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

Hi Louisa, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up on a farm in the North Georgia Mountains with my brothers and sisters where my love of nature and its bounty began. Time was spent out-of-doors with family where creativity was encouraged and necessary. We had horses with much we roamed the mountain and discovered nature and I developed a deep spiritual connection with the world and the woods around me. I earned a degree in Interior Design. I spent years in the interior design field working with commercial and residential clients. I was led by my sister and my mother and their creative talents I began sculpting. I try to harnesses my life experiences, natural resources and my idea of lasting beauty to produce pieces that can be worn tirelessly and that have a confident soulful vibe.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I sculpt by hand all of my designs. They are inspired by nature or feelings. At the time I started my business, I had three small children so working for myself was essential so that I could also take care of their needs. Time management has always been a challenge for me so that was the biggest hurdle. My children came first so I was constantly altering my schedule to fit theirs. It wasn’t easy but I was able to persevere because I believed and thrived on the belief that I was giving meaningful jewelry to the world around me. That quest for meaning and sentiment has always been a driving force to me so I never had to question my “why”.
I have learned that your next piece is coming. The next dollar is coming, there is always enough and stressing about such things only causes stress and tension in your life which works against ones creativity. I still can get in the rut of worry but with each successful year, I have proof that all is and will be well.
I would like the world to know that my brand is uniquely made in the USA. I never wanted to live with the guilt of profiting off of child labor or sweat shops. I made the decision to make all of my jewelry in my country so that I could control who and what I was funding. So my jewelry is guilt free and again…..very intentional.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in a beautiful area. The outdoors here are plentiful and public!! We would definitely spend time hiking and visiting the beautiful Canyons and waterfalls in the Chattanooga Area. A hike in Cloudland Canyon followed by dinner at the Canyon Grill is a must!
I would also arrange to visit Songbirds foundation in Chattanooga followed by dinner at Main Street Meats. Songbirds comprises the largest collection of guitars in the country and like my jewelry……they all have incredible stories they each could tell if guitars and jewelry could speak. My dogs are a big part of my life so a walk on the riverfront followed by lunch at a local brewery is a must too. The riverfront in Chattanooga is amazing and stroll across the walking bridge is a great way to see both sides of the river and the different vibe of those areas.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shout out to my Grandmother. My grandmother was an only child of an only child. She had many material things that were passed down to her. She had 8 great grandchildren with whom she passed those heirlooms down to. Every Christmas was a special time because I always knew that I was going to get a special item that held meaning for her and for my ancestors. Things hold energy and the intention with which they are given are a part of that energy. I have always tried to keep sentiment and meaning at the forefront of my designs. My pieces are cast in 14k or jewelers brass and Gold filled. The designs I create are meant to last and bring years of wear and hopefully the sentiment with which they were given lasts too.

Website: Www.Louisaguild.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/louisaguildjewel

Facebook: Facebook.com/Louisaguildjewelry.com

Other: Louisaguild.Faire.com

Image Credits
Stephanie Lutz, Debbie Wilson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.