Meet Markie Zimmer | Silversmith

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

Hi Markie, what do you attribute your success to?
Community and keeping it local. I am as involved in the community as I can be both professionally and personally. Silver, Slag & Stone does all local art shows, donates to charity, and sells in local woman owned business. Our children participate in local activities and community events. I think the success of our brand is that we do all aspects of it together as a family and are relatable. I do my best to keep it real always. The jewelry may be shiny and perfect but the process and steps along the way sure aren’t. So many things are glamorized on social media and I think it’s important to show both sides of the stone so to speak.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel like what sets us apart from others is finding our own rocks. People know when they buy from us we fished through the winter waters for these stones. We have a deep love of Michigan and being able to share that with our customers is key.

I feel like we are relatable. We are a husband and wife team building a family, business and our own little Leelanau dream. We do not come from great wealth nor have we had handouts, just lots of hard work, support, luck and a dream. It’s not always pretty or perfect and it’s lots of sacrifice but sharing our story and showing people what we can do is encouraging. We also care very much about the community we live in and are involved as much as we can be.

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 know Traverse City is awesome but I love the Leelanau Peninsula so much! There’s so many cute towns that offer so many one of a kind things.

My friend at Roost North Rentals is local and has some of the cutest Airbnb’s around. I would roll in on a Friday evening and stop at Hop Lot in Suttons Bay for some beers and food. It’s great, low key place to gather around a fire and get all the Northern Michigan feels.

I would wake up Saturday and grab some croissants from 9 Bean Rows in Lake Leelanau or brunch at Tribune in Northport and do some wine tasting afterwards. Some of my favorites include Tandem Ciders, Blustone Vineyards and Northern Latitudes Distillery. I love charcuterie and each of these places has wonderful cheese boards and snacks to much on while you wine taste. I would make sure to stop and shop at Poppy Things, Wild Lettie and Harbor House and grab dinner at Wren in Suttons Bay.

Sunday I would wake up super early and go rock hunting in Leland at Van’s Beach. Afterwards I would grab breakfast at Trish’s Dishes and peruse Fishtown and the shops at downtown Leland. For lunch you can’t miss a pretzel sandwich at the Village Cheese Shanty and go on a hike afterwards before packing up and heading home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to family, without their support I couldn’t do this, especially my husband Jake. I’ve been encouraged and supported by him to pursue this passion into a career. We rock hunt as a family and Jake cuts and grinds all the rocks into cabochons that we feature in our jewelry. He stays up well into the night grinding rocks while I silversmith in my studio after our kids go to bed. My parents helped get us started 5 years ago with buying a CabKing to grind all of our rocks, they have dedicated their time installing the electricity, floors, ceilings etc. of my she shed studio. Without my family I wouldn’t have the drive to do this. I’m excited for the business we have created from nothing and being able to leave a legacy for our girls in Leelanau.

Website: www.silverslagstone.com

Instagram: @silverslagstone

Facebook: Silver, Slag & Stone

Image Credits
Jessie Zelvalkink @j.zevalkink