This DeWitt Central FFA Member Has Too Much Bling

DeWitt Central FFA Member Taylor Houser sells her jewelry at the DeWitt Farmer’s Market.

As you walk through the maze of tents at the DeWitt Farmer’s Market, your eyes might wander to a large, eye-catching display of jewelry that DeWitt Central FFA Member Taylor Houser has for sale.

What started as a way to keep her mind off of her brother’s surgery has turned into a popular destination at the small, weekly market located in the heart of rural DeWitt, Iowa. A junior at Central Dewitt High School, Houser sells a variety of products for her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). These include necklaces, bracelets and earrings — all of which are expertly handcrafted by Houser.

Creativity Knows No Bounds

Houser works on her pieces for at least an hour every day but never seems to run out of ideas. “I don’t exactly have a set process, but I take the beads and charms I know I want to work with and put them together.”

Even with the success of her business, Houser is always looking to try new things. “My favorite part of my SAE is the uniqueness of my pieces,” she says. “I try not to make the same piece twice, so I can always try something new and fun.”

Although selling jewelry is the main goal, Houser enjoys other aspects of her SAE as well. Meeting new people is one of those.

“I love to hear all of the stories they tell me at farmers markets or craft shows,” she says. “Sometimes people have very touching stories, and it’s amazing to hear them.”

In addition to selling at local farmers markets and craft shows, Houser has begun to use social media as a way to promote and sell her jewelry.

“I post about pieces I’ve made, new ideas I’m working on and farmers markets I’ll be at,” Houser says. “I use three different social media platforms to reach different demographics of people, which are Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.”

Pressure Makes Diamonds

The newly elected DeWitt Central FFA vice president has learned a lot while running her business, particularly time management. “I’ve learned how to balance school work and taking care of my animals on top of making and selling jewelry,” she says.

Another skill Houser has learned is how to budget money so she can buy certain beads and materials she wants to use. She’s also learned communication skills through talking with customers at markets and online through social media.

It’s clear to see that Houser is passionate about her business. The future of her SAE is bright and shiny, like her jewelry!