We’re looking forward to introducing you to Christina Paluszek-McClure. Check out our conversation below.
Christina, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think many people believe that as a solo entrepreneur, or working for yourself, comes with a lot less stress, and a lot more free time, than say having to always punch a clock and work for someone else. That’s not necessarily true. Although working for yourself does give you more freedom as to what hours your work, and what hours you play, you still have to carry a lot on your shoulders.
Yes, I love it when I get to work at my bench and create jewelry, but then I also have to make time for all the other things that come with running a business, such as marketing and social media, updating the website, sourcing metal and stones, and finances. On top of that, I also need to make time for all the other things that just come with living, like taking care of the house, laundry, cooking dinner, and being there for my dogs and family.
You can usually make your own hours, but there are times when juggling it all can become tricky.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
For the past 25+ years, I’ve been lucky enough to make jewelry for a living in the Tampa Bay area under my business name, Kryzia Kreations. I began mainly as an artisan jeweler, traveling to art shows around the country, and selling my jewelry at the shows, in various galleries, and now mainly on my website.
I am completely self-taught, and I make each and every piece by hand using recycled precious metals in silver and gold, and ethically-sourced gemstones and pearls. Through trial and error, I was able to teach myself basic metalsmithing from books I found in the library and bookstores, and then later through classes and videos I found on the Internet. Metalsmithing really appealed to me because I think it’s pretty amazing that you can take something so cold and hard as a piece of metal and fire it, bend it, and shape it, to create beautiful fluid pieces.
My jewelry is heavily inspired by nature, as well as the romantic style of adornment of the late 1800’s to the mid 1900’s. The craftsmanship of that time period paid so much attention to the smallest details, and nature was a big influence on design of all kind in that era. I also find a lot of inspiration in nature, because everything Mother Nature creates is one-of-a-kind with so much tiny detail that you won’t even notice it unless you take the time to look close enough. To me, it’s all the little details that make jewelry so intriguing and timeless. Each piece tells a story, and that is my aim as well when it comes to the jewelry I create. I want people who wear my jewelry to really investigate each piece, and discover its texture, personality, beauty, and its unique story.
Over the past few years, I’ve become known for non-traditional engagement rings and wedding bands. This sort of happened by accident, but it’s actually a lot of fun. I offer a series of these designs on my website, and I also have couples who contact me about creating something special just for them. I enjoy the collaboration process. To know I am making something that has such a special meaning is really an honor.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
For me it was my father. My father was a calm, intelligent, thoughtful man. He always wanted to provide whatever he could for his children, and if he could help them or guide them in some way he would try. When I decided to try to launch my jewelry business, I honestly thought he was going to be dead-set against it because I was basically leaving the security of a job with a company and just striking out on my own in a field I was teaching myself about. He surprised me by really being very supportive, and told me that if I believed I could do it I should definitely give it a shot. He also took it upon himself to build my very first jewelry displays so I could go out and do art shows.
I was always one to do my own thing before this, but my father’s support and belief in me made me see myself as being strong, confident, powerful, and in control of my own life.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. About ten years ago, my father became really ill, and my mother needed help with his care. All of this happened right before my Christmas rush of jewelry orders, so trying to help take care of my father and work was becoming more difficult as time went on. I almost had to close my business because so much of my time was supporting my mother in caring for my father.
When I was finally able to get back to making jewelry full-time, so much time had gone by, and so many things had changed not only in the art show world, but even in technology and marketing, that I basically had to start from scratch to rebuild. I began to wonder if it was even possible because I needed to learn quite a few new skills. Remembering how much I loved what I did, and the belief my father had in me when I first started my business, helped me rebuild.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say, yes. I think when you are working with the public in such a personal way, as I do when making jewelry, you have no other choice than to be your authentic self. My jewelry is an extension of me as I hand make every piece. When people meet me, and talk to me, I think they can see that a part of me goes into each piece I make.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember that I was kind, thoughtful, and accepting of others. And although I always followed my own path wherever it took me, that my family and friends were the core of my being, and that the little things and moments mattered to me. I hope they tell people that when it came to my jewelry, I always paid attention to every little aspect of creating it because the details and craftsmanship were important to me. And, that it was a joy to make meaningful pieces for people because every piece touched someone’s life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kryziakreationsstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kryziakreations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kryziakreations
Image Credits
Christina Paluszek-McClure