Conversations with Kaitlin Dunley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlin Dunley.

Hi Kaitlin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always had a passion for stones and decided I wanted to learn to metalsmith, so in 2020, I began to take jewelry classes. I’ve loved to watch my skills improve over the past few years.

I’m often traveling and have created a mobile enough studio to take with me everywhere I go in my van. Sometimes my studio is entirely outside. I love being able to create anywhere and use inspiration from my travels to fabricate pieces that will last a lifetime.

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 wanted to do something, so I went out and did it. But silversmithing has taught me a lot of patience. I have sat at my bench for many long hours working on one tiny little detail or repeating something over and over again that I just can’t quite get done the right way.

Sometimes it can feel like a lot of work with little reward. But owning my own business is the best thing I’ve ever done and I only will continue to create the life of my dreams for myself.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work mainly with sterling silver but will sometimes do mixed metal work with brass or copper. Although the toughest to market due to their various sizes, rings are what I’m most passionate about and connected to make, so that’s what I mainly create.

My favorite stones are Mexican Fire Opals, and you’ll see me using a lot of reds and oranges in my work. I like to make rings that can be worn anywhere and everywhere but are still bold and powerful. My company name is in honor of the keyboardist from the band Phish, a reference not many people understand but that makes it so much more special when they do.

So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why?
Freedom matters most to me. I believe the only person responsible for our happiness is ourselves. We have the power to change our lives at any given moment but it takes commitment and strength.

I want to be able to travel, see the people I love and care about, and take mental health days when needed. It is important for me to set up a life for myself where I am in control financially and get to decide how to spend my time here on earth!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.playitleodesigns.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/playitleodesigns
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/playitleodesigns

Image Credits
Kaitlin Dunley and Ryan Guhne