Ep 38: Tracey Carswell - The Soul of a Changemaker, Queer Metalsmiths, Surprising Gifts from a Cancer Diagnosis, & Building Community
Tracey Carswell is the founder of Powerful in Pink and co-founder of Queer Metalsmiths. They work with artists, creatives, and small business owners to support their growth and development. Tracey shares their journey into metalsmithing and their passion for creating jewelry. They also discuss the importance of community support and collaboration in their work. Tracey created Queer Metalsmiths to provide a platform for LGBTQIA+ metal smiths and jewelry artists to showcase their work and support each other. They highlight the unique challenges faced by queer, non-binary, and trans artists in the metalsmithing community and discuss ways to recognize and support underrepresented and marginalized artists. Tracey Carswell discusses the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces, starting with using pronouns and respecting gender identities. They emphasize the need for open conversations and the willingness to make mistakes and learn from them. Tracey also shares their inspiration behind Powerful in Pink, a community organization that supports queer metal smiths, and their vision for the future of the organization. They encourage individuals to find their passion, connect with existing communities, and take the first steps towards building their own community.
Bio...
Tracey Carswell (they/them) is a queer non-binary coach, curator, artist, and educator dedicated to building inclusive communities and promoting equity. They are the founder of Powerful in Pink, a brand that offers coaching, small business support, curation services, and community-building opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs. Tracey also co-founded Queer Metalsmiths, a community space that honors, centers, and uplifts 2SLGBTQIA+ jewelers and metalsmiths. Through their work as the founder and former President of the Miami chapter of the Women’s Jewelry Association, as well as their work with PiP and Queer Metalsmiths, they invest in the growth and success of women, femme, queer, transgender, and gender non-conforming leaders in the jewelry and craft industries.
PiP Website: https://www.traceycarswell.com
PiP Instagram: @powerfulinpinkbytlc
QM Website: https://www.queermetalsmiths.com
QM Instagram: @queermetalsmiths