Couple takes a “shot” at creating unique jewelry
Brittany Hale, at right, makes unique, handcrafted bullet earrings and other types of jewelry at her home in Blue River.
What started out as a disappointing purchase for a pair of earrings, turned into a unique business opportunity for a Prestsonsburg couple after they took their own “shot” at creating authentic pieces of jewelry from spent shot gun shells.
Wildfire Designs is an eastern Kentucky business that is owned and operated by Brittany Jo and Sam Hale, a husband and wife team, who design unique jewelry that reflects southern roots and interests.
Although their shop is located at 202 Irene Street in downtown Prestonsburg, the store owners offer online shopping through their ETSY store and website.
What makes this husband and wife team of jewelry crafting different is they use spent shotgun shells to create bracelets, necklaces, earrings, cuff links and money clips.
What started out as an attempt to purchase a pair of earrings that was completely different from what she normally found in stores, Brittany Hale asked her husband Sam to order her a pair.
When her item arrived, Brittany said she was not happy with her purchase.
“I had seen a pair of earrings online that were supposed to be made from spent shotgun shells and thought they were really unique and different, so I asked my husband if he would order me a pair,” Brittany said. “When those earrings arrived I realized they were not even made from real shotgun shells and I was very disappointed in both the price and the quality. So, I began to think of how I could make my own,” she went on to explain. “After Sam shot the bullets he figured out the best method to cut them down and I learned how to set the stones,” Brittany said.
Once they got their design perfected, Brittany began to set up at different fairs and vending locations to sell her handcrafted creations but after a few years of selling a vendor, decided it was time to have a permanent location.
“We have traveled all over Kentucky with festivals and we sell to boutique and stores wholesale. We decided it was time to open a storefront in our hometown of Prestonsburg.
We carry of course our own brand and designs of bullet jewelry, wire bangles, but with the store we have decided to expand,” Brittany said. “We now can offer Southern Socks, KY for KY, Shop-Local KY tee-shirts and accessories. We’ve also teamed up with a local monogrammer and offer personalized items. We have organic bath bombs made by a local gentleman in our area. Something else new, that we just got into the store before Valentine’s Day is Ruth Hunt chocolate and bourbon balls. We also will be adding more for the guys but we currently have a veteran husband and wife team who makes Red-Beard soap and beard conditioner for the bearded men. We’re expanding and my goal is to offer unique items and gifts at affordable prices and merchandise that you just cant get around here,” Brittany said.
Wildfire Designs is growing in popularity and the locals have already fallen in love with the couple’s new shop.
Frequent shopper Kayla McKinney said, “I absolutely love Wildfire Designs! Brittany is one of the sweetest people I know. My mother and I have done a lot of business with her, and we hosted a party at my home, too. The jewelry is excellent quality! I am usually wearing a piece every day.”
Michelle Scott had this to say, “ I Love the uniqueness of the jewelry and the customer service is the best! If you can think it they can make it! You MUST check out the new store.”
Tina Michelle Miller Dotson also shared her thoughts on the new store.
“I have been buying from Wildfire Designs for almost two years! I love all the new merchandise they create! Always new and interesting! They offer great customer service and I love visiting their new store in downtown Prestonsburg.”
If you are not able to stop by Wildfire Designs in person at 202 Irene Street, Suite 103 in Prestonsburg, you can visit their Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/wildfiredesignsky or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wildfiredesignsky, or shop from their website at www.wildfiredesignsky.com or follow them out on Instagram at www.instagram.com/wildfiredesignsky.
In the words of country music legend, Loretta Lynn, “to be successful you have to be different, great or first.”
Being different and unique is what Brittany and Sam Hale contribute to the success of their small business.
