You know that feeling when you see a piece of jewelry that stops you mid-doom scroll? Not because it's flashy or trendy, but because something about it just feels right—like it was made for the real you, not the person you think you should be. That's exactly what happened when we discovered Megan Oliver's work.
Megan Oliver, the artist behind Crooked Trails Silver, was a public school teacher in 2020 (yes, that 2020), dealing with all the chaos, when she decided to take a silversmithing class "on a whim." Fast forward to today, and she's creating stunning handcrafted jewelry that is functional, beautiful, and perfect for our outdoor adventures.
Here's what we love about her story: She didn't have some grand business plan or trust fund to fall back on. She spent her "meager teaching paycheck" on tools and started an Instagram account because she was obsessed with turquoise and needed a creative outlet. Sound familiar?
This is a conversation for anyone who's ever wondered if it's too late to start something new, or if she's brave enough to call herself an artist. Spoiler alert: You are, and it's not.
How did you get started?
In 2020, I was in search of a creative outlet when I was a public school teacher during the pandemic. I was obsessed with jewelry and turquoise, so on a whim, I signed up to take a silversmithing class and was immediately hooked. After that class, I spent my meager teaching paycheck on all the tools and started my Instagram account, too.
How do you find inspiration when your creativity and/or motivation is running low?
For me, it's getting back to the root of my inspiration and WHY I create, so I will often take a hike in the mountains, a trip down to the desert, or even the birds in my backyard. When the business side takes over, I will purposely find time to play with silver and create pieces that I find FUN.
What have you learned or come to discover (either about yourself personally, in life, in business) that you didn’t expect when you started your business/making jewelry?
I used to never label myself as an artist, and as my own jewelry style has developed, I find myself proudly using that label. I also have realized that when you tie a creative endeavor to a business endeavor, it takes a lot of grit. It's such a vulnerable process to put yourself out there and often be rejected because our art is so closely tied to who we are as a person. But the truth is, I find myself stronger than I ever realized and continue to seek out opportunities.
What do you hope to accomplish with your business/jewelry making?
I want people to feel their most authentic and beautiful selves. If I can make someone feel that way with my jewelry, I feel as if I have accomplished my goal.
The one thing/place/business in your local community that keeps you coming back and why.
My customers and community that I've cultivated online and in Salt Lake. The genuine connections I've made with other artists and customers are WHY I continue to create. 99% of people I've met along this journey have been nothing but encouraging and kind.
Anything else you want to add?
Mental health and my art are closely tied. I want others to know that the world is better with them in it, and that they are not alone.
Here's what Megan figured out that most of us are still learning: You don't need permission to call yourself an artist. You don't need a perfect plan or unlimited resources. You need a willingness to spend your spare time chasing a dream, vulnerability, and the desire to spend the extra pennies from paycheck on something that lights you up.
What we love about her story isn't just the beautiful jewelry (though it really is stunning). It's that she's proof that our most meaningful work can emerge from our most challenging seasons. She went from questioning whether she could call herself an artist to proudly owning that identity—and helping other women feel their most beautiful, authentic selves in the process.
When you buy one of her pieces, you're not just getting handcrafted silver and turquoise. You're supporting a woman who believes the world is better with you in it, who understands that art and mental health are connected, and who had the courage to bet on herself when everything felt uncertain. That's exactly the kind of artist we choose to work with. Because we know that what you wear and who you support matters. And frankly? We think you deserve to feel as beautiful and authentic as the woman who made your jewelry.
Megan Oliver's handcrafted pieces are available in our shop, where every purchase supports not just incredible artistry, but the kind of female founder who's changing the world one authentic moment at a time.
