Meet Lori Truman | Ladysmith & Maker

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

Hi Lori, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In starting Loco Made my thought process, to put it simply, was to learn a new skill in a medium of art that I loved as a consumer. This desire, paired with the extra time at home due to global pandemic allowed me to take the risk in just trying the damn thing. Like many others, having that mandatory time to sit still allowed my creative wheels to let loose. I was (and still am) the person stopping at any jewelry store, boutique, thrift store, scouring for turquoise jewelry. In addition, I was fortunate to acquire some truly special vintage turquoise jewelry from both my late grandmothers, I lend some of my allure to jewelry making to wearing and cherishing their pieces. The idea that a piece of jewelry can live many lives is something I find really special, and gives me a sense of purpose when making Loco jewelry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a one woman show with a focus on handcrafted metal rings, earrings, cuffs & neck accessories. I’ve learned so much along the journey of starting Loco Made, and I think the first realization when starting to silversmith is that the learning NEVER stops, and knowing that that’s a good thing! There’s always a new skill to hone, and that your style will evolve a million times. Working with metals is complex with many “ugly” stages before it becomes the polished finished state we see when purchasing it. I find this process really beautiful, and love to share these stages with my customers; a way to show that handcrafted jewelry is just that, HANDCRAFTED by a real human woman. In a way, showing these stages is a plead to stick around and you’ll eventually see the finished product that once was just a sheet of metal and a raw stone. Those who know me know I might like the “ugly” stages more than the finished product (insert quote about its the journey not the destination). What I want the world to know about my brand is that Loco jewelry is designed to be LIVED IN, give that ring a good story to tell it’s friends;) Rock it at that festival, on a roadtrip, kayaking or at your wedding. Then, much like my cherished grandmothers jewelry, maybe pass it on. At my core I guess I’m in the business of making potential family heirlooms that have a rich history.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ooooo, where do I start?! Vegas is commonly known for it’s night-life scene, which, there’s a time and place for that for sure, but Las Vegas has INCREDIBLE outdoor recreation! First stop has to be a hike, bike or climb in Red Rock Canyon. These sandstone mountains are unique to this section of the country and are a must see. After a day in the mountains follow it up with Juan’s Flaming Fajitas for that perfect homestyle Mexican meal getting full on chips, salsa and margs before the entree comes, there’s really nothing better in my opinion. Next up is checking out the arts district for some vintage, boutiques, small business type shopping, Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV) has a great energy filled with loads of local charm. Follow this up with a campout up at Mount Charleston and breakfast at the Lodge in the morning. If you’re lucky, maybe your favorite band is in town, so you hit the Brooklyn Bowl on the strip with your best friends and stay out way too late, but lucky for us everything’s open late, so In-n-Out drive-thru on the way home fits the bill. Wrap up the trip by heading back out to our sandstone hills to catch an outdoor play at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. If I didn’t know any better, Las Vegas might be the perfect place to be.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout is 3-fold. First is to my oldest sister who during peak pandemic (summer of 2020) taught me how to bead earrings while I was on a campout, that was the first spark of even actualizing being a jewelry maker and was a bonding experience for us that still remains. The amount of times I facetime her asking for jewelry design advice is honestly annoying, but I love it. Secondly, my Grandmothers who rocked ALL the rad jewelry I fell in love with growing up, without that foundation of interest, I doubt I’d be making jewelry. Lastly, the artists & maker community in Las Vegas has nurtured my growth, allowed for making like-minded friendships where we all hype each others businesses and this has truly kept me inspired and fulfilled.

Website: https://loco-made.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loco.made/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@loco.made.ladysmith

Image Credits
All photos by Lacy Barnson Photo