Established in 2020 within the historic confines of an old woolen mill in Nashville, Tennessee, Grit Trade Co. is a venture rooted in survival, perseverance, and dedication. Fueled by my life savings and an unwavering commitment, I navigated the intricacies of alchemy. During the COVID lockdown, I taught myself CAD, 3D-printing, and Lost Wax Casting, overcoming significant challenges along the way. My formal education at the New Approach School for Jewelers laid the groundwork for Grit, giving rise to my collection of Americana Art Jewelry. Each piece is made to order and is known for its durability and timeless designs. In addition to silver jewelry, we offer custom gold wedding bands, matching shirt and sticker designs, and distinctive keychains. Operating through an Etsy shop, a website, and catering to wholesale clients, we also regularly participate in events to showcase our creations. Beyond local success, Grit Trade Co. aspires to be more than a business—it aims to be a community for metalsmithing. With a proven teaching record evidenced by 5-star reviews on Airbnb Experiences and years spent mentoring students of all ages, I bring a blend of expertise and passion to the craft.

In essence, Grit Trade Co. is not just a business; it's also a movement. We are dedicated to shaping a future where metalworking is not confined by stereotypes or financial barriers, but rather a medium through which individuals can express themselves and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive community & pursue careers in the trades. We want Grit to exceed expectations when it comes to jewelry designs. You wont find anything else like it.

Core Offerings-
• A quality & affordable Americana inspired jewelry collection. Truly something for everyone, this collection of over 80 pieces is made in small batches using recycled solid metals. Manufactured by women in-house with 3D-printing and investment casting.
  • Fun basic silversmithing experiences through Airbnb, but also small curated metalsmithing workshops for adults and children. Covering a diverse range of topics from basic silversmithing for beginners to advanced workshops for seasoned artisans. We can offer classes in wax carving, fabrication, soldering, casting, design, photoshop, illustrator, cab making and other creative workshops fellow community leaders would like to take on in the space.
 • Commitment to community engagement extends to after-school programs for kids, creating a nurturing environment where creativity will thrive.
 • As part of our expansion, we plan to introduce lapidary equipment, travel to events for in person sales & expand sales into the wholesale market shows.

Business Model-
Manufacturing sterling silver jewelry in-house and personally retailing at our new brick-and-mortar location, we rely on Etsy and Shopify as the steadfast pillars of our business. Etsy, operating seamlessly in the background, has the potential to generate revenue proportional to our marketing budget. As our studio grows, we envision expanding production capacity, targeting larger wholesale clients. This growth will enable us to amplify advertising efforts and introduce a wider array of distinctive designs to enhance website and in person traffic.

Clientele Profile-
Grit Trade Co. appeals to individuals embodying a spirit of grit, wildness, authenticity, freedom and tradition. Within the realm of jewelry, our primary focus is on catering to the preferences of men, positioning us as the exclusive destination for predominantly men's jewelry in Brooklyn.
Our female clientele at Grit consists of authentic, fashion-conscious individuals of all ages, adorned with a distinctive style, adorned in tattoos, and sharing a passion for American culture.

Product-
Our core offering comprises jewelry crafted from premium recycled metals, ensuring both sustainability and quality. Utilizing CAD, I personally design molds for each piece, and for more intricate designs, we collaborate with skilled hired designers. Following a meticulous 10-hour burnout process, the molds are cast in the metal of your preference. Each piece of jewelry serves as a homage to American history or can be inspired by your favorite songs, infusing sentiment and individuality into every creation. The creative possibilities are boundless, with an extensive list of future pieces in the pipeline, reflecting our commitment to continuous innovation and design exploration.

Team-
Founder + Metalsmith : Leah Rae Cunningham
 I am a 38-year-old metalsmith with over a decade of hands-on experience in the field. My journey began in fabrication, and my passion for jewelry was ignited during a transformative 12-week course at Mass Art with jeweler Monique Rancourt. This initial spark led me to pursue further expertise through workshops, including Wax Carving with Kate Wolf at the New Approach School for Jewelers as well as comprehensive stone setting and figurative wax carving. Recognizing the need for efficiency and ergonomic solutions, I delved into 3D printing, emerging as an expert in the realm of printing, casting, and finishing over the past four years. My graphic design background, coupled with eight years of professional experience in Boston, facilitated a natural transition into 3D design. My personal journey, marked by overcoming adversity, fuels my commitment to providing opportunities for others. Growing up in challenging circumstances, art became my anchor, guiding me through difficult times. Now, I am dedicated to sharing the transformative power of skills and trades, especially for those less fortunate. I firmly believe that everyone should acquire a skill that empowers them to create value and purpose and can sustain a livelihood.

In the initial phase, my vision for the team involves recruiting at least one additional member alongside myself. This role will be filled by a paid apprentice who will contribute to various aspects of our operations. Responsibilities will include assisting at the front desk during customer interactions, finalizing castings, running errands, providing support during workshops, and holding down the fort at the shop when I'm engaged in events. This dynamic and versatile team member will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning of our studio and enhancing customer experiences.