Conversations with Susan Jenkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Jenkins.

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?
Staying active has always been one of my core values. Over the years, this has taken many forms: from running marathons and competing in triathlons to cycling, practicing yoga and rock climbing. Living in Colorado has given me the opportunity to do all these things outdoors while also enjoying the beautiful vistas this state has to offer.

While eternally grateful for the beauty and wonder I have experienced while biking and hiking my way through the Rockies, the worry and concern over global warming and the impact humans are having on the planet has continued to grow. I have always wondered what I can personally do to make a small difference.

Driven by an inherent sense of frugality and a desire to be environmentally conscientious, I have always reused, repurposed, and recycled as much as possible. A couple of years ago, while biking with friends, the group had several flat tires during long rides. I saved the tire tubes not wanting to throw them away. After a lot of research, I discovered great tutorials and many artists who are doing their part to repurpose tire tubes! They were my inspiration to make lightweight, colorful earrings to promote an active lifestyle and reduce waste through reusing, repurposing, and recycling. This was the answer I had been looking for to the question of what small act I could personally do to make a difference. And with that, Cycle Up Jewelry Plus was born!

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?
Any new endeavor is bound to have some bumps along the way and my journey is no exception. My past experience has mostly been as a community organizer, teacher, and mother – experiences that I have learned a great deal from but didn’t necessarily teach me everything I needed to know about running a small jewelry business! The biggest challenges have been navigating the online presence and trying to network through COVID. What keeps me going is my personal mission and drive to make a small difference through promoting recycling, reusing, and an active lifestyle.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Cycle Up Jewelry Plus designs unique earrings for the active fashionista who is concerned about the environment. Each piece is lightweight and can transition from a day of outdoor activity to a night out on the town. The best part: all handmade from upcycled materials!

All earrings are consciously created out of concern for our earth and hope for preserving its beauty for future generations. Cycle Up Jewelry Plus has a passion for creating a community that honors both self-care through and active lifestyle and a sense of environmental responsibility through repurposing, reusing and recycling as much as possible to reduce waste. This mission is critical for our future well-being! As such, 20% of the proceeds from the Straightforward Shape and the Bicycle Collections will be donated to two organizations already doing great work: Blue Star Recyclers and Front Range Cycling Club.

I am most proud that my earrings reuse materials such as tire tubes without sacrificing on style! Cycle Up Jewelry Plus offers a variety of collection styles such as Fashionista Hoops, Traveler 3 in 1 earring, Chain of Turquoise, Fun Funky Circles, Bicycles and Straightforward Shapes.

Another fun difference that sets me apart from others is that if the online purchaser lives within 10 miles of Sloan Lake, I will deliver the earrings (in their biodegradable, reusable packaging) by bike!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have found that people in general are willing to help if they can. The hardest thing is to just ask for help and to get out there and meet people.

Contact Info:

• Email: cycleupjewelryplus@gmail.com
• Website: cycleupjewelryplus.com
• Instagram: @cycleupjewelryplus