Meet Sharon (BEE) Schaefer: Metal Artist & Jewelry Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sharon (BEE) Schaefer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharon (BEE), can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My business came about when I needed to find a creative outlet for my time. I researched on how to find my passion. I have always been creative and studied different mediums. Oil painting, ceramics, fashion design are just a few. I found an article about metal clay. I took a workshop working with Silver Metal Clay. Doing more research I found Bronze metal clay. There were no workshops for that medium. I taught myself how to work in the Bronze. I started making charms on beaded bracelets. They were well received. I hosted a trunk show. Again, very well received. I branched out to make other jewelry items. Always learning I took metalsmithing classes and joined Metal Arts Guild of Georgia. I became a metal-smith. You won’t find me at craft fairs. You will find me in one of my studios designing and creating. I mainly sell through social media sites. I would say my thought process behind starting my own business was to find my passion. It all evolved from there.

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.
What sets me apart is that I am able to design and create my jewelry components. I feel jewelry is an extension of who you are as a person. Why not wear something meaningful. Working under my nickname BEE I am the owner and and operator of Designs by BEE. (When you need it to BEE meaningful). I not only design for clients, I design for other jewelry designers. It is not easy at all. It is an abundance of work and a huge Business learning curve. The largest lesson I’ve learned is to be true to yourself and where your passion is. I stumbled when I followed trends and lost my focus. Today my focus is to stay in my lane. To carve original designs and provide meaningful charms and/or pendants. My logo used to be an actual BEE. Today it is more of a BEE that looks like a modern angel. Angels are a favorite design of mine.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
We’d visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Grab a slice at Finis’s Pizzeria. Of course visit the High Museum and grab lunch at Twelve Eighty. I’d plan to see a show at the Fox Theater and grab drinks at the Georgian Terrace across the street. I’d need to plan a dinner at Two Urban Licks and South City Kitchen. The Beltline would be a great walk and stop off at Ponce City Market would be a fun time. I’d love to have my friend visit when the Atlanta Craft Show was taking place. That is one of my all time favorite events to attend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would have to shout out to Erin Knight of Erin Knight Designs. We support and encourage each other after meeting up at a trunk show. I have to also shout out to Metal Arts Guild of Georgia. I am a member there and through classes and workshops I have met wonderful and supportive teachers and friends.