Meet Bri Zie | Wire Wrap Artist & Jeweler

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

Hi Bri, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is essential to growth, and present in every aspect of the human experience. Personally, I view risks as opportunities. For a long period of my life, I was afraid of taking risks more than anything. Afraid of failing. Afraid of not meeting the expectations of others or myself. When taking risks now, I am no longer afraid of all that could possibly go wrong; I am enthusiastic about all that will go right! In everything I do, risk taking has played a very important role. Starting a small business as a 21-year-old full-time college student was certainly a risk, but it is one I am so grateful I took. Waiting forever for the “perfect” moment or circumstances only holds us back from living out our wildest dreams and becoming the best versions of ourselves. Take risks! It’s good for the soul 🙂

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always been interested in artistic and creative outlets! Growing up, I was the little girl who made friendship bracelets and spent hours at her drawing easel. In school, I loved singing in the choir, and later learned how to play ukulele. It wasn’t until college that I realized how truly important having a creative outlet was for me, and I struggled to find the right fit. In December of 2021, I created my first ever wire-wrapped pendant: an aquamarine gemstone which was a holiday gift for my friend (now partner ♡). From that day on, I was making new pieces almost every day and LOVING it! I had so many pieces I didn’t know what to do with, so I gave them as gifts to friends and family. Their support and love showed me how much potential I had in pursuing my art and starting a business. In March of 2022, I officially launched The 4th House! I was welcomed with open arms by the community, and started attending local markets and events to showcase my art.

Though I had a great support system between my personal life and the local community, I began this journey with a rocky start. I jumped right in with no previous experience other than a part-time retail job. Needless to say, I essentially bombed my first few market events. I made little to no sales, and customers would often walk right past my little four-foot table to a larger, more established vendor. I was discouraged, felt out of place, and sometimes wanted to give up entirely, not believing this was the path for me. Even then, I persevered. I was, and still am, very passionate about my art. I knew that passion would carry me wherever I was meant to go, and I stuck with it. Every market, I attended with the purpose of putting myself out there and connecting with the community. I stopped worrying about sales and became grateful for the experience alone. It was from that moment on that my business started to become successful, and it still has a long way to go. Now, I understand that everyone starts somewhere, and we cannot expect grand success overnight. When you go into an experience with the intention to learn, grow, and connect, success comes right along with it!

Along with craving the growth and learning that comes with starting a business, I wanted my business to be completely unique to me. One of the most uniquely important aspects of The 4th House is the purposeful integration between jewelry/adornments and spirituality. Along my journey, I learned how important it is to heal, protect, and care for ourselves and our energy bodies. A favorite method of mine has been utilizing gemstones and crystals: Earth elements that have been applied throughout history in energetic repair. In beginning The 4th House, it was my intention to make energetic balance more accessible to all – so accessible that you can wear it! With every handcrafted piece, I select gemstones for specific energetic purposes, cleanse materials, and infuse each creation with the intention to bring energetic balance, healing, and protection, something we all could use a little more of 😉

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many great local spots around town! One of the places I’d take them to is El Charro Hipster Bar & Café. It’s a wonderful family-owned establishment with live music, delicious food and drinks, and an inviting atmosphere! Secondly, I’d take them to one of the many amazing local farmers & artisans markets we have here. It’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday – supporting local talent and small businesses in this incredible community! In addition, we’d spend lots of time out in nature: hiking, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful Arizona sunsets!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course! There are so many people in my life that deserve recognition. Firstly, I am beyond grateful for my best friends, step-mom, and siblings for their continued support for me in all that I do. They have helped me reach a level of confidence I never knew I had access to, and shown me that I am capable of achieving anything! Secondly, I must show my love for this beautiful community! I dove head-first into attending local markets and events with no experience in this industry, and I was greeted with the most loving and accepting people. Their passion and support for our community is truly inspiring.

Instagram: @the444thhouse

Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/the444thhouse