Meet Stacey Stewartson | Artist / Jewelry Designer

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

Hi Stacey, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Patience. Patience with myself. Patience with my ideas. Patience with the process. When I first started my business I assumed that I would make all the big decisions and then things would basically fall into place. As time has gone by, I’ve quickly learned that running a small business is much more about trial and error, experimentation, flexibility and patience. Some ideas require more or different work than I expected. Some take time to find their legs. Some will fail and it takes patience with self to let that one go and start on the next.

Let’s talk shop. Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My jewelry business literally started with a bag of “trash”. A friend of mine was clearing out a relative’s basement and anything I didn’t take home with me was going to be donated or thrown away. That day I came home with a contractor size bag of partial leather hides and scraps. That unassuming bag of color, texture and a wonderful smell changed the path of my life and cemented one of the main values of my business – reducing waste by purchasing my leather second hand.

That bag is where it all started and ever since then I have made it a priority to continue sourcing leather from artisans and companies who have already used the portion of the hide that they needed. I call the leftovers that I use, salvaged leather. I salvage the remnants and create something new. Obtaining materials from purse makers, book binders, upholsterers and leather artisans allows me to offer unique and sometimes very limited edition pieces.

No matter where the leather comes from, each and every piece of Maebel jewelry is handcrafted with bold simplicity and attention to detail by me in small batches inside my home studio. I believe jewelry is an accessible, delightful way to express personal style and add beautiful design to your daily life. Wearing Maebel jewelry allows you to be bold yet lovely, simple yet unique.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We can enjoy breakfast at Miss Molly’s Cafe or brunch at Honeypie Cafe. A full day can be spent at the Milwaukee Art Museum for plenty of art viewing and amazing architecture. Washington Park is a beautiful oasis right in the middle of town and beachcombing along Lake Michigan will usually turn up some interesting finds. Appetizers and drinks at The Outsider rooftop restaurant never disappoint. Some excellent options for a pub crawl include Good City Brewing, Eagle Park Brewing and Great Lakes Distillery.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A couple years ago my husband gave me the book, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. In it, I read about and named some of the nagging hesitations I was feeling about fully committing to my work. Being a creative person always felt like more of a hobby and “fun thing to do”. Pressfield is of the opposing opinion and encourages readers to show up for their dreams like a full time job. His book overflows with a much appreciated dose of courage and push to be unswervingly dedicated to going all in on myself.

Website: www.staceystewartson.com

Instagram: @maebeljewelry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maebeljewelry

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaebelJewelry

Image Credits
Stacey M Stewartson, Living Happy with Mallorie Photography