My Dream Come True Shop

by Donalee Kennedy
(Bayfield, WI USA)

In 1988 my 12 year old daughter took a metal class at a local art center near our home in Ohio.

I traveled 45 weeks of the year so I couldn't take the class with her, but when I got home on Thursday nights and all weekend long we would work together, and she would show me what she had learned at class that week…. and the first time the solder flowed it was magic!

I got my hands on every "How To" book I could find, bought some used equipment and started my process of learning how to be a silversmith.

Fast forward 23 years and I'm a thriving working studio / retail / wholesale along with a web store! I relocated to Northern Wisconsin in 1992, and I now have two full time team members that help me. Life is good!!!

It didn't happen by accident, it wasn't easy… there are still tough days but the thing is; I LOVE WHAT I DO, so no matter what comes at me I can do it. Somehow, someway it always works out!

I work long days, sometimes my husband has to "drag" me out of the studio after a 12-16 hour day, and our social obligations are kept to a minimum but I feel it's always been an investment in my business.

My daughter is now almost 40 and I'm a grandma, the years have been good, and I'm nowhere near ready to slow down.

My purpose for writing this is to talk to the "new" in the business, and encourage you not to give up, keep your eye on your goal.

If you'd like to know more feel free to contact me donalee@donaleedesigns.com , or check out our website www.donaleedesigns.com or visit us facebook http://www.facebook.com/DONALEEDESIGNS .

Enjoy the process!

Donalee Kennedy
Donalee Designs