By: Courtney Thomas—
Muncie, IN—After eighteen years of service in pulmonary and respiratory care at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Sharon Adams has used her retirement to pursue a lifelong passion—jewelry design.
“It started with pop beads when I was little,” said Adams. “I’d sometimes make chains out of chewing gum wrappers. It was always just for fun.”
Adams transformed this childhood hobby into her business, Sharon Kay’s Jewelry Box, fifteen years ago. Her online Etsy shop sells hand crafted earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings made from mixed metals. She credits her mother, Margaret, for inspiring her creations.
A few samples of the jewelry Sharon Adams features on her online Etsy shop.
“She was a very put together woman, even in her eighties,” said Adams. “My mother had three holes in each ear for her earrings—she wore jewelry like nobody’s business.” Each piece is designed and created in the studio that Adams shares with her daughter, who also owns her own business. After carefully crafting each item, Adams looks forward to what she considers the most rewarding part of her business; “Seeing a smile on someone’s face when they find a piece they love… that’s my favorite part,” she said.
Adams is used to her pieces receiving attention at local artisan fairs like YART and Muncie Makers Market. On the morning of March 9, 2017, though, her pieces received national recognition on NBC’s Today Show.
“When [Today] contacted me through the Etsy shop, I thought it was a hoax at first,” said Adams. “I couldn’t believe it.”
Five of her creations were featured on The Buzz, a segment of The Today Show hosted by Kathy Lee, Hoda Kotb and Bobbie Thomas that features new and trendy products. The feature focused on Adams’ best-selling Spinner Ring. It is made up of a base ring and an exterior piece that the wearer can spin when he or she is feeling stressed, nervous or fidgety. The interactive process has a calming effect that helps reduce anxiety.
Adams was happy to watch the segment with loved ones at her home in Muncie. “I had a celebratory mimosa with my girls,” she said. “I’m so excited. It seems like a dream!”
Courtney Thomas is Marketing Associate at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital
