Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Smith.
Hi Meg, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After attending Parsons School of Design, NYC, on scholarship, I had careers in fashion design, illustration, and as a muralist.
In 2007, I escaped domestic violence with my three young children, not knowing we’d be moving and fleeing multiple times through three states and more motels and shelters than I could count.
My children were very young, and not being able to afford daycare, much less a forever home, I took on sewing projects and starting making and selling handmade pins and bracelets I made with bits of vintage ribbons and findings. I sold these in two consignment stores in San Francisco, where we were living at the time, as well as in a coffee shop and on the street.
I understood creating these little treasures was an outlet from the grueling hardships we faced.
I found my way back to my native Minnesota in 2013, where my family finally found safety, stability, and security. I continued to make jewelry out of vintage findings while I worked a retail job.
My business started out in one or two consignment stores and from there my business started to grow.
Currently, I have my jewelry line in over 40 stores across 8 states. I am grateful for the opportunity to get up each day and do what I love to do!
Part of my healing journey has been the desire to give back. Because of this, I have recently partnered with Women’s Advocates, the first domestic violence shelter in the nation. A percentage of sales are donated to aid this organization, and my goal is to garner awareness of this silent epidemic destroying the light within women.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Initially, my biggest challenge was making sure I could put food on the table for my kids. My creative process started out as just that; a way to cope. But after working long hours at a retail job, and making jewelry when I wasn’t sleeping, I began to think I might finally be on to something worthwhile.
I’ve learned over the past year or so that flexibility is my biggest friend; easier said than done! But with any new business endeavor comes growing pains and mistakes. Meaning mindful and committed to learning from our errors is a huge advantage.
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’ve always been drawn to the mid century glamour era. Even as a kid I remember going through my grandmother’s brooches and pendants and thinking how sparkly and beautiful they were!
Because of this, I’ve based my jewelry line on the look I love the most. I create earrings and necklaces with vintage, uncirculated Swarovski crystals, vintage German glass, vintage Japanese glass pearls, and vintage brass stampings and findings. I have some pieces that go back to the 1920’s.
I think what sets me apart is that all of my jewelry is hand crafted; no two pieces are alike; my work is very unique unto me. I also take great care in the details and quality is very important to me.
What matters most to you?
Beauty, uniqueness, details, and quality.
To me, my jewelry is like creating little works of art; it should be unique and beautiful with attention to detail and quality.
I want the wearer to feel special.
Pricing:
- My prices are very affordable, and earrings range from $36.-$58. retail
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.cosettedesigns.com
- Instagram: @cosette_designs
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/526794300994146/
- Other: Thrilling.com
