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Marian and Laura Jones, from left, present the public with beautiful handcrafted jewelry courtesy of their business, McGowan & McClain. Contributed photo
Despite the economic downturn, local entrepreneurs Marian and Laura Jones are watching their jewelry business, McGowan & McClain, thrive as it approaches its one-year anniversary.
“Being here at the Business Development Center (on Cherokee Boulevard) has helped us a lot,” said Laura Jones, 24, citing logistical help the girls have received when it comes to paying taxes and being informed about meetings of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.
Both cousins earned Master of Fine Arts degrees in metalsmithing and jewelry, Laura Jones from University of Georgia and Marian Jones from Colorado State University, and together they have learned to play off of each other’s creative and entrepreneurial talents.
Now they use their talents to craft necklaces, earrings and bracelets using everything from banana peels to bubble wrap.
Marian Jones, who worked as the gallery manager at Ignis Glass Gallery, said it was only a matter of time before she and her cousin joined forces to start a business.
“We’ve always been into jewelry since we were little kids,” said Marian Jones, 28. “We always talked about it and joked about it.”
For more information on McGowan & McClain, visit the McGowan & McClain Web site, e-mail mcgowanmcclain@gmail.com or call 648-2298.
Handcrafter’s Gift Gala is Nov. 6 at the Chattanooga Business Development Center, 100 Cherokee Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Featured businesses are Alchemy Spice Co., Cabeen Originals, Everyday Eclectic, The Hot Chocolatier, Lesha Patterson Photography, McGowan & McClain and BMI, Inc. For more information visit here or call 413-5897.
What the girls have created is no laughing matter, however, as their work is displayed in storefronts in Baltimore, Md., Winter Park, Fla., and at both of Chattanooga’s Natural Body Spa locations.
The said their sterling silver work is crafted to appeal to any woman with an appreciation for unique aesthetics and, if all goes as planned, will one day grace the cases of high-end stores across the country.
“Things have started to go fast,” said Marian Jones, explaining that McGowan & McClain jewelry will soon be featured in Traditional Home magazine, Chicago Fashion Week and at trade shows in Philadelphia, Pa. and Baltimore, Md.
“It’s fun to be here and meet new people,” said Laura Jones, describing the opportunity to work alongside creators of furniture, guitars, chocolate and home products. “It’s cool because we’re all completely different.”
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