Museum in St. Joseph MO and was wanted to update their gift shop and asked if I wanted a space to sell in. A space turned into a whole shelving unit and it gave me a lot of creative freedom. While most of my items were paintings and craft items, I also made some jewelry and it turns out that is what sold the best. I had my whole space set up, ready to go, and a week before the museum was to be open for the season Covid hit and everything got shut down. Although Covid was terrible, it gave me time to perfect my skills, try new things, and really decide what I wanted my business to be before my “relaunch”. I began selling online, at festivals, and in other stores. In 2023, I won the St. Joseph NewsPress Reader’s Choice Award for Best Jewelry Store; beating out the major big name and box chain jewelry stores. I placed 2nd in 2024 and first again in 2025. I have also won a couple other awards during that time as well which is always an incredible moment. My goal has always been to make quality, affordable jewelry that anyone can love and appreciate and, at this point in my life, I cannot see myself doing anything else.
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?
I don’t think any venture worth doing is ever smooth. I’ve hit a lot of rough patches. There were times I thought about throwing in the towel and moments when you wonder if what you are making or trying to accomplish are resonating with others. There are always the learning and growing pains to deal with. I still find myself learning new tricks, trying and failing at new projects, and just trying to grow around an ever changing audience and economic climate. Right now has been pretty difficult as people are struggling to pay for groceries, gas, and necessities and aren’t really needing jewelry pieces at the moment. I try to stay positive and just keep doing what I am doing and plan, as best I can, for those changes.
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 create fun, affordable, quality jewelry pieces; mainly earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. I remember going to vendor events when I was working as a case manager and thinking “I can’t afford any of this”! $25 – $35 for a pair of earring is a lot for some people. That is one of the big reasons why my earrings run from $8-$15 max. I want ANYONE to be able to afford and enjoy the jewelry I create. I also will fix anything that I make for free because, at the end of the day it’s my name and reputation associated with my jewelry.
As well as the jewelry stuff I always make miniatures, gift items, I paint, and try and get as creative as I can. I’m always needing to make or do something – to push myself into new creative outlets. I love it. My husband, although very supportive, not so much haha.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Do it. Put yourself out there. Don’t let others talk you out of it; because if you don’t try it you will always wonder if you could have made that dream a reality. There is always the possibility of failure and there is nothing wrong with failing. Do the thing anyway. My favorite part of CAT Designs Jewelry & Gifts is that, whether I succeed or fail, it’s all on me. I have full creative freedom and control and it’s all mine. There is a freedom and a purity in that you don’t get from other professions. It’s going to be hard, and there will be rough days, but its all worth the trying.
Pricing:
- Earrings $8-$15
- Bracelets $10
- Miniatures $35 – $125
- Metal Bookmarks $10
- Crystal Buddies $10 – $20
Contact Info:
- Instagram: cat_designs_jewelry
- Facebook: CAT Designs Jewelry & Gifts
