Spotlight on Mommy -- Jessica Lacy of Lacy Metals, Custom Sterling Silver Baby Spoons

I have been waiting to share this Spotlight Mommy with you all.  After stumbling across her website, I just fell in love with her custom sterling silver baby spoons.  I had never seen this product before and thought what a great baby shower gift or gift for a new mom. If you are looking for a unique gift to give a new mom, you definitely have to visit Jessica's website and see the beautiful work she does.  And, as a special gift for Inspired by Savannah  readers, Jessica is offering a 10% coupon code to use at checkout.  Simply enter coupon code, "mama" at checkout to receive this discount (for a limited time only, so act now!). 
Please note that all spoons are custom made with the baby’s name as the handle. They take 4-6 weeks to complete, and come in a beautifully wrapped gift box.  You will surely be the hit at the next baby shower with this gift.

And, now on to my interview with Jessica Lacy of Lacy Metals.  Enjoy!

Name: Jessica Lacy

Company Name/Product/Service: Lacy Metals ~ Custom Sterling Silver Baby Spoons

Company Location: Phoenix, AZ

Company Website: www.lacymetals.com

Age of Company: 10 years…wow!

Favorite Inspirational Quotes: "We thought that if we lasted for two to three years that would be fantastic." ~ Ringo Starr


Favorite Book: The Razor’s Edge by W. Somerset Maugham



Tell us a little bit about yourself. How many children do you have? What are their ages? Your
hobbies? Etc.

I have one son, Jude Alexander, who is two and one husband, Dylan, who is fantastic. I love films, reading, writing, yoga, dancing and learning how to do new things. (Someday, I will learn to do magic!)

Briefly explain your business. How did it come about?

While teaching Jewelry Making to adults at the Mesa Arts Center, the director asked me to make a gift for an employee who’d just had a baby. I made a little spoon which said “mac” (Mesa Arts Center) and gave it to her. She opened the box and began to cry. She said it was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen and immediately ordered one for her friend who was also about to deliver. The next thing I knew, I had a business to run.

What is a typical work day like?

I do almost all Lacy Metals work on the weekends, as I am a full-time teacher. So, usually on a Sunday, I just slip into my Silversmithing mode and prepare to work. I know that, because I make almost everything by hand, I will probably be sewing bags, writing gift cards or packaging up orders as well as making the spoons, so I try to do the messy stuff last. I always feel so accomplished after those days, like I have created my gift for this world.


What has been a struggle while starting up your company?

Managing a full-time job, a new child and graduate school all while trying to keep my business successful was quite a challenge at times, but thanks to me wonderful husband, I managed to do it all!

What did you do in your past work life?

I was a teacher. I taught jewelry classes to adults and I taught art to children. I was in three or four places a day, teaching different subjects at each location. I am really good at multitasking!!

What have been some of your major successes?

Absolutely my customer testimonials ~ what a great reward, selling my 1000th baby spoon, my beautiful son, Jude and my Master of Arts in Education.

What have been some of your major challenges?

The price of Sterling has skyrocketed, that has been a real challenge because I really did not want to raise my prices. I pride my company on bringing hand-made gifts to customers at a fair price, but unfortunately I had to raise them in 2010.

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?

My husband and my mother, they just tell me to keep going, me that I am doing great and things are going to be fine.


What is your balancing secret in managing a business and family?

I never get mad or take out frustrations on anyone else. I am always grateful for help.


What is next for your business?

Forks and Knives, someone just placed an order yesterday!

Do you have any advice for other mom entrepreneurs that are starting out and struggling, or are on the fence about starting a business?

Yes, this is your chance to make a difference in the world, to make your mark in our culture and to show your children that it is possible to catch their own dreams. The first time I advertised in Martha Stewart, I was at the bookstore searching for the issue, and a young man asked me what I was looking for. When I told him about my ad, he said, ‘wow, are you famous’. Smiling, I said, “No, I’m not.” Then I realized, it is not fame that I seek but eternalness, the idea that 1000 years from now, someone will look at an old silver spoon and wonder who made it; who was Lacy Metals?