Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Greene.
Hi Krista, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Krista Greene and I’m the owner and designer of Anna Clayton Jewelry. Prior to making jewelry, I was a teacher for 15 years in the public school system. While I loved teaching, I really wanted to spend more time with my children and decided to become a stay-at-home mom in 2018. After a year at home, I started dabbling in jewelry making. I’ve always loved accessories and wanted to be able to make my own. In the spring of 2019, I began making beaded necklaces in various lengths and, after a few months, included earrings as well. I wasn’t planning on selling my creations at first, but a friend of mine loved what I was making and showed it to the owner of a local boutique.
Shortly after, the boutique wanted to carry my jewelry in their shop, and I had to come up with a brand name quickly. I wanted the name to mean something special, so I combined the names of my children Anna Lynn and Clayton, to create Anna Clayton Jewelry. Besides selling in the local boutique, I sold to people through messaging on Facebook and Instagram and soon realized I needed my own website for my designs. So, I launched my website (annaclaytonjewelry.com) at the end of January 2020. Currently, I have a total of 7 local shops carrying my brand and sell hundreds of pairs of earrings a month on my website as well. I plan to continue growing my online business this year and hope to keep making jewelry as long as people enjoy my designs.
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?
Most things fell into place in the beginning pretty quickly, so that required some help from my husband (he owns his own company as well). He was able to walk me through the process of setting up an LLC and other business-related items. Most of my struggles came with figuring out the sales tax process, the best products to use for my jewelry, and setting up the website in the beginning.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When I started making jewelry, I began with beaded bracelets and necklaces. Most recently, I have been making earrings from lightweight, polymer clay. I specialize in detailed, theme earrings like my most popular orange blossoms and beach earrings. However, I also create more neutral, everyday styles as well. I’m most proud of the fact that I have been able to create a brand that brings people joy and fills their everyday lives with a little piece of art made by me.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was involved in dance, piano, band, and cheerleading. I enjoyed arts and crafts and did well in school. I’ve always enjoyed creating and crafting and now I get to do it full time!
Contact Info:
- Email: annaclaytonjewelry@gmail.com
- Website: www.annaclaytonjewelry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaclaytonjewelry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annaclaytonjewelry
