This weeks local feature is an exciting one because not only do we own and love her jewelry but after sharing her story with us - she's an inspirational boss babe!
Her jewelry pieces are so beautiful and unique to each person that wears it - they are stamped or designed to keep their "why" close to their heart. We all have our personal stories of how we got to where we are today, but Abbie is someone who has gone through a really hard time and although struggled, chose to rediscover her brand and the meaning behind Young Huron and how it could help others.
So, without further ado... meet Abbie from Young Huron.
Name: Abbie Kingsbury
Your title: Owner, Designer, Maker of Young Huron
Your elevator pitch:
Young Huron creates custom hand stamped brass necklaces and handmade crystal jewelry that allows the wearer to keep their love, strength, and "why" close to their heart. Young Huron believes that through the power of words and names in brass, and the wonder of nature through crystals we can all be reminded of what makes us strong and life beautiful.
One word to describe yourself:
Loving
Why did you choose that word?
It is so hard to narrow down just one word, regardless of the fact that I ask others to do it as part of my job! I say "loving" because at the end of everyday the cliche still stands true; "all you need is love" and I truly believe that if you put that out, you WILL get it back. I always strive to be as compassionate and loving as I can, whether it is with my own family (I have two young daughters), my partner, my friends, and this beautiful community of people here in KW. I have grown such incredible relationships with Young Huron customers and I truly believe that is because of the love put out and received.
Why did you start the business that you did and what was the inspiration or reasoning of how it came it life?
Young Huron was born out of a simple love of jewelry. I was making simple layering pieces as well as hand stamped nameplates. However, Young Huron truly came into its own after I, myself, truly realized how important a custom piece can be for a person. In November I tragically and suddenly lost my mom. She was my very best friend in the world. It was at this time that I decided to shut down Young Huron indefinitely. I didn't know if I saw the "point" anymore. Through a lot of grieving, I found solace in crystals, their magic, and their ability to be a part of the healing process. It was also at this time that I began making pieces for myself- pieces with my mom's name, her birthday, and her birthstone (amethyst). As I found so much comfort in these pieces I knew there was still so much more I had to give and put out into the world with YH. It took Young Huron from a side business that was solely about fashion, to a full time focus that I recognized was about so much more than JUST the wearability of an on trend piece.
First thought when you officially became your own boss:
I don't know if I can remember my very first thought, aside from a possible, "Holy sh*t!" but overall, I cannot believe how happy it has made me. It can be so hard some days because it is all on me, but the ability to create AND build relationships with people as a job is a serious dream.
When you’re not hustling, what do you do in your free time?
I have two tinies that keep me pretty busy; I always say that Young Huron is technically my side hustle as I have them with me full time as well!
However, my favourite activity is definitely thrifting and upcycling clothes. I adore fashion in all its forms and I am pretty much addicted to the thrill of thrifting and finding the perfect piece. Pretty much when I do have a minute, I put on "The Office" or some good 90's grrrl bands and sew.
Describe a day in your life:
5 am wake up with the kids and do all the getting ready stuff; making lunches, the bus, etc
8am check social and emails, review orders from the night before (my customers looooooove shopping late at night, apparently!)
From there I take my 3 year old to local playgroups, library programs, and different events at one of the many museums we have here in KW. I try really hard to fill our days appreciating all the awesomeness our cities have to offer.
I have a super supportive partner, so once he gets home from work I head to the studio to complete custom stamped orders while everyone is still awake (handstamping can be pretty loud!). Once everyone has gone to bed I usually put on a podcast and work on my crystal pieces.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
To be very honest, the first thought that comes to mind is becoming a mother. It has been the hardest job I have ever done, hands down and when I see my girls be kind, or recite the alphabet or sound out a word, it makes me feel more accomplished than anything else.
What are your top 3 bucket list items?
1. Have a secondhand, vintage, and up-cycled line of clothing
2. Open a store front
3. Travel Canada with my family
What or who inspires you to keep doing what you’re doing?
The community of makers and entrepreneurs here in KW have been a major factor, but overall it is my own customers. I am lucky enough to develop a relationship with each and every one of them and no matter how hard a day gets, I try to always remember that.
And of course, my mom. She never gave up on anything or anyone and it is ALWAYS in the back of my mind.
What is your spirit animal and why?
I have recently been seeing a blue heron everywhere (I live near a pond and forested area). After seeing him for the 5th day in a row I looked up the meaning of Herons. A Heron is an animal that represents self evolution as well as new found independence. I don't think that these sightings are a coincidence as they align with all of the next steps I have been taking towards making Young Huron bigger and better, including the launch of www.younghuron.com
What is your daily mantra?
Find every reason to be grateful and let then people know it!
What are some tips and tricks you use to stay motivated?
Create a space you WANT to work in; Buy yourself some beautiful candles (my fave right now is "Yoga Studio" by Wednesday and Rose), surround things you want to look at (beautiful flowers, art, photos, etc) and LISTS. I have thousands of tiny pieces of paper containing all kinds of different "to do" lists. I write them out the night before and check off tasks as I can through out the next day. I usually include a few extra things on the lists that if I get to them that day, I feel EXTRA accomplished.
What is the biggest thing you have learned along the way?
Ask for help! Utilize all your brilliant family and friends. I wouldn't be where I am without the help of everyone coming together to help out at markets, creating a logo, helping me with code for my site, and helping out with the kids.
Another huge lesson I have learned is; let people know how they have inspired you! If you consider someone a mentor, let them know!
What’s next for you?
Continue to build a brand with Young Huron and hopefully expand to wholesale so people can start grabbing YH at some of our incredible local boutiques. I would also love to start working towards a curated line of second hand clothing.
How can our readers find you?
www.younghuron.com
IG: @young_huron
Facebook: Young Huron
We are so excited to see what this year brings Young Huron and the launch of her new website. Her pieces are so unique and special so we definitely think everyone should have a piece of their own.
We are constantly looking to promote local businesses and freelancers in the community, so if you are interested in sharing a bit about your life and your journey, send us a DM or email us at hello@mintandpoppy.com.
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