Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Eddinger.
Hi Kendra, 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 backstories with our readers.
I started toying with the idea of bone jewelry back in 2018, making jewelry for myself. My mother has always collected skulls and I happened to use the rest of the skeletons. After wearing my creations out and about, there was enough interest to get me motivated to make things for others.
I started vending at small farmers’ markets and taking any events I was invited to. Each year I’ve gotten bigger and bigger and while taking a bit hit with the rest of the world when the pandemic first started, I’ve since found my way back into the communities that first welcomed me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Not everything has been smooth sailing, when I first started I was making minimum wage at a retail job and it was hard to start up and save the money to put towards supplies and markets while still going to school and trying to afford to live.
Covid didn’t help anyone of course but hit small businesses and vending opportunities especially hard with no one leaving their house for social events for nearly two years. Preconceived notions about how “macabre” or “weird” my work is perceived by the public have also been a hurdle, I always crack a joke about it being just a different kind of recycling.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The funny thing is, this is my side hustle. I would love for this to be my focus full time but I manage to juggle my “real job” and my passion for my business. In my profession, I paint aircraft, a far cry from crafting with bone. I’m known for my attention to detail in all aspects of my life, taking special attention in any preparation to make any final product turn out smoothly.
Business-wise, I’m most well known for my snake vertebrae hoop earrings, when I’m putting them together I imagine a snake still curled up in loops and turns. I’m also known for my lamps and natural displays, I try to imitate the natural world closely and accurately though sometimes I have fun with some creative liberties. I would think I’m set apart from others in the same business by my balance of minimalism and maximalism, being able to make different pieces for all tastes.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
It comes as no surprise that I have a love for animals and the natural world. In my long hours painting planes or tinkering with bits and bones, I’m usually listening to podcasts, some of my favorites being National Park After Dark, Tooth and Claw, and Old Gods of Appalachia. I can easily get sucked into real-life situations or fictional horrors that make me on edge.
Pricing:
- Starting at $5
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/charredandbone?igshid=Mzc0YWU1OWY=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charredandbone
