Kristen Shaw
My name is Kristen Shaw I’m a wife, mother, G-ma and am expecting my first great grand baby this year! I am the sole owner and operator of Kristen's Gems handcrafted gemstone beaded jewelry. I design and handcraft each piece myself to give you a beautiful unique piece of jewelry. I always wore a lot of jewelry and had an eye for bling. But I never did I imagine I would end up here.
I decided to add some random pictures from my cell phone as I take on this difficult task of trying to figure out what to say about myself here. I’m hoping the pictures will help make it interesting in the event my writing fails to do so.
First of all, I never really thought of myself as being very creative. I have always had a creative soul, but I was just never able to express it. At least not in my younger years. Other than interior decorating/design, the only creative thing I've done, I’m still in awe of today. IT was a painting I did outside on the cement around my pool area.
I really can’t draw, so it took several attempts with chalk, but I finally ended up with 2 nice flowers. I painted one orange and one pink, so I added leaves. The next day, I added more flowers, leaves, and a butterfly. Later, a bee and some ladybugs, too. This went on for quite some time until I had a beautiful and very colorful mural across from our pool area that brightens even the darkest of days. My husband was impressed, and he is not easily impressed. Our friends and family love it too. This was at least 3 years ago, and we still enjoy it every day.
Tumbling rocks and gemstones are what put me on the path I'm on today I made a few pieces of unique handcrafted jewelry out of the raw gemstones which somehow lead me to gemstone beads. This is when I became excited. I discovered for the first time that beads were not all just made of plastic! To my surprise, there are beads made from gemstones, glass, and crystal. After discovering this, I was immediately addicted. I began to buy strands of these beads, not knowing what I was going to do with them at the time.
I just knew I had to have them. That's when I started making different pieces of jewelry, from necklaces to rings and earrings to anklets. I was a natural. Who knew? Why am I just finding this out? I don't know the answer to that. In the beginning, it was more of a hobby. I would make custom bracelets for family and friends, only selling enough to buy more supplies. I decided to turn my hobby into a small business when the pandemic hit and the pay cuts started coming. At the same time, the cost of living was increasing. I wanted to be able to continue doing what I love and bring in a little income at the same time.
It's been an amazing learning experience! I made a lot of mistakes along the way trying to save money which only cost me more in the end. What I am doing is making quality unique gemstone beaded jewelry yet affordable. I want to see or hear from you again. Most of my business is local now and are repeat customers, many of which have had something customized as well.
Some visit my showroom (by appointment only). Others show up at events around town where I have pop-up sales. I'm not looking to be the next "Kendra Scott". Nor am I looking to get rich. I just want to continue to make unique, quality jewelry for people at affordable prices. I tell all my customers I want to hear from them. I want to know if something breaks. First of all, I would want to make it right, but I also need to know if I need to change something. I can't perfect my product if I am unaware of any problems. So, if you purchase something from me and it breaks due to no fault of yours. Don't just say "Oh well" and never buy from me again. If nothing else, please contact me. I strive to craft my jewelry to be robust, unique, and beautiful. I guess that's the Virgo in me. Enough about me, now tell me what you think of my creations. I'd love to hear from you!
