Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Millner.
Hi Beth, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated from Northern Michigan University with a BFA in Metalsmithing in 2008 and launched my home-based jewelry business out of the corner of my kitchen. At the time, I was living in an off-grid cabin, which made the whole thing even more of an adventure. While in my last year of college, I started displaying my work at art fairs, opened an Etsy shop, and taught silversmithing classes in Marquette, Michigan. In 2012, after years of establishing a local name for myself at shows and festivals, I was ready to transition to a brick-and-mortar location in downtown Marquette. All of the jewelry is handmade in the studio above the retail shop, and items are sold both in-store and on our website. I’m lucky enough to have six employees to help me in the shop and studio.
My jewelry is directly inspired by the natural beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It’s a really magical place that feels very tucked away from the rest of the world (it often gets left off of maps). My designs feature the various forests, shorelines, and mountains that define the area. Many of the jewelry pieces are named after local hiking trails, rivers, and waterfalls. These elements are captured in layers of metal and accented with hand-sawn details. Sourcing ethical, eco-friendly materials is one of the most important things to me, and so all of our materials are either recycled or locally sourced.
They key to growing my business from a home-based, regional business to a brick-and-mortar shop with customers around the world was finding an online community through my website and Etsy shop, and connecting with customers on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Right now, we’re figuring out TikTok, which has been something new and fun. Many of our customers have never visited the Upper Peninsula, and over half of our sales are now online. I think that these customers really connect to the design work, and also the business ethics and mission.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are obviously a lot of challenges and growing pains that come with starting a business, and it definitely wasn’t always easy. When I wanted to purchase the shop, I was young and not making very much money, so I was denied a traditional business loan. Luckily, I was able to take advantage of a local program through Northern Initiatives that helps secure nontraditional loans for small business owners. Another hurdle was the pandemic. We actually started making cloth face masks because we were struggling to source them locally. We were able to donate several thousand masks and nosepieces to local schools and hospitals, and we also sold them in the shop. I think the ability to think creatively and look for unique solutions is an important part of having a successful small business. I’m also lucky to live in a community that really supports local artists and businesses, which has also been a huge help to any obstacles I’ve faced. When everyone is rooting for you to succeed, it seems a little easier.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When I was in college, I was very determined to learn how to use a jewelry saw. It’s kind of tricky, and something that a lot of my classmates seemed to shy away from. Now, it’s a signature of my work. I create a lot of silhouettes and use figure-ground reversal to create scenes in mixed metal. I’ve expanded into other types of work, but I think that my mixed metal pieces and signature sawn trees are what are most recognizable to customers. I think that my work is also well known for being sustainable. We really take measures to reduce environmental impact as much as possible at every stage of production.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve done a lot of networking through social media and attending classes and conferences in my area of interest. I also like to network locally by serving on boards, and getting involved in local art shows and festivals. In general, I think that saying yes to opportunities, even if they seem small, is a great way to build a resume and network.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@bethmillner.com
- Website: http://www.bethmillner.com/
- Instagram: @bethmillnerjewelry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethMillnerJewelry/?ref=page_internal
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethmillner
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUyzX1wCxp2GeqJdB4tPGeA
- Other: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bethmillner/
Image Credits
Janna Fox
Jane Villanueva
Alexa Haferkorn
Erin Potter
