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

Hi Gretchen, is there something you believe many others might not?
You have to get a “good job”. What does that even mean anymore? Once upon a time, or at least in my generation that meant if you worked hard in school, got a degree or even a secondary degree (me) that would afford you a good job that paid a living wage and benefits (401k, health insurance, etc.) That didn’t really pan out for me nor was I the type to fit into that conventional box, but the idea of giving up that security was terrifying. It took me until the age of 31 to have circumstances essentially change the trajectory of my career and thank god it did! I can’t imagine doing anything else or working for anyone but myself. My advice for anyone out there thinking they need a “good job” to thrive or survive would be to always bet on themselves. Find something that doesn’t feel like work that you love and can see yourself enjoying for a while. Everything else is secondary and will work out, life it too short.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
This is my 10th year of production which is WILD for me to think about! I never thought it would go further than a hobby and at some point the bubble would burst and I would have to go get a real job again, thankfully it’s a pretty strong bubble haha. A little background about me, I don’t have any formal education in the jewelry field, everything I have done to this point has either been self taught or guided by a mentor I had for a few months 4 years ago. I think the thing I’m most proud of is still being here and growing. Looking back to the beginning and seeing the difference from where I was 10 years ago, hell even 5 years ago is crazy! It wasn’t the easiest road, but it was hands down the most rewarding road. I never in my life have worked harder to keep something going even with the hurdles. Challenges come with everything good, so professionally I would say the most challenging thing for me at times has been the lack of formal jewelry education. I continuously kept hitting road blocks because I thought I had to do something a certain way that I didn’t know how to do. Later realizing that it worked out to my benefit in certain ways. I have developed certain work arounds and new ways of creating because I had to and it has resulted in a signature Peg’s style because of it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oooo what a fun challenge! I live in a small village outside of the city of Buffalo called East Aurora. It’s such a fun community that we would absolutely spend the day here first. You can walk, eat and drink this town. A breakfast sandwich from Blue Eyed Baker, lunch at Left Coast Taco, and dinner from Elm Street Bakery with the most delicious homemade Caesar salad and brick oven pizza you will ever have in life! Take in a few local bands and brews at 42 North and maybe even a class at MUSEJar. The next day we’ll head into the city and take in the old and new. Buffalo is full of history, especially architecturally, Frank Lloyd Wright, H.H. Richardson and Frederick Law Olmsted just to name a few. Grab a delicious matcha latte from Remedy House and take a little tour of all the stunning architecture and art scene. There is no lack of creativity, especially in the arts here. We have one of the best modern art galleries in the county, Albright Knox, plus a huge public art footprint. Lunch at Sato and dinner at Roost. The last day would be shooting down to Canalside, renting some kayaks and taking a paddle down the Buffalo river and a tours of the old grain mills.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people to shout out, literally like dozens! From the very start of Peg’s I have had so much support and encouragement I truly would just be writing so many names down. I think out of them all I truly need to send a massive shoutout to my husband who plays so many roles in the success of myself and my company. To name a few, he is an epic father holding it down with the kids whenever I have work functions, mover, painter, carpenter, engineer, cheerleader, organizer, my gosh the list can go on, but I would totally be lost without him!

Website: www.pegshardware.com

Instagram: @pegshardware

Facebook: facebook.com/pegshardware

Image Credits
Bridget Schaefer @meccay_photography

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