Daily Inspiration: Meet Lauren Travers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Travers.

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?
I’m a self-taught jeweler and picked up most of my skills from watching videos online. I started back in 2014, and I really fell in love with it. It’s been a great way for me to focus and connect with people in the community.
After spending a decade teaching myself, I decided to treat myself to an intensive professional class for my 40th birthday. It really helped me break out of a creative rut and reignite my passion for jewelry making!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since 2020, running this business has definitely been a challenge. Every year feels like I need to adapt to keep up with everything that’s changing. I ended up closing my retail location at the end of last year to focus more on my online presence, especially since in-person shopping has really dropped off.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In an ever growing jewelry market in KC, I made the decision to specialize in hand engraving. While I recognize it will take years to master, I’m passionate about preserving this art form, which has become rare due to the rise of laser engraving technology. I’m passionate about sustaining traditional art.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was born and raised in Florida before relocating to Kansas City to pursue my education. My artistic journey began early—I attended arts-focused schools starting in middle school, which immersed me in a vibrant community of creatives. This environment shaped my perspective and solidified my passion for the arts, which has remained a constant thread throughout my life and career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.opalandgold.com
• Instagram: Opalandgold