By Katie Northcott, News Director
Thirty-two-year-old Kelsey Woods is the owner of ECK Jewelry Design, a permanent jewelry company.
She initially moved from Chattanooga–where she grew up–to Winchester because of a job at Nissan. When she got fired from the job at Nissan, she moved back to Chattanooga and worked as a concrete specialist.
After three years in Chattanooga, the project she was working on ended, and she moved to Kentucky to continue her career as a concrete specialist. She brought up some concerns to her supervisor about dishonesty in a project and was fired from the job after only two weeks in Kentucky.
When she saw a sponsored video on YouTube selling a course that taught how to make permanent jewelry, it was just the kind of change she was looking for. She bought the course and started her own business in Winchester, Tenn. on July 8, 2023.
That’s how ECK Jewelry Design was born. Looking back, she sees the firings from her other jobs as God closing the door to open a better one.
Permanent jewelry includes bracelets, necklaces, and anklets that are welded on and can last for years. Kelsey’s pop ups are build-you-own-jewelry bars that feature 85 different chains. Once a customer chooses a chain, they can add charms or a fastener. Kelsey then welds the chain together for a comfortable, custom fit.
“It’s a little bit of an investment, but people love it,” Kelsey said. “You don’t have to worry about putting on your jewelry everyday, and it’s custom fit, so if you have a small wrist or a big wrist, it fits perfectly.”
In addition to permanent jewelry, Kelsey offers jewelry with magnetic clasps as well and rings. Her charms allow people to create jewelry honoring family members, pets, and even faith. As a Christian, she features faith-based jewelry and connectors.
“I try to make it obvious that there’s Jesus in this business,” Kelsey said.
Starting her business inspired her to change her whole lifestyle. She started studying entrepreneurship, sales, and marketing. She listened to podcasts, read books, and talked to other entrepreneurs.
“I wanted to be different, and I wanted it to pay my bills,” Kelsey said. “And it’s been a blessing ever since.”
Kelsey has created relationships with other local business owners through her pop up events. While promoting her business, she met Tim Miles, owner of Beans Creek Winery in Manchester. After Kelsey did a pop up at the winery, she teamed up with Tim, which opened the door for her to organize Ladies Day Out events.
“He’s like, ‘I don’t care what you do. Just bring people to the winery,’” Kelsey said.
Since she started the event with five vendors early in 2024, it’s grown consistently. The most recent Ladies Day Out on Oct. 5 hosted 19 vendors. She creates a shopping spree atmosphere for the events, where ladies can bring their friends and splurge on quality products while enjoying good wine and food.
She wants to keep partnering with local businesses and doing pop ups. She has no plans to settle in a permanent location.
“Something about permanent jewelry and what I do is fear of missing out,” Kelsey said. “I got to go today.”
After experiencing success in her business, Kelsey hopes her story can inspire others. Eventually, she wants to start a small business coaching business.
“Getting fired is not the end of your life,” Kelsey said. “Go do something else.”
ECK Jewelry Design has several upcoming pop ups:
- Oct. 11-12: Jack Daniel’s BBQ Championship in Lynchburg
- Oct. 16: Abraham Gallery Art in Downtown Winchester
- Oct. 18: Fall and Craft Vendor Market in Murfreesboro
- Oct. 25: Southern Sugar Saloon in Columbia
- Oct. 26: Trick or Treat Event at Tim’s Ford Event Center
Find Kelsey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eckjewelrydesign or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eckjewelrydesign.
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