Today we’d like to introduce you to Markie Zimmer.
Hi Markie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started out by simply rock hunting. I acquired so many rocks and wanted to do something with them. I wanted to make a Leland Blue ring for my “something blue” in my wedding, so I did it. It was just supposed to be for me, but then friends asked me to make them rings and then their friends and it became a little side hustle. I was encouraged to try my hand at an art show, I applied and got in! It was the Petoskey Stone Festival and it was at a campground, I felt like a queen when people were fawning over my pieces….queen of the campground. I cringe at what I sold at that art show. I kept practicing, honing in on my craft and working my way up. I figured out the finer art shows and became a regular in the Northern Michigan art scene. I was comfortable with where I was, then my friend approached me and her lease was coming to an end in her current space and she had me come look at it. I didn’t aspire to own a store, then I fell in love with the space and the possibilities. I opened my store and never looked back. Every month, every year it has grown. I feature myself and a handful of other women artist who make original art. I am very proud that every piece in my store is handmade by Michigan Women Small Businesses. I now offer silversmithing lessons in my she shed studio and teach others the art of silversmithing. Always growing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Was it easy? Of course not. I worked so hard to get to where I am. Watching, listening and learning from other around me and taking risks. I never thought I would be lucky enough to have my own shop and I got here by trying everything and seeing what worked and what didn’t. I work long hours and after my kids go to bed. It’s hard to be at all my kids events and things when I have to be a rockstar at work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets me apart from others in the business is I hand hunt all my own stones with my family. Most metalsmith buy their cabochons and we are proud that we a part of the entire process of the piece of jewelry. Every member of my family plays an important roll, our girls are rock hunting professionals at 3.5 and 5 and light up when they spot one. My husband, Jake cuts and grinds all of our rocks into cabochons. Instead of bouquets of flowers my husband gives me plates full of freshly ground rocks, our version of love notes. I’m the silversmith behind our brand and all of the pieces are inspired by our family hikes and surroundings.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Something new that I’m offering is Learn to Smith Silversmithing Workshops in my She Shed Studio. This was inspired by my search to learning to silversmith, and not finding anything designed for me to learn. This is a day long workshop teaching yo the basics of silversmithing. I provide all the tools and cabochons and provide hands on teaching and all levels are welcome.
In addition to my new Learn to Smith Workshops I have my brick and mortar store in Suttons Bay. In addition to my work in my store I feature other Women Michigan made small businesses. Collaborating with other artists is what makes my store such a special space.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.silverslagstone.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverslagstone/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverslagstone
