Meet Wendy Culpepper

2 Minute Read

Home Learning Center User Blogs ArchiveMeet Wendy Culpepper

This article was originally posted on Userblogs on 7/23/2008.

By GanoksinMore from this author

By dailyjewelblogsMore from this author

Meet Wendy Culpepper, an artist and jewelry designer who made her dreams a reality. Learn about her journey from Engineering and Fine Arts student to small business owner. Below, we delve into Wendy's story, her triumphs, and some lessons learned along the way.

Wendy Culpepper - The Contemporary Jewelry Designer

Wendy's introduction to the arts and metals came at the University of Florida as an Engineering and Fine Arts Student. Originally focusing on her strong drawing skills, she traveled to Florence, Italy. Here, she immersed herself in a study of diverse mediums. This search for her artistic Muse had her exploring metalsmithing and jewelry design. This, in turned out, was the perfect blend: engineering, fabrication, and the arts.

F.I.T. and Beyond

Following her heart, Wendy furthered her jewelry education. Impressively, she completed the Fashion Institute of Technology's vigorous bench jewelry and design program. She graduated with the coveted honor of Top Design Student.

With her jewelry designs and beaded work selling right from her neck, Wendy began to explore an online business for her well-received pieces.

Culpepper's first experience in the Jewelry Industry came when she joined the product development team at Me & Ro Jewelry (famous for their numerous celebrity clients). Her success in this position encouraged Wendy to look into launching her own line…and in 2005, W. Culpepper was born!

Finding Your Style

Wendy's work is best known for her strong, simple carvings, bold statements, wear-ability and classic elegance. Her feminine and balanced pieces have led to a strong clientele and followers ranging from editors, stylists, celebrities and popular personalities. Her pieces have been featured in Lucky, InStyle, Redbook, People, and the Rachel Ray Show to name just a few!

The collections from this artist, range from the strong yet fluid movement of the Paradise Collection to the fun and feminine florals in the Flower of Life Collection and everything between… culminating in the funky organic feel of the Alligator Collection. There is a collection that will suit the mood and style of every woman.

While it is her jewelry that drew me in, I think it was Wendy's Artists Statement that spoke to me. Below is just a small part of that statement:

"When working on a piece, I tend to have personal battles.Frankly, I put my heart into my ideas, and I put a piece of myself in everything I do. I tend to be in my work, but as each piece progresses, it's unusual for the audience to actually see all that I intended. I find that I mask so many of the ideas I begin with. Something in me tends to hold me back from fully exposing the ideas that I want to share. This obstacle is what I am working toward overcoming."

This article originally appeared on Ganoksin User Blogs in 2008. It has been lightly edited to reflect updates.

You assume all responsibility and risk for the use of the safety resources available on or through this web page. The International Gem Society LLC does not assume any liability for the materials, information and opinions provided on, or available through, this web page. No advice or information provided by this website shall create any warranty. Reliance on such advice, information or the content of this web page is solely at your own risk, including without limitation any safety guidelines, resources or precautions, or any other information related to safety that may be available on or through this web page. The International Gem Society LLC disclaims any liability for injury, death or damages resulting from the use thereof.