We recently had the chance to connect with Staci Sawyer Phebus and have shared our conversation below.
Staci , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
The most invisible—but perhaps the most important—thing I’ve built is community.
It was something I never really considered when I decided to go into business with my art: all of the wonderful people I would not only meet but also develop real, meaningful relationships with. Whether it’s with my dear long-time customers or with fellow artists and creatives, both locally and abroad, these connections carry me through tough times. I hope I’m doing the same for others.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Staci Phebus, a 48-year-old creative and kid at heart, finding my own way in a world that doesn’t always value artists or unconventional lifestyles.
For over 11 years, I’ve been running my one-woman metalsmithing and jewelry design studio. I create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and sell my work through my website, in shops and galleries, at in-person craft shows, and directly to clients who commission me to make something special.
I work with materials like silver, gold, and gemstones, using techniques such as fabrication, casting, stone setting, and many others. I first discovered metalsmithing in college and quickly fell in love with it—so much so that I chose Metal/Jewelry Design as my BFA concentration.
Learning new skills and sharing them with others continues to be a source of both joy and meaningful work for me.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My parents recognized and supported my creative pursuits—although, understandably, like many parents, they weren’t exactly thrilled about me going to art school. They had big doubts about my ability to find success in the “real world.” Their doubts weren’t unwarranted; the path has been full of bumps and detours.
My close friends, especially my bestie, have been my biggest cheerleaders. They’ve always believed I had something special to offer through my art—and that I had what it takes to make it sustainable.
Self-doubt has been a constant companion, and I still wrestle with it regularly. But finding a nurturing arts community—both locally and online—has made all the difference. I’ve learned that I’m never far from a reassuring text, a supportive DM, or a coffee date that helps me reconnect with my confidence.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I’m a really sensitive person who was raised in an era and a home where having a thick skin was valued over being vulnerable or expressing my true emotions. I kept a lot of my big feelings inside, which would sometimes result in anger and rage as a teenager. I felt broken and weak, and wanted to be seen as strong and capable. It wasn’t until my 30s that I really began to see my sensitivity as an asset rather than a hindrance. Without it, I wouldn’t see the world the way I do. I might not have opened up my heart to others, or been able to offer compassion and kindness the way I do.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I think so. Obviously, there are things I keep close to my heart, but for the most part, what you see is what you get with me.
One thing I don’t talk about much in online spaces is my chronic pain. I have inflammatory arthritis and have experienced pain in my back and most of my joints since I was about 20 years old. Over the years, I’ve had multiple joint surgeries to improve my body mechanics, and I’ve just about accepted that this will be a lifelong issue I’ll have to manage.
I tend to avoid talking about my chronic pain because—let’s face it—it’s a drag. It’s heavy. It’s depressing to fight through pain on a daily basis, to be quite honest.
What I haven’t figured out yet is how to balance expressing that part of my life with sharing my art out loud. I know they’re connected, but I’m still learning how to bring them together in a way that feels true to me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
I wish I had started sooner.
All those years I spent daydreaming about having my own jewelry business—while enduring the daily grind of work I hated—still sit with me. Making the leap and taking a chance on myself wasn’t easy; it was a slow, painstaking path. But eventually, I got there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juniperbaymetals.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juniperbaymetals
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacisawyerjewelry/
Image Credits
Staci Phebus
