A few years ago I decided to sell at the local farmer’s market. I set up my table of handmade accessories (a LONG time ago I made accessories and key necklaces) and looked across the street to see another girl with handmade (BEAUTIFUL) jewelry. We met and quickly became friends! Megan Craig is the creator behind New Eve Jewelry. Her mission is to point women to Jesus through the unique necklaces she creates. Her heart for the Lord fuels the creativity for her shop. You will love meeting her today!
Meet Megan.
Hi! I’m Megan Craig. I’m a wife, mama to sweet, wild 13-month-old Toby, and handmade business owner. I’ve traveled all over the world, but I love living in beauitful East Tennessee. I’m cozying up with a dirty chai latte – spicy, sweet, and full of caffeine! (#Momlife, right?)
What is your definition of a “life lived beautifully”?
To me, living life beautifully is living FREE. Free from condemnation; free from obligation to what others think of me. Free to create, rest, enjoy, and laugh without fear for the future. Free to roll up my sleeves, work hard, dream big, and sacrifice for the Kingdom, knowing that God is my strength.
When did you start following Jesus?
When I was 17 years old, halfway through my senior year of high school. I had been struggling with some hard things like depression, self-injury, and eating disorders due to a history of abuse. Around Christmastime 10 years ago, I attended a youth conference where I heard the gospel and everything I’d ever heard about God and everything I’d ever longed for – they clicked like puzzle pieces. I was finally loved, whole, and a peace I’d never known has been growing in me ever since.
What are some verses you constantly cling to and bring life to your soul?
My life verse (This one’s tattooed on my wrist): Isaiah 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that brought us peace, and by his wounds we are healed.”
My daily battle verse: Romans 8:1-2 “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus form the law of sin and death.”
My daily prayer for the women I love & serve: 2 Corinthians 5:17 “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone away, behold, the new has come.”
How do you integrate sharing the Gospel with creativity?
I’m a very symbolic and sentimental person. I can’t help but to incorporate that into my jewelry collections. My reclaimed jewelry serves as an encouragement that God has reclaimed us and made us new! I recently decided to name each piece after a verse to encourage women, and I now include a scripture card of 2 Corinthians 5:17 in each order so that women can keep the word at the forefront of their minds & remind themselves of the truth of the gospel all day long.
How did God direct you to start New Eve?
I learned metalsmithing, beading, and wire-wrapping about 10 years ago, and I’ve been making jewelry for fun ever since. 3 years ago, I made bridesmaid jewelry as a gift, which led to my first paid wedding jewelry gig! That gave me confidence to follow God’s calling to start an Etsy shop. Baring my heart through my jewelry was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done, and I had no knowledge of how to run a business whatsoever. But He provided! I launched my website, NewEveJewelry.com, last November, so I could tailor my customers’ shopping & web experience to be even more beautiful and gospel-centered.
What is the vision behind New Eve?
My vision is to build up women with beauty and truth. Each piece of New Eve Jewelry serves as a unique reclaimed vintage design to be bless women and make them feel beautiful. And each piece is prayed over and comes with a scripture card of 2 Corinthians 5:17 as a firm, gospel-centered encouragement to my sweet customers. I want them to remember when they wear this reclaimed jewelry, once junk & now beautiful, that they have been made new in Christ!
What life lessons are you learning in owning a small business as well as being a new mama?
Wow, I feel SO ill-equipped to answer this question. I feel like a mess every day, and so thankful for God’s grace. I’m learning that discipline brings life to my soul and my business. I’m also learning that there are things that matter more than my career, like my relationship with God and my family life. I’m learning to slow down, and depend on God for energy, wisdom, and joy in whatever crazy circumstances seem to be happening.
What are some books you are currently reading?
Simply Tuesday by Emily P. Freeman – For women who feel like their souls are “hijacked by hustle,” as she says. It’s encouraged me to see myself as tiny in the face of God, and that’s a good thing! Beccause of this book, my phrase for 2016 is “embrace small, trust BIG.”
Georgia O’Keeffe by Georgia O’Keeffe – I found this hidden gem at a used book store. It’s a large coffee table book with paintings the artist chose, alongside personal accounts of her childhood and thoughts behind each work. It’s fascinating to get in the mind and heart of another creative woman, especially one as iconic as she is.
If you could tell every woman reading this blog one thing God has laid on your heart, what would it be?
You are beautiful. You are treasured. You have nothing to prove. Christ gave his life for you, and nothing can take that away. HE proved his own worth so you don’t have to. You’re not the same person you were – you have the creator of the universe on your side through it all! And if that power lives in you, there’s nothing to stop you from dreaming big and seeing God do amazing things in your life.
Whenever you share these stories of lives being lived so beautifully, I am challenged to keep my focus on why I do what I do. I can so easily lose sight of my creator and doing ALL THINGS to glorify Him. Thank you, Megan, for sharing with us! And thank you, Gretchen, for finding so many beautiful women. 🙂
Kelli! I am so grateful that these stories encourage you!! It is such a joy to share what God is doing in the lives of other women and I feel it is so important, too! God has given His children so many different gifts and ways to bring Him glory, and I long to encourage women right where they are to live for Him!