We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Woodcock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I first decided to start my own business, I had purchased a leather cuff bracelet from someone with my children’s name on it. Unfortunately, it was poorly made and that got me to thinking that maybe I could do it myself. I absolutely love jewelry, especially leather bracelets and earrings. So I bought supplies and taught myself how to make leather cuffs out of old, recycled belts. The most important thing in my life is my faith and love for the Lord. At that time in my life, I had dealt with a season of severe depression and had a lot of anxiety just to go out in public, let alone talk to people. I have always wanted to do something BIG for the Lord and share His Word, but I was scared. Once, I started getting more comfortable making my cuffs, which I hand stamp words, phrase, and bible verses on, I also started praying to God to use me for His glory. I realized that I would share Jesus with the world by hand stamping encouraging words, phrases, and verses on my cuffs. It immediately just took off. The more I prayed, the more people wanted my cuffs. I decided to name my business Bits of Grace by Heather….simply because by making these cuffs and sharing them with the world, I am spreading little bits of God’s grace everywhere. In that moment, I knew this was my calling, my purpose, my testimony. I started making leather earrings to go with the cuffs, and later moved onto beaded bracelets, necklaces, metal earrings and rings. I absolutely love what I do and feel passion and purpose each day knowing I am sharing the Lord with others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
So starting my business wasn’t easy at all. I had no clue what I was doing. I spent many days and nights crying because I thought the jewelry I wanted to make had to be perfect. But it didn’t. And God showed me that. My mess could be my message, and my trials could be my testimony. So I researched how to make leather cuff bracelets, what supplies it would take, and ventured out slowly accumulating the things I needed. I literally taught myself how to make the jewelry that I do, some by research, some by just playing around and designing things the way I wanted them to look. My leather earrings I make myself, meaning I hand cut the leather. I feel proud and accomplished that I put my heart and soul into making my jewelry and I know it is made of the utmost quality. Lessons I’ve learned along the way are to pray first, be patient, take my time, and just make what God puts on my heart. My story is what makes my brand exactly what it is…..Bits of Grace!

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
If I had to take someone/a friend and show them the best time ever, I would definitely take them to Hill Country, preferably Canyon Lake. It is the most calming and relaxing place to me. It is quiet, peaceful, and I always find God there. There are so many beautiful, parts of the lake, hills, and gorgeous views that they would be mesmerized by them all. Nearby there are so many amazing shops in Wimberley, a trade days market where I can sell my jewelry and find other amazing creative things, and so many restaurants and amazing wineries to visit. They have live music at Gruene Hall nearby and you can always float the Comal and Guadalupe River in tubes which is so much fun. That is my favorite area that I would take anyone too. I hope to retire there someday.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My answer might be a lot different that others, but I would dedicate my shoutout to God. I had suffered through major postpartum depression and developed severe anxiety before I started my business. As I stated before, my faith is the most important thing in my life and I just want to share it and Jesus with the world. I have always been a little shy, but after my depression, I became very introverted. I so wanted to do BIG things for Jesus though. I have always had a love for people and am very empathetic about others. I just want to make people feel loved and show them kindness and compassion. I feel like God is who played the biggest role in my business launch and success. He was my biggest supporter, encourager, and loving friend through this process. Each day I pray over my business, not only for success for God’s glory, but to reach one more person for the kingdom through my talent and creativeness.

Website: www.bitsofgracebyheather@yahoo.com
Instagram: @bitsofgracebyheather
Facebook: Bits of Grace by Heather

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me, Heather Woodcock

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