Katie Stepleton

May 3

There’s more than meets the eye as we spotlight Louisiana’s own jeweler and founder of Jasper & Onyx, Katie Stepleton

CR8VSPOT: Please give us a brief introduction of yourself

Katie Stepleton: I was born in Lafayette but only spent a few days there before being brought home to Baton Rouge by my adoptive parents. I attended a local high school and went to LSU - GEAUX TIGERS! I am an ENFJ, which means I love to be around people, just hanging out or taking a day trip to New Orleans or the beach. I’ve been told that I have an infectious laugh, which I used to be self-conscious of, but I have learned to embrace it because we should all bring smiles to those around us - even if my laugh is louder than the average person.

—“I have learned to embrace it because we should all bring smiles to those around us.”

CR8VSPOT: What inspired you to be a Jeweler?

KS: Honestly, my mom. When I was younger, she was in charge of the aesthetic of the bookstore that my parents owned, including decorating (8) 10-foot trees during Christmas time. She was always rearranging the furniture in our house, seriously! She would have us help her move the TV from one side of the room to the other just so she could move the sofa in a different direction - she definitely was in touch with her creative side. So when I showed an interest in making bracelets when I was in middle school, off to Hobby Lobby we went, and the rest is history.

CR8VSPOT: What’s your favorite part of being a creative?

KS: My favorite part is that I have found a way to use my creative side to help fund mission trips for others and myself. Through my business, I have been able to go on three medical mission trips and see needs around the world being met. I also love being able to create things that people will pick out every day when they get ready or that, when they are given my jewelry as a gift, they know they are being given a one-of-a-kind piece.

—“ I have been able to go on three medical mission trips and see needs around the world being met.”

CR8VSPOT: As a Jeweler, what do you do to stay inspired?

KS: Traveling! I remember traveling to Hawaii with my family and coming home wanting to create jewelry using a lot of the inspiration I saw there. I also love to look through fashion magazines and see what is trending because I do believe a key piece in being in the jewelry business is to stay relevant to the current fashions.

CR8VSPOT: What’s the most difficult part of your creativity? Do you get stuck in the line of creating things?

KS: I think that the most difficult part is getting burned out and feeling guilty when you don’t feel inspired. That is why I love the low demand I have been able to create for my business. I always wanted making jewelry to be something I enjoy and never have it feel like a chore.

—“I always wanted making jewelry to be something I enjoy and never have it feel like a chore.”

CR8VSPOT: What are some of the most difficult lessons or experiences you’ve had to go through in your career and how have they shaped you?

KS: I feel that, in any business scenario, designers have a fear of failure and rejection, and that it is definitely something I have experienced. When I decided to launch my company, I was fearful that I wouldn’t be able to sell anything, and, even when I participate in local pop-ups, the fear can come creeping back in. I have learned to be confident in my designs and rely on the fact that they may not be for everyone, but, when someone buys a piece of jewelry from me, it is because they were drawn to it and want to add it to their personal wardrobe.

CR8VSPOT: In what ways has the pandemic affected your creativity?

KS: Not being able to travel as much, because I get a lot of my creativity from traveling and experiencing new things and places.

CR8VSPOT: As a creative, is there something you’re excited about learning next, and is there a long term challenge you’re considering tackling?

KS: I am interested in learning how to use clay and resin to create different patterns and colors. I think that practicing different techniques is always a great way to challenge yourself and get out of the box.

CR8VSPOT: If you had the opportunity to make jewelry for a very famous person right now, who would it be?

KS: Well, she isn’t alive anymore, but I have always loved the classic style of Audrey Hepburn. Growing up, I watched so many of her movies, and her simple style has always influenced me - and we have the same birthday!

CR8VSPOT: What advice would you give to an aspiring jeweler?

KS: I would say that the possibilities of jewelry design are endless and to create what makes you happy! The key is to not get burned out, take time to breathe, and stay inspired in whatever way you can.

Katie Stepleton’s Extras

Favorite Color: Green

Favorite Material: Suede

Favorite City: Paris! Don’t judge me, but I cried when I saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time.

Hobbies: Trying out new restaurants around BR and New Orleans, drinking coffee (I consider it a hobby, ha!), walking the LSU Lakes with my pup, Sloane, and baking - I make a mean cupcake if I do say so myself!

Source of Inspiration: Traveling to new places and using the local culture to inspire my designs

Turnoffs: Poorly taken photos used to sell a product; aesthetics are everything!