Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Weber.
Hi Wendy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I LOVE MAKING JEWELRY. I have been making jewelry since I was a child using wire my dad would bring home from work until I took my first job in high school in a jewelry store cementing my passion. After earning my BA degree in metalsmithing and jewelry design, I accepted a job with a jewelry manufacturer who taught me “mass production.” From there I was taught the “art of jewelry repair” from a Master goldsmith and learned I didn’t want to be a “repair jeweler.” These experiences set me up for my own decision to work for myself. I have been making jewelry for other craftspeople and myself now for almost 50 years while enjoying my family. It afforded me to stay home and raise my 4 children as a single mom. In 2010, my dream came true, and I opened my Gallery! I currently represent over 75 talented Artists and offer wonderful unique gift items and have art classes.
In 2018, Life threw me a curve…I was re-diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer and this time it had spread to my lower colon and I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Liver Cancer. Duke Medical Told me I had 5 years to live and radiation was my only option. I was not happy with that, so I researched my options and found my Angel that saved my life. I went to Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Tx, and Dr. Yi Zarn Wang operated on me for over 9 hours and saved my life. It took 6 months of recovery, and I still take permanent chemo medication to keep me alive, but I can live with that. I am now a 2x survivor!!! Every day is a gift and I feel so blessed to be able to work and create jewelry!!! I love representing the art community and being able to give them a space to display their Art in my Upstairs Gallery which is mostly local art. I also believe that art should be affordable to everyone. So I have AMAZING ART AT AFFORDABLE PRICES. It’s the best-kept secret in Calabash….. a gem of a shop..
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think when I look back over the last ten years, they have all been growing pains. We lived through a bad economy before, hurricanes, and that HORRIBLE Covid when we had to close down for 6 months, and the winters when the visitors weren’t coming down because of the virus. In Calabash, we are all driven by visitors. Now that I have been here so many years and people know what I carry, they stop in for a quick birthday or housewarming gift. I have also learned what sells the best.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a Jewelry Designer / Artist.
I was a Finalist in NC State magazine 2021 for Best in Crafts.
I create genuine sea glass and sterling silver jewelry since moving to the beach and opening up my gallery. Before that I had a line of sterling silver and 14kt gf and freshwater jewelry I designed and used to sell to galleries and still make today for my gallery. I do take special orders for customers.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
“Nothing comes easy in Life.” My Dad used to say that to me. I work more hours now, than before because I have all aspects of the business that I run. So I have learned a lot. I have to admit I hate the paperwork part the most. I much rather just create the jewelry and run the gallery. And the thing I enjoy the most are my customers. I love getting to know who is buying the Artwork for their homes and I love when someone buys that perfect piece of jewelry for themselves that is a “one of a kind piece” and It is going to be treasured. I just love that. My lesson learned is my hard work wasn’t for nothing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jewelrybywendy.com
- Instagram: jewelrybywendync
- Facebook: jewelrybywendync
