Meet Kathryn Peña | Jewelry Artist

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

Hi Kathryn, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I hope when people think of me they think of a person that loves my God and loves my family endlessly. I hope they see how hard I’m willing to work and push myself to be able to use this business to support the ones I love most.

I hope I can be remembered for giving a piece of my heart away to people through my art. I hope that the people
I get to meet and talk to through my business feel that they are genuinely cared about and appreciated. I also hope that my art can be cherished by many for years to come.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I never before imagined that one day I may be running my own business. Previously, my dream was to become a helicopter paramedic-a dream that I was actively working on. I had been an ambulance medic for almost 4 years when we had our first baby, Maley. After returning to work and staying countless overnight shifts away from my new baby, I quickly realized that my new dream was to be a mother that was present.

With a heavy heart, I quit my job and signed up to go back to college for a full-time aviation mechanic program. I had to find a way to bring in income while in school, without sacrificing any more time with my daughter. I found polymer clay jewelry and after much research and prayer, I felt led to do it.

I finished my aviation program but realized the little side hobby I had created had potential. I saw a way to be with my daughter every day, all day and I jumped on it. I took a chance and went all in!

I started only making a few basic polymer clay jewelry designs but now create wearable art by hand-sculpting intricate details. I also offer beaded jewelry using semiprecious beads/gems, as well had handstamped metal jewelry. I hope to continue to expand my skill set and continue to grow my art.

Thank you to my amazing and super loyal customers, my hobby has turned into a small business where I am working on building a brand. Every single day these amazing people are making my dreams come true. Every single order and every single word of encouragement means the entire world to me. I will always feel indebted to these beautiful people for gifting me these invaluable memories with my now 3 children.

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.
Marana/Tucson is so beautiful, I love calling it home! Personally, I don’t really feel that it’s the city that gives this area its charm more than the land itself. Our land is gorgeous with its breathtaking mountains and natural, hidden streams. Our desert is a paradise when the sun dips down behind the mountains and you breathe in the fresh, creosote-scented air. You can look around and you’re surrounded by the old, wise giants of the desert-the saguaros, that stand proud and tall after hundreds of years. Just think of the stories they could tell!
Our wildlife can be dangerous, but they are beautiful. They are strong and resilient, reminding us to be the same.
When people come to visit, I don’t first encourage them to go into the city, I encourage them to go to the land. This land connects you to your soul and for that reason, this will always be home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My business is founded upon and driven by my faith so first I’d like to thank God for his presence and blessings in my life and small business!

I’d also like to thank my husband, Jake, and our three beautiful children: Maley, Leo, and Wesley for all of their support but for also being the people that drive me to do what I do. I love you all SO much!

Thank you to my parents, Gabe and Tracy, who are an integral part of my life and business. Much would not be possible without their love and help! I thank God for you two every single day.

Finally, I’d like to thank all of my customers and friends who continue to support my art and my family! My heart is filled with gratitude and I am humbled to receive your love. None of this means anything without you all! You all have helped me build a brand and support my family. I’m eternally thankful for each one of you!

Website: www.UnearthedAz.com

Instagram: @unearthed_az

Image Credits
Andreea Tolea