Meet Tessa Garrett | Jewelry Designer

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

Hi Tessa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
To be completely honest, I didn’t have any intentions of turning this into a business. I was finishing school during the pandemic to become a Respiratory Therapist and I needed a hobby. All of my classes went to online so I was going a little stir crazy at home and saw a Pinterest post about polymer clay. That same day I bought tons of supplies and starting making jewelry and completely fell in love. About a month later people were asking to buy my earrings, that was 3 years ago! Now I can’t imagine not having my own business and having all of the freedom that comes with it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is very special to me because I never considered myself artistic growing up. I didn’t have a big artistic background, I always felt like I had creative ideas but had no way of actually producing them. With that being said, I always felt like one day I would find the medium that would allow me to become artistic and thankfully I found that with polymer clay. Polymer Clay is such a versatile medium that has allowed me to find my art style. I find inspiration from the beautiful desert we live in, gemstones, watercolor artwork and different styles I like in my own wardrobe. I think I have a very unique, edgy and clean cut style all wrapped into one. I struggled for the first year or so really owning my business and the fact that it wasn’t a “normal” career choice. I was scared being a jewelry designer and having my own business wouldn’t be enough for people. Sometimes people tend to look at artistic careers as hobbies. It was tough breaking through the judgements of others and myself but over time I started to feel empowered and confident in my ability to have a successful business.

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.
Let’s just say I LOVE Tucson and everything about it so this is easy! I would definitely do a staycation at Hotel McCoy, Tuxon or Hotel Congress! Walking around downtown and seeing all of the beautiful artwork is a must! After that we’d be at one of my favorite spots:

My favorite places to grab some brunch are Baja Cafe, Teaspoon, Prep & Pastry and Oink!
For lunch and some drinks you can never go wrong with Bison Witches, Empire Pizza, Union Public House and Truland Burgers & Greens.
Now for Dinner, my favorite sushi spot is Kampai, I love Postinos, North Italia, El Guero Canelo and just about any taco truck you see!

My favorite spots to get drinks is Elliot’s, Tough Luck Club, Danny’s Baboquivari and Crooked Tooth Brewery.

Now for fun- I’m a child at heart and I love Dave and Busters, Round 1 and Cobra Arcade. I love going to roadhouse cinemas and bowling too!

Some of my favorite local shops: Di Luna Candle Store, Pink Moon, Sky and Sand and Pop Cycle.

Lastly a nice pool day, finding live music or going to an artisan fair!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have always struggled believing 100% in myself so this business and these last 3 years wouldn’t be possible without my loving family and my boyfriend. When I second guessed myself about creating Desert & Stone as a business, my mother and my boyfriend were my biggest cheer leaders. They believed in my product and in my vision every day even when I thought about giving up. My friends and other family members supported my business by purchasing my jewelry or even sharing Desert & Stone on social media. I have also been lucky to meet others apart of the polymer clay community, they’re always willing to support each other, share tips and even purchase each other’s creations.

Website: www.desertandstone.com

Instagram: @desertandstone

Image Credits
Michelle Mirlocca @mirloccacollections