We’re continuing our Meet the Maker Series with Taylor Custer of Taylor Custer Jewelry! We love her handmade gemstone jewelry (these earrings are perfect for winter) and her stretchy collegiate bracelets are a great way to show your school spirit! We can’t wait to learn more about Taylor and her business, and share Taylor Custer Jewelry with you!
Hi Taylor! Thanks for sharing your story with us today. Can you tell everyone a little about yourself?
I am a Dallas native and live here with my husband and daughter. Making jewelry is my creative outlet and my stress reliever. During the day I work in marketing for a non-profit and in the evenings you will find me making jewelry on my dining room table. I love to travel and have so far made it to 4 continents, 18 countries, and 36 states.
Making jewelry is a great creative outlet and we love the products you’re creating! 2020 has been a tough year. Can you share something good that has come out of this time?
Despite all of the challenges, 2020 has had some silver linings, one of which is that I started making jewelry again. I took a 2.5-year hiatus after my daughter was born to be with her, but also because I felt creatively drained. When the pandemic hit and we were spending so much time at home, I started making pieces again and felt really inspired. I also want to give people joy through jewelry. It’s a small thing but seems like something I can do to help.
I know we are all dealing with a lot this year, but if you can look down at your wrist and see a colorful bracelet that brings a smile to your face, that just makes my heart happy. I am also proud that I have been able to fundraise for two organizations through my jewelry, Black Mamas Matter and Vote411, with the “Mama” and “Vote” bracelets.
We love that you’re giving back through your work– and to two very important organizations! Tell us about Taylor Custer Jewelry. What do you make and how long have you been doing it?
About 11 years ago, I took a jewelry-making class with my sister and I was hooked. I started making jewelry to give to family and friends, and soon I had a lot of inventory. I decided to put some items on Etsy to see if any would sell and was so surprised that people from around the world started buying my jewelry! Taylor Custer Jewelry just celebrated 10 years since our first sale on Etsy and I truly can’t believe it’s been that long. I make earrings, necklaces, and bracelets mostly using gemstones and pearls. I try to keep everything affordable and classic.
Happy 10-year anniversary! How did you first get involved with MMC?
I have known Katy for years from selling together at previous craft fairs and local markets. She told me about her idea to open MMC and at the time I just didn’t feel like I had the bandwidth to sell my jewelry at a store. I loved the concept and was lucky to be involved with the MMC opening by helping with the public relations work. When I started making jewelry again this summer, Katy reached back out and it was really the perfect time for me to be involved. I am so happy and honored to be a part of this unique community of women makers.
We’re glad you said yes! What advice would you give a young artist?
Just start doing it. I remember being fearful of putting work out there and I still get nervous at times when I launch new items. It’s hard to be vulnerable and open yourself up to the world, but you have to try. Just go for it and take that first step. You may get it wrong the first time but you have to try.
Wonderful advice! If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I have a very long wish list of places to visit all over the world, but since we are all focused on places closer to home at the moment, I would love to see Glacier National Park. The water is a shade of blue that seems unreal in the photos and reminds me of the lakes in Switzerland where part of my family is from.
What a great adventure for a US-based bucket list! Thanks so much for sharing the story of Taylor Custer Jewelry with us! We’re so glad to have you as part of the Mosaic Makers Collective!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop Taylor Custer Jewelry? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Shop Taylor Custer Jewelry online
- Meet more of our Mosaic Makers on the Blog