Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Trumble.
Erin, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Eight years ago, I was a stay at home momma living in South Florida. Like many moms, I was craving some sort of outlet and started blogging and DIYing. Nap times and post bedtimes became my time to really let my creative juices flow. Among many other things that I was making with my hands, I re-discovered my love for making jewelry and handmade gifts.
Around the same time, a friend of mine was running a very successful handmade market and presented me with the opportunity to “give it a shot”. With her support and the encouragement from many of my gal pals, I set out with a folding table and 12 necklaces. In hind sight that seems so ridiculous now. Well, those necklaces all sold within the first hour and I realized I might be onto something.
Coincidentally, my husband left his job in pursuit of a new career in Colorado, which landed us in Denver and that was what really propelled my business. Artisan markets became my stomping grounds and where I spent every weekend for years. I met so many amazing clients and boutique owners and my business exploded.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a “one woman show” small business owner is never easy. And in the early years, being a primarily self-taught metalsmith and jewelry designer definitely brought its own challenges. When you are the only one, you take on the role of owner/accountant/marketing/web design and honestly, all I wanted to do was make pretty things.
Some of the biggest challenges came in the form of unpredictable Colorado weather. There were many markets spent in the freezing rain and countless wind gusts that took out entire displays. That’s a hard life for an artisan. Or there was the time I was in NYC doing a wholesale show and most of the buyers said, “I don’t get it? It looks like just rocks! I don’t think your style belongs here!” Those were hard words to hear, talk about defeating. But what an amazing lesson in the fact that I’m not for everyone and that is totally ok.
But honestly, when I look back on the past eight years, any of the hardships are completely clouded with so much joy and gratitude. Smooth road? No – but my goodness it’s been so worth with wild ride!
Please tell us about Sparkle & Stone.
Funny enough my tag line has always been “JEWELRY FOR THE EVERYDAY ADVENTURER,” and that is exactly what I make. Always has been. Always will be. I make jewelry that people want to and can wear everyday. It’s affordable and obtainable. And never do I want my pieces to be “too special to wear”. My jewelry isn’t meant to sit in a box for an occasion! It’s meant to be worn and loved. Everyday.
Living in the mountains deep into the woods, I am surrounded by the most beautiful inspiration. The colors, the shapes, the materials… they are all inspired by this beautiful little mining town. I love the look of artifacts and that is reflected in the pieces that I make. I love using brass and copper because of the ways that they will change and evolve overtime.
In the past year, I’ve had the honor of working with some insanely talented female metal and lapidary artists that have taught me some amazing skills. That has pushed my work into a new direction. I’ll never forget the first rock that I cut into. That feeling of knowing exactly what I was put on this planet to do was exhilarating. I am so grateful to this community for pushing and teaching me and elevating my craft.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I am most proud of my ability to grow and evolve. I look back at the first necklace that I sold and the last and it’s night and day different.
The newer work that I am producing really brings me so much joy. And branching out from jewelry and working with knives and larger wearable art has been really cool. That feeling when I get behind my lapidary equipment and turn a chunk of stone into a work of art is a feeling that just can’t be described.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sparkle-stone.com
- Email: hello@sparkle-stone.com
Image Credit:
Erin Trumble
Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
