Meet Ann Kathryn Kehoe of AnnKat Designs in Milwaukee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Kathryn Kehoe.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Ann Kathryn. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I became interested in jewelry design when I was a teenager. I used to attend art fairs often & fell in love with one particular jeweler’s work. When I was in high school this jeweler invited me to his studio, taught me some basics and from there on I was hooked. I studied Metals & Jewelry Design at Missouri State University and received my BFA, then later continued taking classes at Kansas University. After college, I worked as the lead designer of a medical ID jewelry company for several years until I moved to Milwaukee in 2013 & focused all my energy on growing my own business. The first pieces I designed for my business were intricate cast bronze and silver designs that were inspired by Indian textiles and geometric patterns. My work has continued to evolve and deepen since I began my own journey into personal healing and reiki. My current jewelry designs, which are primarily made in silver and gold, are set with gemstones and infused with secret empowerments to uplift and inspire those who choose them.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve met plenty of challenges since opening my business which has propelled me to grow and evolve into a better business owner and artist.

One of my first struggles was to find balance with a healthy work schedule. In the beginning years I worked too much and neglected taking care of myself. I developed health problems which forced me to slow down and tune into my needs. Over time, I learned to set healthy boundaries and create rituals to set my mind right before entering into my studio. These changes helped to bring mental clarity, making me more resilient and capable to take on more design work.

Another challenge was learning how to sell my work. It took some time to gain confidence to talk about myself and my process to strangers. It also took some rotten interactions to gain the knowledge of how to navigate gracefully in challenging moments. Luckily, my work has connected me with far more beautiful people than challenging moments and it’s allowed me to gain feedback and grow in many ways. I now look forward to sharing my story with people in person.

AnnKat Designs – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I call my work Empowering Fine Jewelry. I hand-fabricate mixed metal jewelry and incorporate symbols, mantras, uplifting words and gemstones which are chosen intentionally for their healing properties. A good portion of my business these days comes from custom designs and these are what I’m most proud of. I’ve recently created a few “memorial” necklaces which were designed to celebrate my client’s companions who had recently passed. These memorial necklaces are deeply meaningful and created with intention, to both support the clients who hired me, as well as to celebrate the being who is no longer with them. I see these pendants as unique tools for healing, which transform grief into joy and beauty. I am most interested in creating pieces that support those who wear them and I believe it is this focus that sets my work apart from others. My creations can be used intentionally on one’s spiritual or personal journeys and I think the clients who work with me can feel this loving, supportive energy resonate through my designs.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I believe personal connections have been most essential to my success. I am shaped by those around me and I think my work would mean nothing without those who find significance in the pieces I create. It’s my clients and supporters who are guiding me to become better at what I do. Many of my custom designs challenge me to create on another level and lead me to explore themes of healing through another’s eyes. Similarly, these opportunities often bring about a deep understanding and connection between the client and myself. When I see someone’s reaction to a piece I’ve made or hear someone’s personal story because they feel safe sharing with me, I feel proud of the space I hold and the designs I have created for this purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.AnnKatDesigns.com
• Email: annkatdesigns@gmail.com
• Instagram: @annkatdesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annkatdesignsjewelry/

Image Credit:
Mark Hillis, Megan Wehrle

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