Made in Iowa: How a woman’s search for wedding jewelry led to Bohemian chic business

Jennifer Rippey Thompson of Cedar Rapids has a bohemian sense of style. She channels that style into creating bohemian inspired and vintage assemblage jewelry and accessories.

'My hope is to create modern day heirlooms from vintage and modern pieces,” she says.

Thompson got her start while planning her wedding.

'I was unable to find any jewelry locally that I felt was just right, so I started stringing bits and pieces together which became my first necklace.” After getting compliments on her unique designs, Thompson decided to jump in with both feet - with support from her mom and husband - in creating pieces that others might like to wear. Today Thompson's business, which she aptly calls Bohemian Soul Shine, has blossomed and recently moved into a permanent space where shoppers can peruse her creations.

Q: If you had only three words to describe what you do what would they be?

A: Soulful, nostalgic, and nutty.

Q: Where do you find your inspiration?

A: I find inspiration from the ages … the art deco era, the '70s, and modern day. All of these time periods really speak to me in different ways. I love mixing the new trends and styles with pieces from the past. As a designer, I feel it's a natural progression to change and evolve with the times while paying homage to the past.

Q: What's the best part about being a crafty/creative person?

A: The best part is seeing someone connect with my pieces for the first time, especially if it's something I have custom-made for them with a family heirloom. Many of my customers have become good friends. It's a wonderful life being able to be creative and love what you do. I have been told I live in the clouds and I think it sure is nice up here.

A: Do you remember the first craft project you ever tried?

Q: Oh yes. It was a little dingy purse I sewed together from one of my grandmother's dishrags. She opened up her coveted tin of buttons, rhinestones, and other bits. She let me use whatever and as much as I wanted. It looked more like a Frankenstein project than a purse, but she always told me it was the most beautiful purse she owned.

Q: When you become rich and famous for your work, then what will you do?

A: I will hire all of my friends and family to work with me. The job requirements will be very strict: a lot of goofing off, meetings over coffee and, most importantly, having fun and enjoying what we do. Of course, we will squeeze some work in when we can.

In all seriousness, my hope is to continue to create, learn and develop new skills and

meet new people. It's what makes my bohemian soul shine.