Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Soto.
Kristi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a home my parents built, attached to the family business—an auto body shop in Pasadena. Growing up, my dad would always take the time to show me how to use tools I was curious about, and help my craft projects. Instead of the toy store, my parents would take me to Hobby Lobby.
Watching my parents work 12-14 hours every day showed me the value of working hard to earn money. One of my first big metal projects was when I was only eight years old, sanding down an entire truck to the bare metal in return for a lump sum of money to spend as I wished. With my dad’s encouragement to work hard and earn money, it felt amazing to accomplish something so big, especially at such a young age.
I have always been fascinated by what can be done with metal. My grandma taught me at a young age to crochet, and I’ve found a beautiful industry that combines the two in an inspiring artform: Silversmithing. Today, I own a jewelry design business and run my own metal shop, hammering out the smallest pieces of metal to build jewelry. It’s not just my job, but a passion in my life I have honed and perfected along the way.
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?
Silversmithing is an extremely hard business to break into without any capital. The tools are expensive and the market is saturated with mass-produced items, making it a difficult business for one person to take head-on. Even handmade markets are hard to get into with so many beaders, mixed media, and lone artists selling jewelry under $10. A handmade metal piece is a work of labor and love, but because of this, it can be difficult for a silversmith to stay competitively priced. While someone selling a beaded necklace may be able to price something taking 20-30 minutes to make, some of my work takes 15+ hours making it hard for me to compete. I often have to make less than minimum wage or not pay myself for my time at all. This is something I have been perfecting and being braver in standing behind my pricing, knowing that any haggle on a price is a strike against the years of experience and specific hours I’ve worked just to provide a unique piece of jewelry.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Mauve Moon Studio is a one-woman operation. Every lift of the hammer or stroke of the saw is made by me—as well as the designs, sales, and everything that comes with running a small business. Mauve Moon Studio uses silversmithing to create unique designs with precious stones and gems, selling items online and at local art markets. I also host private workshops by request. Many of my clients request completely custom designs. I specialize in nature and geometry-inspired designs created with 100% sterling silver. I have an infinite love for gems and minerals and find it fascinating the earth we walk on produces such beauty not only where we can see it, but below our feet. I make jewelry with the intent to inspire strength in the women who wear it.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I never sat still. My parents would let me cook up my own recipes in the kitchen, buy me fabric to sew, yarn to crochet, canvases to paint, and science kits to experiment with. To be honest, they were probably trying to keep me busy because if I wasn’t trying to put something together, I was trying to take things apart (to see how they worked). I always loved music and played the piano and flute as a child. Also, like many other independent women, I was (still am) also as stubborn as hell. According to my mom, I was a tiny businesswoman and would create invoices for some of their regular customers at the auto shop. I would also have my brother do my chores for only a portion of the pay so that I could take on even more chores. Let’s just say, I was born for a business, and am just lucky I found something I am so passionate about!
Pricing:
- Earrings start as low as $18.00 for simple studs.
- Necklaces start as low as $40.00.
- Custom orders are individually priced and vary based on the metal, stone, and intricacy of the piece.
Contact Info:
- Website: mauvemoonstudio.com
- Email: kristi@mauvemoonstudio.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mauvemoonstudio
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/mauvemoonstudio
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