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

Hi Yohannah, what is the most important factor behind your success?
It’s a bit of a tie between individuality and creativity. Like all artists, I’m always learning and honing my skills, but instead of settling into a creative niche, I prefer to continue branching out. I started out beading, then I taught myself wire wrapping, and later I discovered how fun resin pieces could be. By not limiting myself or my style, I’ve been able to make so many great connections in my community! I can be found anywhere from Renaissance festivals to Punk Flea Markets to hippie events, and there aren’t many artists who can say that. My pieces include something for everyone, which is something I’m very proud of.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I offer a very large variety of jewelry. I love it when people who have trouble finding their size or style can walk up to my tables and fall in love with a piece. I really enjoy encouraging inclusivity. Of course, every small business has its challenges, and many entrepreneurs work a full-time job in addition to their side hustle, myself included. It takes a lot of scheduling to be able to do jewelry shows while working 40-50 hours a week, so I’ve had to learn how to use my free time efficiently. I stay up late prepping, get up early to drive to the show, and run my shows by myself. It’s definitely a labor of love, but it’s all worth it to get to meet so many lovely and interesting people and make connections in my community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Food:
Tandem Creperie in TR
La Choza in Berea for pupusas and baleadas
Bellacino’s in Easley for a supreme pizza
Asia Pacific for a big shared meal and the best egg rolls in town
Tuk Tuk in Taylors for some fantastic pho and their honey lemon vermicelli chicken
Carmella’s in downtown Greenville for desserts, drinks, and European vibes
The Pita House for falafel (make sure to bring cash!)

Places to Go: Craft Axe Throwing and Wandering Bard Meadery at Hampton Station, Saluda River Archery or the Archery Shack, Shakespeare in the Park if it’s summer time (especially if it’s The Taming of the Shrew!), Upstate Zipline, Blochaven or Project Rock for some rock climbing, the Comedy Zone if someone good is playing, Falls Park to wander around, and Jones Gap or somewhere similar for some hiking.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends have all been a big factor in my success. Even my business name (The Lefthanded Ladybug) is inspired by my Grandma, who called me Ladybug when I was little. My family and friends have ordered custom work from me, networked relentlessly for me, and gone out of their way to attend my first shows. They even demand their own private jewelry shows from time to time, so they can support me and see my new pieces. It takes a lot of work to run a small business, but it’s so much easier with a great support system like that.

Instagram: @thelefthandedladybug

Facebook: The Lefthanded Ladybug

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.