Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Smith.
Hi Grace, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my jewelry-making journey back in August of 2024. My sister was a Dungeon Master for her group of friends, and she had created this entire fantasy world that I thought was beautiful. Knowing her birthday was in September, I randomly pulled up a YouTube video on circlet making, and thus began my tumultuous journey. The first circlets I made were a mess, but I eventually managed to make something I could present to her. She absolutely loved it! But then her birthday passed, and I still had all of these supplies with nothing to do. So, I kept making little things, like a crown from my favorite cartoon series or earrings from a character in a movie I loved. I started making pieces for my friends and even people I met at work who complimented me. At this time, I was wrapping up college and deciding what I wanted to do with my life. It took a while and a bit of a leap of faith, but I realized this is what I loved most: being creative and bringing magic to life.
This is where Rose Pebble Island was born. It is an entirely fictional place I have created, and each piece I make tells a little of the story of the Island and the mysterious (and definitely senile) creator behind it. All of the beads and items are “imbued” with magic from the “creator.”
I have been making jewelry ever since, and I aspire to make wackier and more whimsical pieces each time I sit down to create.
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 has definitely been a tumultuous path. I am someone who struggles heavily with perfectionism, so when I began, I didn’t have the confidence I have today. Creating art has taught me to slow down and appreciate the process of creation, but also to accept the flaws that come with it. This is part of why nature plays a huge role in many of my works: the beauty of its disorderliness. Nothing is perfect, so it takes a lot of the pressure away.
I also found it hard to be consistent with myself because this has only been a side hustle for me for the last couple of months. It’s hard to create art when a part of you is drained at another job. This stopped me from creating for a very long time, but I have had to learn to be disciplined with both my time and energy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My slogan is “bring back whimsy” because I still believe in magic. The whole goal of my business and creation is to bring people back and make them remember that magic that exists within them. I think as we get older, it is so easy to lose this part of ourselves, and it makes it so much easier to just fall into the lull of life. Well, each day doesn’t have to be boring! I want people to remember to look up. To talk to the trees. To whisper poetry to the waters. That is why all of my pieces come with a custom poem. I think this is what makes me different and something I take much pride in.
Furthermore, the fact that my entire business is based in a fictional place I have created is something I find unique. It’s so fun to create this mystery around my pieces, and I eventually want to channel them into a book series I am writing! I’ve dropped bits of lore in some of my recent pieces, but I am keeping it a huge mystery for now.
How do you define success?
Success comes from within. People can tell me when I’ve done a great job or if I make something cool, but I think success comes from when I see it and accept it for myself. It comes from when I find my purpose and pursue it because it is solely what I want for myself and not anyone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rosepebbleisland.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rosepebbleisland
