Her Favorite Jewelry

By Megan M. Seckman

Andrea is always working on new designs for her business and sells her pieces at art fairs, music festivals, and Flea Off Market. Photos by Sunni Wigginton 

When you are 26, own a small business, and have a tiny obsession with clothing, you have to be creative and resourceful. This philosophy of fashion is what led Andrea Gabhart, owner and operator of…

...Woodswear by Andrea, to the concept of her business.

“Cute and affordable is my jam!” she says. “I love clothes, so I have to shop at places that provide a bargain, like Target. A few years ago I was at Target and saw these cute wooden earrings. I ran home and told my dad, who owns Custom Laser Accents (which creates laser cut wooden gifts primarily geared toward the military) about it. He’s a dude and jewelry making was not his thing, so he said, ‘Fine, you do it.’”

Andrea is wearing her flower of life necklace and giraffe print earrings.

Andrea learned to use her father’s computer program to design the wooden patterns herself without any prior digital design experience. When she was nearing the end of her undergrad communications program at University of Louisville, she began designing earrings as a creative outlet and selling them on ETSY. At first business was slow, so she supplemented her income by working in her parents’ two Middletown businesses (Awesome Outdoor Products and Custom Laser Accents), where she’s continued working as her own craft business grows.

Left to right: Dog breed ornaments and military magnets from Custom Laser Accents.

Her wooden designs can now be found in Revelry, Consider Boutique, Block Party, Marengo Caves, and several boutiques across the country.

“The business is growing every year, and I try to keep it interesting,” Andrea says. “Like my sense of fashion, my designs are all over the place. I don’t just stick to one look. I’ve designed cute wooden flamingos, delicate flowers of life, and Darth Vader studs for the nerdy chic. I make coasters, wall art, and have partnered with Sue Schofield’s Inherited Leather company by making wooden tags and buckles for her recycled leather handbags. I try to fit everyone’s style, but everything I make, I’d wear.”

A few of Andrea's designs along with display stands she also makes. 

Before I Go… in one fell swoop, I spray on Euphoria by Calvin Klein, grab a big bottle of water to stay hydrated, and make sure all my animals are fed.

Latest purchase she’s praising: I recently discovered Derek Heart leggings. They are the softest leggings I’ve ever owned, and they have great funky patterns. I love sundresses, so I throw on my leggings, a dress, and my new Sanuk boots, and I’m ready. Comfortable, cute, and affordable.

Jewelry every woman should be wearing: Well, of course, Woodswear! I tend to love big statement earrings, and these are great because they are lightweight and unique. I try to wear them every day.

Beauty product she’s loving: I am in love with Bye Bye Redness by It Cosmetics at Ulta. It is a lovely base that evens out my skin color. I wear it under my makeup — which you will never catch me without!

Hamsa wall art made by Andrea. It is one of her best selling items. ”The Hamsa is a spiritual symbol that brings its owner happiness, peace, prosperity and protection.”