Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Driscoll.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Christy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always loved to buy big, bold, fun accessories, but when I got them home, I constantly wanted to “tweak” each piece. So, about 10 years ago, I started taking classes at Metalwerx in Waltham, MA. It was the best decision I ever made. I learned so much from them. I started with a “make your own cuff” day one Sunday and I was hooked. I proceeded to take a dozen or more classes from Metalwerx learning many different techniques, from soldering to metal work to etching and picking up many tricks of the trade along the way. I highly recommend them!
My husband is a builder and I started off my studio in our barn/garage with limited heat and a few work benches. I would spend hours honing my skills. My pieces have grown by leaps and bounds since my days in the barn. I now have an amazing studio that my husband built. I will spend hours out there filling orders, creating new pieces and what seems like only a few hours is actually so many more! It never feels like work when you are passionate about your trade.
I have sold my pieces at local boutique shops and I have done many different vintage bazaars, fairs, and local farmer’s markets. I especially love the Cohasset Farmer’s Market. I currently sell my jewelry there. It is every Thursday from 2-6 p.m. right on Cohasset Common. I will also have “open studio” days for customers to come and see what we have to offer, or if they want to custom order a piece. I have found so much love, joy, and peace in all that I do!
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?
There are always bumps in the road for any new endeavor one takes. You just need to have the confidence to not give up. I earned a BA from Simmons College in Finance and Economics. I was in the business world for some time. I have sold real estate and I became an EMT. I have tried many occupations in my life, but the one that brings me pure joy is creating! It took me until my forties to realize this and with the support of my family and friends make it a reality.
I see young girls under 10 years old and women over 60 years old at the Farmer’s Markets selling their wonderful creations. Age is just a number, truly, you need to just go for it and never look back! Be badass every day!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Metal Girl Designs story. Tell us more about the business.
I love to work with all sorts of metals. Mixing them together, or letting them shine on their own, is all part of it. New ideas pop into my head all of the time. It will be the middle of the night and I think of something and I send myself a text about it. I especially love using leathers and metals together. Also, the Dia De Los Muertos sugar skulls are one of my “signature” pieces. I love their uniqueness and what they symbolize. I also have a piece that should be everyone’s motto… “Be Badass Everyday”. Be all that you can be and never settle for anything less.
The possibilities are endless in my business. I will go out to create some earrings in the morning and by the end of the day have made silver and brass rings, or cuff bracelets. There is a Swedish proverb that couldn’t be truer for me… “the afternoon knows what the morning never suspected!”
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I think in any business women need to be taken more seriously. Women pour their heart and soul into their
jobs/passions and it is not always appreciated. Female leaders are some of the most outspoken, generous, gifted, intelligent people that can make any small mom and pop shop or large corporation shine. Women just need to know that the power is within them and make their dreams come true! Carpe Diem!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.metalgirldesigns.net
- Phone: 781-820-8271
- Email: christy@metalgirldesign.net
- Instagram: @metalgirldesigns
Image Credit:
Christy Driscoll
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