Meet Brenlyn Flaherty of Gem Addict Workshop in South-East of Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenlyn Flaherty.

Brenlyn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
About a year and a half ago, I learned how to make rings and I immediately fell in love with everything about it- the process, the silver, the gemstones, the creative freedom, and the satisfaction that came from creating something with my hands. But I wanted to do more than just make rings for myself. I wanted to teach others how to make rings too! So, the idea for Gem Addict Workshop was born. With the great help of the women who became my fellow silversmith instructors, Jenn Brooks and Stacy Cox, I was able to build a workspace, advertise our little business, and start teaching people how to make rings! Our first official ring workshop was in May of this year, and it has been amazing ever since. My favorite thing is watching a customer’s face light up as they learn how to silver-smith. I love that those who come into our workshop, get to leave with not only a beautiful custom ring they designed themselves but also with a sense of accomplishment from crafting that ring with their own hands.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
One of my biggest struggles was feeling adequate to start a business at 19 years old. I felt like I was way in over my head at times. Luckily, I had a lot of support from some amazing friends and family members, who believed in me from the beginning!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Customers come into Gem Addict Workshop (usually with no prior experience in jewelry making!) and choose their gemstone from our hundreds of unique options, customize every design that will go into their ring, and then make it with our guidance and their own two hands! Each of our gems is hand-selected from gem shows, sold by hundreds of vendors from all over the world. We use real sterling silver, fine silver, and sometimes copper, to make the rings. I pride myself in the fact that our customers get to make their ring completely themselves, from scratch. Of course, instructors are there to teach and guide, but we allow our customers to do as much of it themselves as possible. Something else that sets us apart is that our workshop is much more intimate than other businesses. Rather than it being set up like a classroom, customers get more one-on-one help from instructors, which I think helps them feel more comfortable and learn how to silversmith.

What were you like growing up?
Ever since I was a kid, I was always interested in creating. I would go through phases of trying new things, from drawing, to watercolor, to writing poetry. I wasn’t good at any of it, and none of those hobbies ever stuck. When I found silversmithing, it felt like I had been looking for it my whole life. I think that personality-wise as a kid, I was pretty quiet and wasn’t very confident at making friends. I’ve come a long way since then and now I love to make new friends every single week in the workshop!

Contact Info:

• Phone: 4808230105
• Email: gemaddictworkshop@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemaddictworkshop/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gemaddictworkshop/
• Other: https://calendly.com/gemaddictworkshop/session

Image Credit:
Matilda Westin

Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.