Welcome to Episode # 56 with Jeweler, Designer, Podcaster, Entrepreneur - Tracy Matthews.
Her passion for design started as a child, dreaming of creating wedding gowns. When she took her first jewelry fabrication class as a college elective, the seed was planted.
Tracy started her first jewelry business as a hobby, designing for bridal parties, friends and families.
In her twenties, she quit her day job to pursue the dream full time. And her first legitimate brand, Tracy Matthews Designs, Inc. was born. Over the years, her collection was sold in over 350 retail outlets all over the globe (ABC home, Sundance Catalog, Bloomingdales, Anthro). Celebrities enjoyed her work (Orlando Bloom, Charlize Theron, Halle Berry, David Cooke). And plenty of media coverage (InStyle, Lucky, Real Simple, TV Shows and Movies)
She has even won some awards: Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion (2006) and JCK Rising Star (2007)
Unfortunately, in 2009 she had to file for bankruptcy. Feeling like a failure, Tracy abandoned her jewelry design ambitions. She attempted yoga and some other paths, but couldn’t resist the creative tug to go back into jewelry design. She gathered up all her courage and started over, with a new perspective. And her business is truly thriving.
Speaking of that word, “Thrive” -Tracy launched a podcast called Thrive By Design supporting designers and makers with business, marketing and lifestyle strategies. And she also has Flourish and Thrive Academy, helping jewelry designers attract lifelong customers.
I’m telling you, this woman is crushing it and I am so blessed to have been able to chat with her. Such a great voice for us creatives. Her slogan says it all - community and collaboration over competition.
Enjoy out conversation.