Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanja Keller.
Hi Tanja, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in northern Germany in a tiny, old town (est. 1512) close to the danish border. It was common to start an apprenticeship after graduating from school. Since I loved art my whole live I I found a place to teach me the ancient trade of Goldsmithing. I started to work with precious metals (Silver, Gold) and beautiful gems, learned to solder, sizing rings and to create in old school ways. After changing Companies a couple of times learning more and more I fell in love with a man and moved to south Germany. I lived there around 8 years and still worked as a Goldsmith learning all different techniques in my field. When I met my current husband and he got a job offer in the USA, he asked if I would go with him to the Unites States. Of course I would. LOL We got married (so I could work) and moved to South Carolina in the year 2004. After the first year I applied to some companies to find a job and met Mr. Gibson in Columbia, SC. He opened a second store at Ford Jackson at the PX where I found my first job in the USA. It was ruff, since I could not speak English well. But if you get thrown into deep water you better learn how to swim. I work approximately 8 years at Gibson Jewelers bevor we had to move to the upstate because of the work change from my husband. I found a job here in Spartanburg right away at B & D Family Jeweler and work for Miss Betty approximately 3 year. After being employed in so many different stores for over 30 years, I decided to change my life and quit my Job to follow my dreams. First I wanted to have (hand had) a small Etsy store with all sorts of different styles of Jewelry. But it was just not me. I needed contact to people badly! I needed to talk and laugh and meet people. I looked around got more and more info’s about being a vendor… and here I am. Vending at all sorts of different events!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It wasn’t really smooth at all! First it was the language barrier. Not knowing what the customer want… or explaining things …or just talking to the customers. It was so darn hart! But it was even more ruff when I started to be a vendor at markets. Many of you know the feeling! … it looks so nice… it is beautiful…. wow this is cool… but not many sales. I was really close to giving up and starting a 9-5, 5-day job again. But I pulled through! Now I am really happy that I never gave up! I have recurring nice customers. Made friends and enjoy what I am doing!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As you read before, I am a Goldsmith by trade. I can do all sorts of things… LOL Sizing rings, soldering necklaces, wax casting, setting stones etc… I guess you can say I am specialized in so many things! But my passion is to create one of a kind jewelry pieces!
I started to work with broken shells and natural products. How I came up with bones I don’t know. …Yes… bones! I fell in love with that. I love to honor the animals that died naturally or most often accidentally.
But it really started with “The Viking Experience” in NC. I applied for that festival and got in. From there on I really found my passion! My love to work with bones!
Hmmmm … what I am known for???
I am probably mostly known for my unique items! Not one item is the same, only you will wear it and no one else has it! I just love that idea! And I am really proud of it that I can still provide this to my patrons/ customers! For the question what sets me apart form others… To be unique and different! 🙂
I work right now on a Website as well. I wish I could share the link already but it is not quit done. Please check out my instagram@tk_eyecatcher for updates! 😉
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Spartanburg has a lot to offer in my opinion! The library with the new Planetarium… and many more thinks! And you find a lot of green places. “The Cottonwood Trail” is awesome, Hatchers Garden, and Fretwell is great for families! I see how Spartanburg is growing in the 12 years we are living here already. And people are really nice! Oh and now outside seating in downtown after Covid. I love it that the street at Morgan Square is closed forever and people can enjoy sitting in the sun and enjoy the fresh air!
What do I like the least
…hmmm good question… I think that the clock tower was removed! That sucks honestly. I miss it! And I think it really takes away from the old version of Spartanburg. And we need more outside seating coffee places and restaurants on the west side! Most of the good stuff is on the east side.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/tk_eyecatcher
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TKEyecatcher
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/TkEyecatcher4u/
