Meet Cathy Williams | Jewelry Designer and Illustrator

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

Hi Cathy, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first decided to work towards making Moon-Seed a sound, functioning business, I did not have a work-life balance. Nearly every spare moment was spent making jewelry and fulfilling orders. When momentum started to build in my business, I somehow tricked myself into believing if I slowed down or took a break, my business would collapse. I operated at 120% all day, every day, which resulted in major burnout. So much so, I had to shut down my shop for several weeks to recoup on two separate occasions.

Now my mindset has changed. I prioritize rest and spending time outside of work. I realized that if I continued in an unstable way, my business would not stand the test of time. Additionally, I operate so much better when there is a clear balance. Work seems much more fun, and I feel more organized, less stressed, and very creative. I am a work in progress, and that means constantly reminding myself that we work to live, not live to work.

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.
Moon-Seed was actually a happy accident. One late night, In the winter of 2016, I had a little idea to use some scrap wood from a grad school project to make some fun, funky, new earrings. I initially never had plans to sell the earrings, but after wearing them many requests followed, thus Moon-Seed was born.

Moon-Seed is a blend of all of my artistic talents. Everything is designed from start to finish in our home studio. I am an Illustrator, and Graphic Designer and I learned to use a laser cutter in school. So, I am very proud that all of my educational and professional experiences have come together in this very special passion project.

Though the love I have for Moon-Seed is overflowing, it has not always been easy. Learning the business foundations was, and still is, a steep learning curve. In turn, I’ve learned to go with the flow. It’s important to stop, learn, ask questions, and ask for help. Dwelling won’t help and almost anything is fixable.

In the end, I want people to look at me and my work and feel the love and joy that radiates through. I want people to know that the work is slow-made, ethically, with love, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. I want people to see and feel my culture and life experiences. And, I want to encourage people to try shamelessly bold pieces that explore a brighter, artistic side of fashion.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Brunch and Breakfast: Vicious Biscuit, Halls Chophouse
Best Desserts in the City: Swank Desserts
Dinner: Ma’am Saab and Pages Okra Grill
Shopping: The Tiny Tassel

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to Shoutout Cassandra Richardson of BR Design Co for referring me to this publication, supporting my brand, and finding spaces for me where I can be seen and thrive.

I also want to shout out the Female Creatives/Entrepreneurs of Charleston whom I have had the pleasure of working with, in some capacity. You have lifted me up and inspired me.

Website: http://www.moon-seed.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopmoonseed/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopmoonseed

Image Credits
Laura Saur for all images except the in-studio WIP image.