Orillia’s newest goldsmithing business, Toadally Fine Jewellery, is looking to fill a "big need" in the community.
Jessica Martin, 36, has been honing her craft in the jewellery business since 2009. The Orillia native has been a “maker” for as long as she can remember.
“I come from a family of makers,” she said. “My dad is a cabinet maker, my mom is an artist, and I’ve always loved working in design and with my hands.”
As a child, Martin says she was always fascinated by precious metals, stones, and geology.
“I’ve always been very crafty and artistic,” she said, noting that she got her start at Magpie Bead Co. “I worked there for about seven years, and I just enjoyed the idea of wouldn’t it be neat if we could make our own things.”
Martin says she recently realized there was an opportunity to start her own business after Richard's Goldsmithing Jewellery Design & Repair closed shop last spring.
“I decided to go for it,” she said, noting that Richard Fallows, owner of Richard's Goldsmithing Jewellery Design & Repair, and Sarah Mekam, owner of Sarahannedipity, have mentored her through the process. “It’s been lovely having the support of the goldsmith community.”
She says she feels there is a need for her service in the area.
“It seems like it’s a really needed thing in Orillia,” she said. “As the market is changing, people want something more sustainable, and down to earth. That’s sort of where my edge kind of comes in.”
Martin, who is also a fiddler and a yoga teacher, says she will strive to be a reliable resource that provides the community with beautiful jewellery.
“It will be very consciously made,” she said. “The focus is on sustainability in terms of how it’s made.”
While Martin works from home, she sells her items at My Moon Collective at 169 Mississaga St. E.
Martin can also be found through her website, where she is taking appointments. She can also be found at the Roots North Art Market being held on April 21, and 22, from 6 to 10 p.m in downtown Orillia.
“I want the community to know that I’m here for them,” she said.
