Profile: Opal & Gold
Opal & Gold has made a name for itself as a jewelry and gift destination in KC– read on to hear more about their shop update, and how owner & creator Lauren Foxworth got her start:
Photo by Courtney Wiebe
When did you start making jewelry?
I started making jewelry in 2014…I’m pretty sure. Time is so strange . I’m self taught, so I would say I started to teach myself in early 2014– and by end of the year I was confident enough to try and sell and start doing shows.
What brought your craft to the next level, so to speak?
Hmmm next level, honestly I’m not sure if I’m there yet. I feel like I’m really close but I’m still learning! I’ve definitely improved over the years, there’s no doubt about that, but I’m still not where I want to be or where I feel like I should be. There is always room for improvement in my eyes.
Tell us a bit about how you source your stones and materials- what’s that research process like?
I get my stones from all over the place, from gem shows to local sellers and dealers I’ve met online from around the world. I do my best to make sure all the stones I buy are ethically sourced. And always try to give alternatives to diamonds for customers looking for engagement rings. As far as the metals go I use a couple of reputable sellers in the United States that have incredible references and I have enjoyed working with them.
When did you know it was time to make the leap to having your own storefront?
I think it was either two or three years into the business journey. My business partner at the time and I were tired of doing the same craft shows over and over (they are exhausting), so we decided to start looking for a space. It just so happened one of the stores we were selling our jewelry in was closing their doors because of a job opportunity. After meeting with the landlords, we knew it was a perfect fit and it truly was. Five years later I’m still in the same spot & am so happy we chose to open our store in that location!
How have the many changes in social media affected your business in the past year ?
It’s been incredibly hard to navigate social media– I use it for all of my marketing and with all of the algorithm changes it’s been impossible for me to keep up. Last year when I was really struggling I posted a story asking my followers to share my profile and it was really amazing to see how many other makers & followers shared my page. The response was overwhelming, and I really appreciate every one of them.
What are your hopes for the coming year?
My hopes for the year is that my business continues to grow, even if it’s slow. I want everyone who orders a piece of jewelry to be happy with the end result.
What designs are you most proud of?
I don’t think there’s any design in particular I’m proud of but I love making wedding bands and engagement rings. The ideal goal would be that these pieces are worn every day & passed down to family members as heirloom jewelry.
Any words of advice for folks looking to make the leap from hobby/side gig to full time biz?
Give it time. Up until two years ago I was working a second job as a GM at a movie theater and the only reason I made the leap to become a jeweler full-time was because that business closed its doors.
It was because of that, I was forced to try and do Opal & Gold full-time for real. And I’m still in disbelief that 2 1/2 years later I’m still only working for myself. I highly recommend taking the leap once you feel like you’re ready.
Photo courtesy of Opal & Gold
You recently gave the shop a facelift and it’s looking great! What inspired the change?
It was the shop’s six year anniversary and change seemed fitting. Since 2020, the shops future has been hanging in the balance, between pandemics, wars, and recessions everything seems so uncertain. If I didn’t make the change, now, I was afraid it was never going to happen, and that’s a regret I didn’t want.
You seem to be taking on a lot more custom work lately, can you tell us a bit about that?
I live for custom orders! I’m constantly learning new techniques & settings, which helps me grow as an artist, but also gives my customers more options. There’s nothing like making a piece of jewelry for someone to wear daily, and hopefully that piece will become an heirloom & will pass down between generations.
Photo courtesy of Opal & Gold
How else are you dreaming of shaking things up this year?
Expect at least two pop-ups per month from different artists. Pre-pandemic we hosted a different artist every month so they could showcase their work, but we slowed way down since in person shopping slowed down. But we’re bringing it back this year with lots of new makers.
What are your hopes for the coming year?
My hopes for the year is that my business continues to grow, even if it’s slow. I want everyone who orders a piece of jewelry to be happy with the end result.
