With a driving need to have a more flexible work schedule and a desire to not miss out on “mommy moments” former nurse, Ann Peden, started her own business in 2000 with a bin of beads and a pair of pliers. Ann had always played around with beads, making jewelry for friends or as wedding gifts, but she never thought it would be her career. Peden started selling her jewelry at art festivals and trade shows throughout the southeast, and then opened her retail store in 2003 in Watkinsville, Georgia.

 

Ann has been making jewelry as a hobby since 1986 when she actually crafted her very first piece, her own bridal jewelry! Since 1986, this “hobby” has grown into a full time business that brings high quality materials and design to affordable jewelry. Throughout the years, many articles have been written about Peden's entrepreneurship and jewelry, with the latest being a featured success story article in a recent issue of Georgia Trends Small Business Guide. Ann Peden Jewelry is Handmade in America and with a fashion, collegiate and sorority line, it appeals to a wide range of people from working women to little girls. Ann's premise has always been “Jewelry should make you happy!” And believe me, owning a piece of Ann Peden jewelry does just that! 

 

This past year, with a move to a bigger store, we have added 45 local artists who sell their handmade creations at Ann Peden.  This has added pottery, soap, candles, painting, stained glass and so much more!  Our theme is "handmade locally."  When you visit the store, our hope was that every place you look, you would have a "wow" moment, surrounded by the inspiration of local artists.  In 2017, we doubled our space by adding Spark where we can comfortably seat up to 64 people for art classes!  The response was great from both kids and adults - people wanted more art and we expanded from just jewelry making to add painting and clay and wreaths.  In 2018, we doubled our classroom space again and added Spark Too where the vibe is perfect for adults classes too.  If you are in the area, stop by and see the store, but also stop in and take a tour of our art classrooms!