From Sea to Studio: A Journey of Discovery

Hello to all dreamers, creators, and newfound friends,

It's funny how life works, isn't it? One moment, you're extracting tiny ear bones from rockfish heads in Alaska's waters, and the next, 1.8 million of us found our way here because of a tiny treasure from the sea. But let me back up and share how their journey began.

The Spark of Creation

My path wasn't born in a studio but on the waves aboard the R/V Kestrel, a 105-foot research vessel where I served as a boat officer for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Our mission was managing underwater fisheries – from geoducks to sea cucumbers and herring – across the vast waters of Southeast Alaska. Between navigating routes and vessel operations, I found myself drawn to the meticulous work of our onboard biologists.

Here, I first learned to extract otoliths – tiny ear bones from fish that tell the story of their life at sea. My first jewelry pieces were crafted for my wedding – earrings for my bridesmaids and our mothers, created from these very otoliths. During breaks at sea, I'd retreat to my stateroom, where a humble tackle box housed my first "studio" – silver wire, beads, and carefully collected fish bones. This is where Twisted Ginger got its name – from those early days of twisting wire into shapes between vessel operations.

Finding Light in Dark Waters

Life at sea can be unpredictable, and after experiencing a profound loss on the vessel, I found healing through working with metal. What began as a way to cope with trauma evolved into a deep passion for silversmithing. The gentle glow of the torch became my guiding light, leading me toward a new chapter I never could have imagined.

A Turning Point

During the pandemic, pregnant and drained, I considered selling everything. But then, a podcast from an online business academy caught my ear. It was a call to refine my passion into a profitable venture. This led me to join Flourish and Thrive Academy's business development course, reigniting my passion and reshaping my jewelry-making and business approach. No more expensive hobbyist for me!

Studio by the Sea

From my stateroom on the R/V Kestrel to my damp and dark garage, my creative space has evolved alongside my craft. Just when I was outgrowing the garage, fate stepped in – a shipping container appeared on our local buy-sell-trade page. My husband and I seized the opportunity, transforming this humble metal box into a seaside sanctuary. We excavated the lot beside our house, positioned the container facing the ocean, and cut in three windows that now frame the very waters that inspired it all.

Here, in my cozy seaside space lit by lanterns and framed by ocean views, each piece begins its life as a sheet of silver until it unfurls into its final creation. This studio isn't just a workplace; it's a testament to what can be achieved with hard work, clear vision, and tenacity!

 [Watch the full shipping container renovation my husband and I did in this 57-second reel on Instagram!] >> WATCH THE REMODEL

Coming Full Circle

And now, in a beautiful twist of fate, those same otoliths that sparked my journey have resurfaced unexpectedly. A midnight inspiration led to the creation of our viral Sea Lantern design – a piece that captures these natural treasures, collected by my fisherman husband and me over the past decade, in a way that's resonated with so many of you!

Empowerment through Artistry

This journey has been more than creating jewelry; it's about crafting a life harmonizing with my dreams and responsibilities as a mother. It's about showing my children and others that the term "starving artist" can be redefined and that creativity can be both a passion and a prosperous career. I want to teach them to follow their heart's compass, no matter where it leads them!

As I share this story with you, it's not just to recount the steps I've taken but to inspire those who feel that creative pull, to encourage you to chase your dreams with the tenacity and gusto they deserve! Whether through art, writing, or any form of expression, remember that every small step is a part of a more extensive journey, and we never know how our creativity can leave a lasting impact on the world around us.

Thank you to everyone who's been part of this journey, from my early days on the Kestrel to our growing community of ocean-inspired dreamers. Your support, enthusiasm, and appreciation for nature's hidden treasures inspire me daily.

[Read more about our journey in the Petersburg Pilot feature]

With heartfelt thanks and endless inspiration,

Erin Kandoll, Silversmith & Dreamer at Twisted Ginger Jewelry

P.S. If you want to be notified about the upcoming Sea Lantern PRESALE launch, sign up for updates here (Sign Me UP!) 

These maritime talismans carry a decade of stories from Alaska's waters, and I can't wait to share more about their journey from fish to fine jewelry with you soon! 

Petersburg Pilot Article>> Twisted Ginger Silversmith Grows Her Business Close to Home!  Written by Olivia Rose