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

Hi Payton, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my businesses was what most might consider cliche but it really came down to thinking outside of the box. I saw everyone making clothes but I wanted to create something people could wear and feel like they shine, so that’s what I did. I created shirts that sparkle in even the lowest of lights. I wanted people to feel special wearing my clothes, to feel like they stand out in even the biggest of crowds. That’s why I created Pd-Archive. As for Arduous Jewels, I wanted to make a difference for the earth as well. That is why I choose to upcycle vintage spoons into jewelry at a great price. I wanted to give people a good deal yet a quality product. People’s biggest fear when buying jewelry is “Is it gonna make me turn green”. With a lot of thought that How I choose spoons because they are meant to get wet and most have thick silver plating and are hypoallergenic. In doing so I am able to give my customers a product of quality without hurting their wallets too much!

What should our readers know about your business?
I believe what sets me apart from others is my willingness to take risks. Growing up I didn’t have the average cookie-cutter family that supports me and my decisions. I grew up in a broken home with lots of financial instability and tension. I have been financially independent since I was 18 so the risks I have taken are that much harder because for me it’s all in or nothing. I don’t have a family to fall back on that could cushion me if I fail, it was my job to preserve. They’re taking the risks to invest in a better future for me was that much harder. Lots of youtube and lots of ready and lots of questions to people that I aspired to be like along with my hard work got me in the position where I am today, Making sure to block out all the background noise and to really focus on your end goal is how it’s done, along with not being afraid of failure. If someone tells you, you can’t do it, you block that out, keep your head down and have your success in silence on your own path and you will get there eventually. Stop trying to prove to people you are capable prove to yourself, your success should be for you, and not try to prove others wrong. These are the actions I took to grow to where I am today and I will continue to use them to reach my end goal and I will continue to go at my own pace! PD-Archive & Arduous Jewels are a reflection of my hard work and they are a way to want to make people feel loved good and empowered to continue on their own path.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area I would take them to Hannys in. downtown Phoenix for dinner. Hannys is one of my favorite restaurants in the city with great affordable prices and an amazing atmosphere. After hannys we would probably go to a little speakeasy like The Market in Tempe to hang out. They have amazing people there and everyone is extremely friendly. Next day we would most likely go to the botanical gardens for the scenery and then grab some lunch at Zinque at fashion square!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shout out and give some credit to my best friend for years Ava Martin. She has stuck by my side throughout thick and thin and through all my numerous amounts of battles with business and also myself. I couldn’t have asked for a better sidekick in my upbringing and I can’t wait for the many more years to come with my biggest supporter and best friend Ava Martin.

Website: arduousjewels.com & pdarchive.shop

Instagram: @pd.archive & @arduousjewels

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/payton-dollison-a243b3240/

Other: Tiktok: @pd.archives @arduousjewels

Image Credits
Photographer: Hudson Palethorpe (blue button-down shirt) Photography Page: @shootwithhuddy Photographer: Jeff Otto (Black skull crop top) Page: @jeffottocreative Photographer: Ava Martin Photography page: @avaflicks

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.