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Mrs. Tracy Christopher a native Virgin Islander interest in Arts and creative work led her on a journey towards a career path in Jewelry making, Repairs and Precious Metals.
Mrs. Tracy Christopher
Tracy started her business over 30 years from very humble beginnings. “I have always had a passion for doing things and creating unique items from a very young age,” she said. Tracy explained that when she got into jewelry making as a business, she started out with unique materials such as the sand box pod which she carved out and transformed into beautiful dolphin shaped jewelry, for example, earrings and necklaces. Later on, she focused on using other natural materials from our Island Paradise such as Coconut shells, Bamboo, and Seashells, and the Sand Box Pods which have been a unique and innovative way to use a pod that is produced from a Local tree that is found in various locations throughout the Virgin Islands.
When the opportunity presented itself, Tracy opened the doors to her first store front in 1997 calling it “The Jewelry Box”. Behind the name of the business was the idea that everything that someone would find in their jewelry box would be available to customers and much more! Her interest in precious metal such as Gold, Copper, Silver and Gemstones led her to further her education in the field of Jewelry Making and studding abroad in Miami Florida and earning a certification in Jewelry making and Stone Setting.
Tracy was the first female Virgin Islander to earn a certification in Jewelry Making. She said, “The road has not been easy and smooth at all times, but with every storm in life there is always a calm which I have learned to take advantage of to the fullest, so I can be strong when things get rough.”
One of Tracy’s greatest enjoyment is seeing her customers very satisfied with their original handmade pieces which was uniquely designed just for them. “Having a customer walk up to me and say “do you remember you made this pendant or earing for me twenty years ago and I am still wearing it now” that kind appreciation makes my craft in Jewelry making so much more rewarding.” She shared pridefully.
As far back as you can go in history people of all races have adorned themselves with beautiful, personal and unique pieces from The Jewelry Box and Tracy feels very blessed to be gifted not only with creating unique pieces of jewelry but transforming and repairing valuable sentential pieces for her customers when they needed extra maintenance, whether its cleaning, joining, restringing , resizing and of course ear-piercings. “I am very thankful for my loyal customers who have supported me from the start, even during my transaction to social media outlets or different locations.” Tracy shared.
Over the years Tracy has kept herself very active in her craft by sharing her talent at various schools during cultural week and passing on some skills to interested students. She has had many wonderful opportunities to showcase her jewelry, such as being a part of the BVI Craft Association in which her handmade Sand Box Jewelry Design was displayed in the London House Museum of Arts in 2014. She also took part in local trade shows to get more exposure while networking with other Jewelers outside the Virgin Islands.
One of Tracy’s most memorable achievements was the MWM BUSINESS START-UP held in 2016 in which she won the segment for the most innovative product for her Sand Box Jewelry.
Tracy’s goal as a Jeweler has always been to give her customers exceptional service at the most affordable price! Behind the scenes of Jewelry making, she is a proud mother of one special daughter who she is training in many of the skills she has acquired in jewelry making and craft. “Once you have a God given talent its yours for life”, you can go anywhere in the world and start a new beginning with dedication, passion and a love for what you do. That’s what kept me going throughout the smooth and rough years.” Tracy concluded.
Today you can find Tracy C at her new store front location “SAND BOX DESIGNS”, which is located in a yellow traditional building, with a waterfront view at the Craft Alive Market. For all your special orders, repairs needs and ear-piercings you can contact ph.: 284-547-4407 or e-mail sandboxbvi@outlook.com
