Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Gratz.
Hi Cathy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I think I was born to be a maker. I never seem to be able to get away from the desire to make, to create. I majored in Art in school and taught art to elementary school students for many years. I enjoyed teaching art but found it did not fill the need to be hands on creating my own art. I began working in oil paints which I loved. I could absolutely lose myself while painting but found it difficult to teach and paint. Somehow I stumbled into making jewelry as a way to satisfy my need to be creative but also keep a full-time job. Since then it has been a journey with each step, every skill taking me to a new level of creating. It’s been a journey of exploration, finding what kind of things I love, what kind of style I inspires me. I began selling my jewelry after realizing I had to do something with all the jewelry I had made. I certainly couldn’t wear it all. The thought of meeting people, selling my own creations put me way outside my comfort zone. After convincing myself I COULD do this I ventured into the world of small business weekend markets. Selling at markets has been a growth journey in itself. Having people walk by and show little interest in your items is truly ego busting, but also gave me the opportunity to reflect and critique my own work. I continued to push myself to find myself in my jewelry making to develop a style that people want to buy and I enjoy creating. While my work continues to evolve, and I never stop wanting to learn new skills, I think I have finally become comfortable with who I am as an artist and the pieces I create.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think I mentioned some struggles in the previous page. I can elaborate some in that it took exposure/experience for me to realize my work needed some refinement. I found I needed to humble myself to be able to see how I could stretch myself. I worked hard to do that. It required learning skills that took my jewelry to new level. Looking back I kind of shutter when I think of the jewelry I made when I began this journey. I love seeing the progress, how I have grown, how I continue to evolve. We should never lose our ability to be teachable. When we feel we have nothing else to learn
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The first 10 years that I was making jewelry it was a creative outlet turned side hustle. I managed to grab moments of spare time outside of my job to make my jewelry. I did as many weekend markets as I felt I could manage and still have a full time job. I decided to retire early so I could focus on creating jewelry full time. Since then I have become a small business owner, a one woman show. Now I am creator, business manager, marketer, accountant. I have to admit I love creating. I can work creating jewelry till my back aches, my hands cramp, and my eyes blur and LOVE it! I guess if I am proud of anything it is my passion for what I do and for the jewelry I create. However, all the other aspects of a small business I do out of necessity.
If I had to think of something that sets me apart I guess it would be my artistic vision. It’s not that it stands above others but that we are all different and it is a reflection of who we are. I love a good story. It draws me in and connects me to something. I’ve incorporated my captivation with story telling into many of my jewelry pieces. My Luminesce Collection are necklaces that have an image stamped on a hammered piece of silver. What makes these special is that they are connected to a scripture verse.
My Chayil Collection showcases Women of Valor. These are custom one of a kind pieces. They are my visual interpretation of a well known poem, quote (expired copyright) or a story from scripture that honors women in their courage, bravery, and excellence. I love that I can share scripture and create jewelry pieces that can inspire someone.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I live in Taylors, South Carolina. This is basically a part of Greenville. It is a beautiful place to live. We are very close to the Blue Ridge mountains yet only hours away from the beach. Paris Mountain is even closer with beautiful trails to hike. You don’t have to go far to feel like you are in the country, lots of open green space. Its the best of both worlds. We have a fun downtown, lots of great restaurants. There are lots of things to do in Greenville but it has a small hometown feel about it.
The only thing I don’t like about Greenville is that I fear all the beautiful attributes are slipping away as some many people continue to move here. Developers are buying up acreage, stripping the land and building apartment complexes or house squeezed onto tiny lots. It makes me sad that everything that makes Greenville beautiful could disappear to accommodate everyone moving her to see what makes Greenville beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Meraki5Jewelry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Meraki5Jewelry
