Most-Used Tools: Flush cutters and jewelers saw
Website: HeidyHenkeDesigns.Etsy.com
In 2000, Heidy Henke’s aunt showed her how to string beads together. That sparked the Southlake resident’s love of jewelry-making.
“It was challenging and fun,” Heidy says. “I love to learn new things, and there is always something more to learn about gemstones and metalsmithing.”
When she initially began jewelry-making, Heidy says her biggest hurdle was finding good resources.
“Now there are so many online resources, but in the early 2000s, it was challenging to find more advanced classes and gemstone dealers,” Heidy says.
After taking an 18-month-long course on metalsmithing at the Arlington Gem and Mineral Club, Heidy finally felt proficient in her jewelry-making.
“It helped fill in some knowledge gaps and built confidence in my metalsmithing skills,” Heidy says.
After honing her craft, Heidy officially opened her small business around 10 years ago, making jewelry some of her customers call, “dainty and delicate.”
“I decided to treat it as a business so I could continue being a stay-at-home mom,” Heidy says. “The business gives me the flexibility to set my own hours and work around my family’s schedule, which is really nice.”
Since opening her business, Heidy has sold jewelry to customers in countries like Russia, Japan and Spain. But most of her customers are local to Dallas-Fort Worth, as Heidy always participates in Southlake Oktoberfest, Carroll Senior High School’s craft show and the Etsy Dallas shows.
“At its core, so much about jewelry is positive — it is given as gifts, used to mark special occasions and is worn to express one’s style and personality,” Heidy says. “I love making pretty things, and it is rewarding to be part of life’s celebrations.”