Meet Trailblazer Capri Walker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Capri Walker.

Capri, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After taking an introductory jewelry class at the Harold Studio in Phoenix, I discovered my love for silversmithing and jewelry fabrication. I had no idea that my new found love would evolve so quickly into what it is today.

I have always been creative and good at making things with my hands but my art often felt directionless. Working with metal felt natural to me. I instinctively understood how to manipulate the material and bring my ideas to life. I rented a studio space where I spent almost all of my free time experimenting and learning different silversmithing techniques. Through constant trial and error, I’ve been able to develop my own style.

In 2017, I started Holy Roller Silversmithing. I now have a home studio and sell my creations locally to small boutiques, through art shows, online through Instagram and referrals from family and friends. I am happy with where the business has taken me so far and plan to grow when the time feels right.

Has it been a smooth road?
The road to becoming a silversmith and starting my business wasn’t easy. At the beginning of my journey, I was told that the type of jewelry I wanted to create would be impossible and too difficult to learn. That was a really discouraging thing to hear. I experienced self-doubt and questioned my capabilities on more than one occasion. Now, when I take a step back and look at all that I’ve accomplished, it gives me fuel to keep going. A challenge I face daily is balancing being a stay-at-home-mom to my two-year-old daughter and dedicating enough time and effort to my business. Every day is a learning experience when it comes to juggling these two things but it’s possible and something I continue to work on. My daughter is my biggest motivation for everything I do and I look forward to supporting and encouraging her when she begins her own journey someday.

My advice to women everywhere is to surround yourself with people that encourage you and want to see you succeed. I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have people in my corner rooting me. Sometimes we all need a little boost of confidence to propel us forward.

We’d love to hear more about Holy Roller Silversmithing.
I specialize in hand fabricating fine sterling silver jewelry. Living in the southwest has greatly influenced my personal style. My pieces are often very detailed and include a variety of natural stones and materials including: turquoise, coral, and mother of pearl. I like to create simple everyday pieces as well as large statement pieces that really stand out. At the moment, most of my work is focused on creating custom orders for clients but when I have down time between orders I like to create one-of-a-kind items to put up for sale online.

Being able to share my art with people all over the US and other countries has been the most rewarding part of my craft. People come to me with many different and exciting requests, from custom engagement rings to baby bracelets for a tiny new addition to a family. I love the idea that the jewelry I passionately handmake will be passed down from generation to generation. I plan to keep learning and expanding my knowledge of silversmithing so that I can keep creating special pieces of jewelry for people to wear for years to come.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think women are well positioned for anything and everything. Now, more than ever, women are making their own rules and not taking “NO” for an answer when it comes to their careers and ambitions. All women have the ability to define what success means to them, it looks different for everyone and I think it’s important that we respect and support that. Finding a career path and following your passion is not linear. There will always be bumps in the road on our personal journeys but those obstacles challenge us to grow, evolve and perhaps make it better (or easier) for other women in the future.

Contact Info:

• Email: capri.walker@yahoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holyroller_silversmithing/?hl=en

        Image Credit:
Capri Walker

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