Meet Krystal Munday | Silversmith

We had the good fortune of connecting with Krystal Munday and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Krystal, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
In my business, what makes me happy is that I am able to build a piece of jewelry from scratch and when it comes to life it gives me a sense of achievement. Also, when my jewelry finds that particular person that loves it as much as I do, that is what keeps me inspired and motivates me to keep making. The most fulfilling moment is when I see my hard work worn by those who receive it. I also love to sell at markets. There’s something about the feeling of having someone admire your product, pick it up or try it on. It makes my heart so happy. I live in a community where art is celebrated and creativity thrives. It is amazing how artists do not compete but instead inspire and support each other. So my advise to all my creatives out there. Start your journey now and see how your life can change, mine sure did.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Hi there! I’m Krystal! The first question people ask me is where you from? (I have this southern accent that people tell me the adore 😉) I spent my first 34 years living in Angier, North Carolina. In 2016 my husband and I moved to Washington. I currently reside in Everett, WA with my husband, Aaron and our two pitbulls, Aiko and Occhi. I am a self-taught silversmith and create in my studio space in my home.

I have always been fascinated by making things with my hands, from beading necklaces when I was 7, making scrapbooks and painting many, many walls (So sorry Mom.) At eighteen years old I became a service advisor.  As the time passed, I continued this career because I was great at it, but to my realization I loathed it.

In 2017, my husband, purchased me a silversmithing class at The Schack Art Center in Everett, WA. Much to my surprise lighting up the torch for the 1st time was fascinating.  In the following months, my life was completely consumed by all things silver. Whenever I was not at my day job I was in my home studio learning, creating and melting a lot of jewelry. I have developed my skills as a self taught silversmith through countless hours of practice in my home studio.

The jewelry I create is inspired by nature and it’s beauty. I use sterling silver, and incorporate natural gemstones. I fabricate each piece by hand, and I use a lot of tools and a torch to create. I approach my work as an art form as well as a trade. The design isn’t only in the aesthetic, but also in the durability and craftsmanship of each piece. Some pieces that I create can take a couple of hours and some will take days. You can see the evidence of my own hands that created each piece for you. My jewelry is one-of-a-kind and unable to be perfectly replicated again. My dream is that my jewelry will become treasures that you can cherish for a lifetime.

The most rewarding part of my business is that I am able to build a piece of jewelry from scratch and when it comes to life it gives me a sense of achievement. Also, when my jewelry finds that particular person that loves it as much as I do, that is what keeps me inspired and motivates me to keep making. The most fulfilling moment is when I see my hard work worn by those who receive it.

I have learn that growing a business is very hard work and comes with many challenges. In my experience I had to adopt mindset into my life. Your mindset influences how you think, feel, and behave in any given situation. Pay attention to your words and thoughts. Replace the negative thoughts with more positive ones and also take on them challenges. One of the best ways to learn is to make mistakes. So, instead of shying away from challenges, embrace them.

Over the past two years, I have learned the importance of taking risks. This has helped me push myself in areas that I would not have before, I am learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. I was a service advisor for Ford for my entire life. I devoted everything I had to this career. I was truly great at it but in reality I loathed it. When I was introduced to silversmithing in 2017, I took this on as a hobby. I devoted two hours a night to learn and play. My husband noticed a change in me when I was in my studio and as I grew as a silversmith he was the one that pushed me to follow that dream. He said “you will never know if you don’t try.” So I took the leap and began a career as a full time silversmith. It was so scary starting over at nearly forty but I decided to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The most magical place to me in the Pacific Northwest is Cape Flattery. This place is located at the far most northwest corner of Washington State where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific Ocean. I love to go here to clear my mind and see what beauty this world has to offer. As you are walking down the trail you see moss covered woods and when you arrive at the end of the trailhead that’s where to magic awaits.

Next would be to visit this charming small town called Snohomish, Washington. You will find cozy eateries, antique shops and trendy bars. Also there is a nice river walk to stretch your legs.

There is so much to see and do here. The best way to start is pack a bag and start to drive. No matter where you end up there is beauty everywhere.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I started this business after diving deep into the art of silversmithing. I never really intended to begin this journey, nor did I ever realize that I was capable. If it was not for my supportive husband, I would still be on the service drive. He is my biggest fan and my inspiration. He has taught me to never look back at what was, only at what could be.

Website: https://www.silverborders.com/

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Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCqDagp_oVTUMbFOPmU6rwHQ