Today we’d like to introduce you to Kailani Sutliffe
Hi Kailani, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Foraged Finery started in January 2023 as a creative outlet to share my passion for jewelry. As a kid, I always found jewelry to be fascinating, from the way it is universally loved to the way it is delicately crafted. During my sophomore year of college, I realized that this hobby could be more than just a pastime—it could be a way to express myself and connect with others.
Starting Foraged Finery allowed me to dive deep into my creativity and explore new designs and materials. I began sharing my pieces on social media, and the positive response was overwhelming. I quickly learned how to engage with my audience and build a community around my work.
Balancing the launch of Foraged Finery with my studies in cognitive science and social media marketing at the University of Memphis has been a pivotal part of my journey. My education has equipped me with the skills to reach a wider audience and connect with my customers on a personal level. This blend of creativity and strategy has been incredibly rewarding, leading to collaborations with amazing organizations and securing an in-person location for my business in under a year and a half.
The support and connections I’ve made along the way have been invaluable, and I’m thrilled to see where this creative and educational journey will take me next.
Alright, 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?
While I would love to say it’s been as easy as it looks, I have definitely faced some struggles while running my business. Most, if not all, of the struggles come from the fact that I run the business completely by myself. Aside from creating the jewelry, maintaining stock at the shop, and doing all the marketing and business management for my business, I am also a full-time student at the University of Memphis, I am a part-time Research Assistant on campus, I have a part-time job, and a Social Media Marketing Communications Internship to balance on my plate. Oftentimes, it can be hard to find the time to make jewelry and keep myself on track with my business, and motivation doesn’t always come when the time does. Despite the struggles, I love making jewelry and I love having a creative outlet to go to when all the other things I am juggling seem overwhelming.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I make handmade jewelry using a variety of self-taught methods using mostly upcycled/recycled materials. I specialize in creating beautiful pieces from unconventional materials such as broken plates, real fruits, and old pieces of jewelry that would otherwise be wasted. I am most proud of the fact that I am 100% self-taught and have established a distinct brand and product identity. I am very happy to have the creative freedom to add touches of my own personality into my branding and to be able to connect with customers to set myself apart!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I feel like I have had relatively good luck! While I can attribute hard work through literal hours of studying and effort and design, I feel like I have been so lucky to have met the people I have met and been able to network and collaborate with so many amazing creatives in the city! I feel so lucky to be able to do my business in such a supportive and artistic city as well!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/foragedfinery
- Instagram: _foragedfinery
- Facebook: Foraged Finery
