Shop Wildflowyr Jewelry on MakerPlace
The adage “bloom where you’re planted” has never been more true than with ring designer Lori Ann Marshall, owner of Wildflowyr Jewelry. Having lived in multiple places where she had incredible experiences because of her military career, she always finds a way to come back to—and thrive from—the work she loves.
In 2004, after more than eight years of service in the United States Air Force as a Russian linguist, Lori returned to a lifelong passion: creating jewelry. Since childhood, she had been fascinated by sparkly rocks, artifacts, and nature's treasures, so transitioning from military service to jewelry-making felt like coming home in more ways than one. Making jewelry has always felt completely natural for her.
Known for her best-selling stunning sterling silver mood rings, she also creates a variety of stamped stacking rings, incorporating both sterling silver and 14K gold. Always eager to experiment, she constantly explores new techniques and styles. For Lori, jewelry making is more than just a job—it’s a hobby that she has successfully turned into a profitable, fulfilling career.
Here, the Tomahawk, Wisconsin-based ring maker shares her tips on how to actualize and monetize your “hobby job,” and offers advice on how she puts her own stamp on trends to capture shoppers’ attention.
What inspired you to create Wildflowyr?
The simple answer is that my hobby is my job! The beauty of nature continues to inspire me. Having recently finally moved to the Northwoods of Wisconsin, I am now surrounded by even more natural beauty that will continue to inspire me for many years to come! My jewelry is inspired by the beauty of nature, and my company is named for my favorite, wildflowers.
Tell us about your experience in the Air Force
I went into the military specifically to be a linguist. Following the Air Force basic training, I was sent out to the Defense Language Institute in California and was assigned the Russian language. Following more Russian training in Texas, I was assigned to my duty station, and I got lucky and was sent to Hickam AFB in Hawaii and was assigned there for three years. I had Top-Secret security clearance so I can't give a whole lot of details on what exactly we did. During this time, I also studied to take my promotion test. I was promoted to Staff Sergeant on my first try.
Following my service in Hawaii, I was sent to Lackland AFB in Texas for my next duty station. I reenlisted one day before 9/11, and I applied for an advanced language program located in Fort Meade, Maryland to further my Russian skills. I was accepted, so I spent the next several years finishing my enlistment advancing my language skills while working at the National Security Agency at Fort Meade, Maryland.
Overall, my time in the Air Force was an amazing experience, and I've had some really wonderful opportunities. By the time my term in the military was over, I was married and we decided to head back to Texas. I wanted to add to our family, stay at home and raise children. That was when I started my online jewelry business, mostly making beaded bracelets.
Tell us how your business evolved.
After leaving the Air Force I decided to create my own business while working as a stay-at-home mom. Over the course of the last 20 years while raising children, I've grown my hobby into a successful business. I taught myself additional jewelry skills, learned how to design a website, and became interested in creating sterling silver and gold rings. At first, I was working part time. Eventually, when life called me back home to Wisconsin, I took a giant leap of faith; with a lot of hard work and determination, I made jewelry creation my full-time job. Although my products have changed over the years, the beauty of nature continues to inspire me to create new, beautiful pieces that I love to share.
What makes your product unique?
I create what I would like to wear. Some of my jewelry definitely has a "mood" to it--something most likely I've created during that mood!
What tips do you have for fellow sellers to get the most out of MakerPlace and selling handmade goods online?
First, I recommend looking around at current trends, to see what people are interested in buying. Then I recommend you create your own take on that trend, don't be afraid to be weird. And of course, price your items competitively. But most of all: keep a positive mindset--you CAN do it!!!
What do you love about MakerPlace, and why are you excited about this platform?
I love MakerPlace because I feel loved by MakerPlace. I feel that my thoughts and feelings regarding the marketplace are valued and considered. I feel like it's a new beginning, and that MakerPlace has our backs as sellers, which to me is the most important of all. (Thank You!)
What's your must-have while working on your products?
Einaudi is my music of choice. Warm fuzzy slippers while sitting at my work bench, and the gorgeous view of Lake Nokomis from my office window!
Shop Wildflowyr Jewelry on MakerPlace
Follow Wildflowyr at Facebook and on Instagram at @wildflowyrjewelry
Check out more Wildflowyr pieces below:
