Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Riechert.
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 attended the Savannah College of Art and Design and graduated in 2002. I started creating my jewelry collection after graduation. I worked as a waitress and taught jewelry making for the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs to help pay the bills while my business grew. Selling my designs through SCAD’s store ShopSCAD was my first big break, and I remember how excited I was when they placed their first order! Some of the people I met while teaching classes for the city encouraged me to apply for membership in Gallery 209 on River St, as well as Signature Gallery in City Market. The members of these galleries are fabulous people and are my ‘artist family’ in Savannah.
Aside from my representation in downtown Savannah, I began participating in art shows in several states. The most I have done was 20 shows in one year (that’s exhausting!!!) These days I’m striving for more along the lines of 3-6 shows.
I joined the website Etsy.com in 2006, just a few months after it launched. A combination of hard work and luck helped my online sales grow, and I’m happy to have a successful online presence now, nearly 20 years later.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was a lot of long hours and hard work. When you love what you do, and you are a workaholic, it can kind of overtake you life. That is something I try to be more conscious of now, but I do think that most people have to hustle when they start out. You need to have that drive and determination to help you through the tougher times. Being self-employed is not for the faint of heart. I am blessed to be surrounded by supportive friends and family, both online and in person.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make jewelry and specialize in both hand-stamped messages and glass enameling. Most of all I want people to be happy when they see or wear my jewelry. I really love making pieces that will be meaningful to the wearer, and I believe words hold a lot of power. I love tiny lettering and often use a set of stamps that has tiny 1mm letters. My jewelry collection includes a line of rings and bracelets that can be hand stamped with custom/personalized messages. In other designs, I like to add my own hidden messages to inspire the wearer. With my enameling, I’m often creating jewelry that is silly and happy. An example would be my enameled chicken earrings with movable legs and flowers on their tails. One collection I’m expanding right now is a cat-inspired collection for all my fellow cat ladies.
In a world where computerized engraving is increasingly common for message jewelry, I really love and hold fast to hand stamping. When a piece is hand stamped, you can see a little bit of the maker and the human touch that created each impression.
What matters most to you? Why?
I really want the pieces that I make to make people happy, which in turn will help make the world a little brighter.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.KathrynRiechert.com
- Instagram: @KathrynRiechert
- Facebook: @KathrynRiechert
- Other: www.KathrynRiechert.etsy.com
Image Credits
Kathryn Riechert
Ryder Gledhill
