Meet Zara Bish | Metalsmith & Jewelry Designer

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

Hi Zara, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my jewelry business came from a deep pull toward creativity and self-expression. Before I discovered metalsmithing in 2019, I felt uninspired in my career and unsure of what was next. Jewelry brought together everything I love about creating, but in a way that felt tangible. I was making something meaningful that people could actually wear. With my background in graphic design, I was used to working on a screen, so the chance to use my hands and create something sculptural was exciting.

I also realized how much of the jewelry world felt mass-produced and impersonal. I wanted to offer something different: pieces that carried my hand as the maker while also feeling unique to the person wearing them.

And, honestly, I knew I wanted to be my own boss. Running my own business gives me purpose and challenges me in the best ways. It is not always easy, but it is deeply rewarding and something I feel proud of every day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’d describe my work as bold, but with a kind of calm simplicity too. I like playing with contrast, pushing against traditional boundaries and experimenting, while still making pieces that feel wearable and powerful for everyday life. I love using one-of-a-kind stones, precious metals, and unexpected settings so that every piece has its own story.

I’m still fairly new in growing my business, about four years in, and it has definitely been a journey of trial and error. There are times I have doubted myself or felt like I was not moving fast enough, but I have learned to see those moments as part of the process. The challenges have pushed me to grow not just as an artist, but also as a business owner, and I am proud of the resilience I have built along the way.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that connection matters just as much as creation. Jewelry has allowed me to meet so many amazing people, including other artists, mentors, and customers who inspire me to keep going. What I really hope people feel when they see my work is that it was made with them in mind, not just as a customer but as someone worthy of beauty, strength, and connection. For me, jewelry is never just an accessory. It can be a source of confidence and meaning.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much to do in Sedona that it is hard to narrow it down, but if my best friend was visiting for a week I would start with a morning at Indian Gardens Restaurant. Their patio is tucked along scenic 89A and it is the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors over coffee and breakfast. From there, we would stop into Garland’s Jewelry, which has a rich legacy of Native American jewelry and represents generations of Southwestern artists.

Hiking is a must in Sedona, and my favorite is the West Fork Trail. It winds along Oak Creek and through soaring canyon walls, really showing off the natural beauty of the area. We would also spend a day wandering through Tlaquepaque, where you can shop for unique souvenirs, explore the galleries, and enjoy a relaxed lunch at Secret Garden.

I would, of course, take them into Caravana Jewelry, where they carry my work along with other incredible locally made pieces. It is such a special place to experience Sedona’s creative spirit. To wrap up the trip, I would plan a send-off toast at Redwall Craft Distillery, the perfect place to relax, share a drink, and take in the views one last time before heading home.

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’d love to dedicate my shoutout to KP Studio, because that’s really where my journey into metalsmithing began. They not only introduced me to the craft but also created such a supportive and inspiring community to learn in. I don’t think I would’ve had the courage to dive in the way I did without that environment. And of course, my partner Brett deserves a huge shoutout as well. He’s been by my side from the beginning, encouraging me to take the leap into jewelry and supporting me every step of the way.

Website: https://www.zarabishjewelry.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zarabishjewelry

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

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me.