Meet Carlie Merkle

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlie Merkle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlie, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important thing to me is for people who buy my jewelry to be happy with what they bought! I want them to love their pieces and know that it will be with them for years to come and along for all their adventures life takes them on. My customers know that I care about them and have high standards as far as my customer service goes… and I believe that’s part of the reason people keep returning.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my business over 8 years ago. I taught myself how to make jewelry and got more and more interested in it and had a great desire to grow and learn different techniques. I began taking classes at a Metalsmithing studio in Chicago and learned a lot in a very short time. I was able to add more products to my jewelry line and continue to learn. I love using various techniques in jewelry making such as hammering, texturizing, doming, stamping designs and letters onto metal, soldering, using patinas, and using unique shapes and gemstones. I take pride in what I make and want everything to be high quality and affordable for people. My customers like that I stand by my product and I’m always there to help customize pieces for them to ensure it fits. I am beyond grateful for the support I’ve been given over the years as I continue to grow my business and spread my reach in the Cleveland area.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I haven’t lived in the Cleveland area for that long so I may not be the best person to ask, but the Metroparks are hands down my favorite thing about the area! You can often find my family and I strolling on a walk by the creek or at Huntington Beach in Bay Village. I love checking out other small businesses so we eat pizza at Chatty’s pizzeria and love Thyme Table for great food and cocktails. We go to Bay Arts and the Print Shop for gifts… I really enjoy walking around Lakewood and hitting up one of the many cute coffee shops such as Root Cafe, Roasted, and the shops along Madison Ave.

I do many pop ups around the city and my favorite places/venues are the 78th street studios in Gordon Square and Ohio City. Both of these places are vibrant and full of life and art and very unique places. I love that Cleveland has a huge art scene and is supportive of it’s small businesses. Since moving here 3 years ago, I have felt welcomed with friendly, open arms.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, that’s a tough one! Throughout the years I’ve had many people support me and my dreams, but I will shoutout my husband because he is the one who has been with me from my first days of my business and is still here by my side! He’s seen me through the hard times of my business, the craziness of the holidays, and the great times!

Website: www.intothepinesjewelry.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intothepinesjewelry/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/intothepinesjewelry

Image Credits
Allison Lee Photography